Folks we have a real epidemic on our hands. Over the past couple of months we have seen a dramatic increase in the number of burglaries/thefts reported at various farm locations in the Camarillo/Oxnard/Ventura areas. The suspect(s) involved have been targeting storage facilities; particularly conex storage containers. They have been stealing irrigation equipment, including brass sprinkler heads, valves, and aluminum irrigation pipe and taking it to recycling centers. I have identified a possible suspect, but have been unable to “seal the deal” with an arrest because victims have been unable to identify their property (unmarked) being recycled.

If you have any irrigation pipe/sprinklers/valves etc. being stored either on trailers or in a storage shed, please mark them for identification in some fashion. If they are stolen, and you have not marked them in some way (paint, ID stickers, welds, or other distinct markings) I will not be able to link the property to your business, and it will prevent me from building a case for filing with the District Attorney’s Office. Please take the time to mark your equipment, and make it easier for you and deputies to identify the stolen property.

Thank you for your support, and I wish you all a happy and prosperous new year!

The following advice is always wise if you suspect illegal activity on your property:

• Call the Sheriff’s Office immediately at 911.

• Be a good witness

• Note suspect descriptions such as age, height, weight, facial hair, clothing, and shoe type.

• If a vehicle is involved, obtain a license plate number and note vehicle color, body damage, bumper stickers, camper shell, after market tires and wheels, etc.

• Provide the dispatcher with information about the time and last known direction of travel.

If you are not sure of how to address the problem or would like additional crime prevention tips please contact your local Sheriff’s Office substation or me directly at (805) 384-4726 or by email at ray.dominguez@ventura.org.

Contacts:
Camarillo Detective Robert Shirk, robert.shirk@ventura.org
Fillmore Detective John Fox john.fox@ventura.org
Ventura Detective Dennis Smith dennis.smith@ventura.org
Agricultural Crimes Detective Ray Dominguez at ray.dominguez@ventura.org

Be alert and stay safe!
Ray

Geoff Dean - Sheriff
John Crombach and Gary Pentis - Assistant Sheriffs