The burglaries progressed over the month from thieves “Trying doors to see if they were unlocked to smash and grab…now they’re starting to do some ransacking. It’s been mostly smash and grab but some ransacking has been taking place.”Lt. Saviers said that at this point the SPPD “Has no idea if it is locals,” or thieves moving from town to town where series of car burglaries have also been reported.“Camarillo arrested six people not too long ago, Ventura arrested a group of three or four recently…I’m sure we’ll get our turn here shortly.”A majority of the burglaries being done in the “Night time hours, after dark,” and citizens are discovering that they’ve been victimized “when they come out in the morning,” said Lt. Saviers.Citizens must be proactive: “If you see someone in the area where you live that doesn’t look familiar, someone you don’t recognize, call the SPPD as soon as possible and give us the best description you possibly can. And, don’t confront them,” Lt. Saviers noted. “…let us do the confrontation.”
Car burglaries throughout the city rise dramatically in February
March 05, 2008
Santa Paula Police Department
Reflecting a countywide trend Santa Paula has been targeted by vehicle burglars who often smash and grab valuable items, according to a Santa Paula Police spokesman.
By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesReflecting a countywide trend Santa Paula has been targeted by vehicle burglars who often smash and grab valuable items, according to a Santa Paula Police spokesman.Lt. Mike Saviers said that more than 50 auto burglaries were reported in the city starting on Feb. 2 and continuing through the month, averaging close to two a day.“We’ve been hit hard all over town, there’s no identified single area,” where the car burglars have struck. “There has not been one specific area…it’s occurring all over town, just getting hammered.”Primarily targeted were vehicles with expensive items – such as laptop computers, wallets, credit cards and purses – inside.Lt. Saviers said that removing “any valuables, please,” is the only way to avoid loss. “People have this false security, feeling if their car is locked nothing is going to happen to it. That’s not the case,” said Lt. Saviers. “If it’s valuable don’t even try to hide it…take it out of your vehicle. If someone wants to get into your car it’s only a matter of seconds to pop a window out.”
