Ventura County Sheriff – Incident Press Release
On March 8, 2021, the Thousand Oaks Directed Enforcement Unit (DEU) arrested Emperatriz Marroquin and Rosario Soto for two counts of Possession of Stolen Property in the city of Thousand Oaks. The arrests were made following a search warrant at their residence on February 12, 2021. At the time of the search warrant, Marroquin and Soto were arrested for numerous narcotics charges. Seven bicycles were recovered during the execution of the search warrant. There was evidence indicating the bicycles may be stolen.
One of the bicycles had the serial number etched off in an obvious attempt to prevent law enforcement from positively identifying the owner of the bicycle. Further investigation revealed two of the bicycles located at Marroquin and Soto’s residence were reported as stolen locally. Both victims were able to provide information to investigators to confirm the bicycles located were stolen. The bicycles were released to the victims at the Thousand Oaks Police Station.
There has been increase in bicycle thefts in recent months. Bicycle thefts are a crime of opportunity, oftentimes committed by local thieves who are either on foot, another bicycle or driving a vehicle. These crimes typically occur when bicycles are left unattended, not secured using a locking device or left in plain sight. Residents are encouraged to report suspicious activity immediately by calling 9-1-1.
The Thousand Oaks Police Department is requesting those who believe they may be an owner of the five remaining outstanding bicycles to email Detective Spears at [email protected].
A few ways to prevent these crimes from occurring are:
- Document the serial number with a picture or other means for future reference.
- Engrave an identification number (partial driver’s license number or last four digits of social security number) in an inconspicuous place on the bicycle.
- Keep your bicycle inside your residence or a locked building.
- Keep your bicycle out of plain sight.
- Always secure your bicycle with a lock that cannot be easily cut or removed.
- Keep a picture of your bicycle for future reference.
- Never leave your bicycle out in the open for an extended period of time.
To learn more on how to secure ownership of your bicycle, click on the Thousand Oaks Police Department video: https://bit.ly/3l9E2d4
The Directed Enforcement Unit (DEU) is made up of members of the Thousand Oaks Police Department. The mission of the unit is to conduct proactive policing utilizing intelligence led policing methods to reduce crime within the city of Thousand Oaks.
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