Thousand Oaks | Beware of Thefts from Vehicles

The City of Thousand Oaks and nearby areas are seeing an increase of thefts from vehicles.  The Thousand Oaks Police Department is asking for your assistance to report suspicious activity.  By reporting suspicious activity, deputies can immediately respond and prevent or stop these thefts from occurring.

A theft from a vehicle is a crime of opportunity, oftentimes committed by local thieves who are either on foot or on a bicycle.  These crimes typically occur when your vehicle is left unlocked or valuables are left in plain sight.  Thefts from vehicles usually take place while your vehicle is parked in front of your residence during darkness. 

The Thousand Oaks Police department has also seen an increase in thefts in parking areas near trailheads or other open spaces, where the thieves sit in their vehicles and wait for you to leave yours, knowing your vehicle will be unattended for an extended period of time.  Many of the items taken in these types of crimes are wallets, which contain identifications, cash and credit cards.  Suspects then use the credit cards, in many cases, before the victim is aware they are missing.  

Please report suspicious activity immediately by calling 9-1-1.  For more information click on the video link: https://bit.ly/2ZbhZIS

A few ways to prevent these crimes from occurring are:

1. Lock your vehicles/close the windows
2. Keep all valuables out of your vehicle or out of sight.
3. Park in well-lit / well-traveled areas
4. Install alarms
5. Install cameras and motion lights where you park overnight
6. Be vigilant