Fines in Oxnard for Leaving your Car Running

As we enter the winter months, the Oxnard Police Department has seen an increase in residents leaving their vehicles running and unattended in the early morning hours. Auto theft suspects are aware of vehicles being left unattended and running, and they will use this opportunity to steal the vehicle left unoccupied. Leaving your vehicle running and unattended is against the law and carries a fine of $70 dollars.

Today, Auto Theft Detectives set out to enforce this law, help educate the public about this illegal practice and help prevent auto thefts from occurring. Seven traffic citations were issued to residents that left their vehicles running while unattended. Detectives found that the majority of vehicles were left running and unattended while the occupants went into a local store to purchase breakfast items. Although this seems like a very quick task, it only takes a second for someone to drive away in your vehicle. On one occasion, small children were found left in the vehicle while it was unlocked and unattended. The Oxnard Police Department will continue to enforce this law, but also ask our residents to please be aware of this issue and to help in reducing auto theft in our city by not leaving their vehicle running and unattended. 

The Oxnard Police Department launched The Oxnard Auto Theft Task Force in early 2015. Detectives assigned to the task force proactively locate and arrest those responsible for vehicle thefts in Oxnard.  The Oxnard Police Department Auto Theft Task Force asks residents to help prevent auto theft in our community by never leaving your vehicle running while unattended.

The Oxnard Police Department continues to encourage residents to be partners in public safety as part of the Operation Safer and Stronger initiative. Anyone with information regarding criminal activity is encouraged to contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7600, or the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (805) 222-8477 and www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org/contactus.

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