Simi Valley Police Department – Incident Press Release
Most of these burglaries have occurred during the daytime hours, primarily on weekdays, however some have occurred during later hours and on weekends. The suspects appear to target residences that back up to open spaces and trails, have no vehicles parked in the driveway and give the outward appearance of no one being home. Entry has been gained by smashing glass doors or windows located in the rear of the residences. Suspects caught on camera were described as young males, light skinned, wearing dark clothing and hoodies.
Other jurisdictions in Ventura and Los Angeles Counties have experienced similar crimes.
The Simi Valley Police Department would like to remind residents of the following tips to prevent thieves from breaking into your homes:
• Alarm systems and security cameras need to be turned on and properly working and provide 24/7 monitoring are usually good deterrents to these types of crimes.
• Exterior lights are important, especially near doors and in the rear of the house, where intruders do most of their work. All sides of your home should be protected by security lighting that is located high out of reach and is vandal resistant.
• Leave lights on and turn on a TV or radio when you go out. If you will be gone for a few days, use timers on your lights for them to mimic your normal activity at home.
• Look into safety-coating the most vulnerable windows. Safety coating is adhesive plastic sheeting that makes breaking out windows difficult.
• Install additional locking devices on all sliding glass doors and windows.
• Plant bushes with thorns or prickly leaves near windows and along fences.
• Trim trees so that limbs don’t provide privacy for the crooks or give them access to roofs, second stories, etc.
• Attach Neighborhood Watch and/or Alarm Company stickers on or near all entry doors and windows.
• Don’t allow daily deliveries of mail, newspapers or flyers to build up while you are away. Arrange with the Post Office to hold your mail, or arrange for a friend or neighbor to take them regularly.
• Residents should report any suspicious activity that is observed in open spaces areas or hiking trails near residential neighborhoods to the police.
Residents are being asked to be vigilant in securing their residences and keeping a watchful eye on any suspicious activity in their neighborhood. While these incidents have been occurring primarily in the southwest portion of the city, all residents are being asked to remain attentive to this crime series in the event the suspects begin targeting other neighborhoods in the city. If you see something, report it!
Additional tips on Crime Prevention and residential burglaries can be obtained from Simi Valley Police Department’s Crime Analysis & Prevention Unit’s Crime Prevention Coordinator Jean-Marie Maroshek at (805) 583-6276.
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