Police issue warning after jump in burglaries
Jan. 9, 2013
Misty Volaski, editor@ojaivalleynews.com
Ojai residents should be aware that the Ventura Police Department issued a Community Crime Alert Wednesday morning in response to a significant increase in residential burglaries from Dec. 31 through Jan. 6. Most of them, the report said, “were the result of garages, windows and/or doors being left open or unlocked.”
Neighbors of the victims told police that they’d seen a white van casing the areas and that a person was going door to door looking for a lost puppy. “It is also believed some of the suspect(s) may be using the ‘knock-knock’ method to see if an individual is home, or they may also go door to door with offers of handyman/contracting type services or magazine sales,” the report noted. Items being stolen are usually smaller and easier to grab, such as money, small electronics, laptops, gaming systems, jewelry, personal documents and guns.
Thefts from vehicles remain steady, Ventura Police said, and are typically the result of unlocked doors and open windows. Purses, luggage, wallets, documents, phones, computers and other electronics are most often the targets.
Residents in the Ojai Valley have not reported a similar increase in burglaries in the last two weeks, said Ojai Sgt. Steve Arthur. “We haven’t seen that here in the valley,” he said, “but, Ventura is only a stone’s throw from Ojai, so that type of scam could come this way.”
Both Arthur and the Ventura Police offered suggestions to reducing the risk of burglary. “It’s the same crime prevention tip — keep everything locked up and keep a light on,” Arthur said.
Police urged the public to report suspicious subjects in their neighborhoods by calling 646-1414 in Ojai and 650-8010 in Ventura. They also suggest residents ask to see the business licenses of door to door salespeople. In addition, valuables should not be left in vehicles, or should be stored in a trunk.
The thing about Ojai is, if you get ripped off, ask around and you can probably get your stuff back, unless its money or jewerly.
No wonder you’re confused, you didn’t read the article, this isn’t happening in Ojai. Its just a warning that these types of thefts are in the rise in Ventura and could spread to Ojai, and of course no matter where you live you should lock your vehicle and home and have a watchdog too.
After living here for 20 years, I was robbed in a break in. The robbers forced open a LOCKED sliding window and ransacked the house. I’m not confused about crime in the valley, I KNOW it’s happening. Last year they were targeting Foothill Road and if you actually READ the arrests & crimes in town (there is a link from the paper) you will see Burglary as a frequent crime. But hey…don’t take my word for it and keep thinking that “it isn’t happening in Ojai”.
It’s always been happening in Ojai, but the good news is that it’s happening less than in other urban areas, but no doubt more than when Carl Greenfield moved here and there were 2500 people. Also, we have a very proactive police department that actually goes after and catches people. It’s always about “perspective” and as the Arab saying goes: “Trust in Allah, but tie your camel” (or, Believe in Jesus, but lock your Prius–same thing).
Confused, it you’ll re read the article Ojai Police say that we “do not have this problem.” The article stems from the VENTURA POLICE, with the comment from the Ojai Police. Still, what you write is nonetheless true–batten down the hatches. I grew up here going way back when indeed we did not lock our doors or cars. The first time you get ripped off generally will cure you of that one…..
I’m glad the police are FINALLY admitting to this problem. It’s been going on for well over a year now and crime is on the rise. Ojai people need to believe that they are living in a suburban area, not a gated community and act accordingly. Criminals KNOW that Ojai people are lax, that they don’t lock doors & windows and generally are in denial about the increase in crime in the valley. Take care people, you don’t want to be the next victim.