Multiple unlocked vehicles targeted for burglaries

Multiple thefts from vehicles hit a usually quiet neighborhood where last week numerous residents lost valuables from unlocked vehicles.

According to Santa Paula Police Sgt. Jeremy Watson, police received “multiple reports of thefts from vehicles,” Thursday, April 17.

The reports were in the areas of    Teague and Glade drives, north of Santa Paula Street between Bradley Street and McKevett Heights. 

Watson said the victims reported “such items as wallets, packages, miscellaneous items, and in one instance, a generator,” stolen from a carport near a vehicle that was burglarized, were taken.

“In most instances,” noted Watson, “the reporting party told Officer’s that the items were taken from their unlocked vehicles.”

The Santa Paula Police Department would like to remind citizens to lock their vehicles and take out or secure items of value. 

Said Watson, “Most of us become complacent because we live in a quiet neighborhood void of criminal activity. Most thefts are considered ‘crimes of opportunity’,” and thieves will often target quiet neighborhoods for that reason. 

Watson said police recommend residents install motion detector floodlights in the driveways of residences in poorly lit neighborhoods. 

“It is also recommended that citizens promptly report all suspicious activity to the police,” he added, “no matter how minor they believe it is.”

Lt. Ishmael Cordero said residents must make sure to lock their vehicle doors and to avoid leaving valuables in their vehicles, even if locked. 

“It’s easy for someone to come by and try your car door... if it opens they’re in. Often when hitting multiple vehicles,” only those vehicles left unlocked are targeted as the sound of breaking glass or a car alarm would cause the thief to have to leave the area in a hurry.