Courtesy Chief Monica McGrath

Hello everyone and welcome to our Farm Watch for this June / July edition. I hate to sound redundant, but current crime trends for this period in comparison to last year indicate our level of thefts (larcenies) are still increasing. On a good note, however, even though our total crime increased (mainly due to thefts) our arrest rate increased dramatically by a whopping 45%.
The hot ticket for theft is predominantly metal thefts: copper wire and steel. Many crooks like to steel the metal out of most anything and will turn around within hours and take it to a recycling facility for cash. As you know, this has been a trend for several years, but at the rate at which metals are being valued, this is a crucial time to secure as much of your machinery and tools as possible. Another trend that we truly do not want to re-surface is thefts from storage containers. However, we did have a significant one in the county area on Tierra Rejada Road in Moorpark. The locks were cut off the containers and several lawn mowers, trimmers, blowers, weed whackers, etc. was taken. The case is being currently investigated with our East end detectives and will update you next edition.
Specific Crime Issues of Note for this edition:
Metal Thefts / County Wide:
Bardsdale area, a barn was burglarized and the thieves took a 7 ft steel rim!
A second ranch in Bardsdale was the victim of a metal theft when thieves took two 6 feet rollers made out of steel (they are designed to be towed behind a tractor).
Also near the Sespe Creek bridges, the suspects walked into a truck yard and stole 4 air cleaners off of 2 trucks. The cleaners were made of polished stainless steel. An alert local recycling company informed police that the possible suspect(s) from the above visited the recycling center and bought an old tractor to have it recycled in Saticoy. The suspect(s) are possibly driving a white Chevy Suburban w/trailer.
In the Oxnard Plains, metal freezer plates and large pallet racks were stolen from this business.
In the 5000 block of Gonzales Road (Oxnard County area), suspects vandalized a water pipe and stripped the copper wiring.
Saddle Thefts / East County:
English riding saddle thefts have sprung up in the Hidden Valley area and into Los Angeles County. The barns in the area south of Ventura County are comparing issues; we will keep you informed on the progress with Los Angeles Police and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
John Deer Tractor Theft / Saticoy:
A John Deer gator tractor was stolen from a ranch in Saticoy in early July. As of this date, no major leads in this case.
Overall, I want to continue to thank those giving law enforcement assistance in keeping tabs on suspicious vehicles, persons, etc. around our county areas. We all are the key to the success in fighting and deterring crime. As I write this, another area of concern has recently appeared on the radar screen with more regularity is theft of GPS devices from vehicles. The cities and county areas have been hit with vehicle burglaries (mostly sport utility vehicles) where the target has been GPS systems. Also, the third row seats (usually leather) are being taken as well. Two car dealerships were recently hit very hard where the target was GPS systems and 3d row leather seats. Be on the look out and secure your vehicles as best as you possibly can. If practical, document serial numbers, etc. in order for the police to better track down your stolen property.