OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT AND THE PORT HUENEME POLICE DEPARTMENT PARTNER IN PHASE TWO OF FIREWORKS OPERATION:
The Oxnard Police Department and the Port Hueneme Police Department worked together in the second phase of a “Buy-and-Bust” fireworks operation identified as “Dark Skies.” Complaints from residents in both cities over the past few weeks regarding illegal fireworks activity prompted the two cities in this partnership. The primary purpose is to target illicit online firework sellers operating in both Oxnard and Port Hueneme. The first phase of Operation Dark Skies yielded over 700 pounds of dangerous fireworks being sold in Port Hueneme resulting in the arrest of 3 individuals, all residing in the City of Oxnard.
An anonymous tip into the Port Hueneme Police Department through its fireworks email tip line, led officers of both cities to a residence located in South Oxnard. A 35-yr-old male occupant of the home was contacted and a search of his room was conducted. Over 3,000 fireworks were located and subsequently confiscated. Due to the quantity seized, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Bomb Squad recovered the illegal fireworks for destruction. The subject was arrested and released on a misdemeanor citation. He was also issued a civil citation that carries with it a $1,000 fine.
Possessing, transporting, or selling illegal fireworks may be considered a felony in California, based on amount and weight. If illegal vendors cooperate with police and surrender the explosives, they are charged with a misdemeanor and issued a citation.
All fireworks are illegal in both Oxnard and Port Hueneme.
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP?
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Fireworks Tips via Email:
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OXNARD: [email protected]
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PORT HUENEME: [email protected]
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You may send information about specific locations or residences where illegal fireworks are being used. Please be as specific as possible with days, times, and location.
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Fireworks Hotline:
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OXNARD: (805) 394 – 5884
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PORT HUENEME: (805) 986 – 6539
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You may call and leave information anonymously about illegal fireworks. Please be as specific as possible with days, times, and location.
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Non-Emergency Phone Number
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OXNARD: (805) 385 – 7740
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PORT HUENEME: (805) 986 – 6530
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Information about fireworks activity in progress may be called into the respective police departments on their non-emergency phone line. Please recognize that fireworks calls are prioritized based on other calls for service pending throughout each city.
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In 2018, the City of Oxnard passed a “Fireworks Social Host” ordinance allowing the City to hold residents and property owners responsible for illegal fireworks activity taking place in and on their property. The information received from the hotline and tip email is invaluable in following up and identifying the individuals that continue to break the law and bring unnecessary trauma to our vulnerable populations.
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