During the month of October of 2023, law enforcement nationwide, including here in the city of Fillmore, has seen Chevy Silverado pick-up trucks as a target for vehicle thefts. They are being stolen for their resale value and catalytic converters. Because the trucks have a high ground clearance, it makes it easier to get underneath them and quickly cut off the air pollution control devices.

The Fillmore Police Department is asking citizens to be diligent and to make sure that any spare keys to their vehicles are accounted for, stored in a secure location, and not left in the vehicle. This includes any wallet or hide-a keys and key fobs. The vehicles targeted are 1999 -2006 Chevy Silverado pick-up trucks.

Many people have asked what they can do to help protect their vehicles. Here are some tips to help prevent vehicle theft:

• Park in a secured garage when possible or in a well-lit area with surveillance cameras and/or where the vehicle will be seen by a passerby.
• Install motion-sensitive lighting to illuminate driveways used for parking.
• Consider adding security cameras to oversee driveway and on-street parking areas.
• Research catalytic converter anti-theft devices and weigh the pros and cons of having one installed.
• DO NOT leave keys inside the vehicle, make sure to remove any valuable items for the vehicle, and lock the vehicle.

We are asking for our community’s help to prevent vehicle thefts. If you hear strange noises during the night, such as power tools or sawing, if you see a vehicle driving suspiciously slow through your neighborhood or stopped at the side of the road, if you see or hear ANYTHING out of the ordinary, please call the Fillmore Police Station at (805) 524-2233, or Ventura County Sheriff’s Communication Center at (805) 654-9511. The reporting party may remain anonymous. Often, these thieves are caught when an observant resident calls the police when something looks suspicious or does not seem quite right.

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office and Fillmore Police Department are committed to increasing and strengthening community partnerships and utilizing technologies and evidence-based practices to enhance collaborative efforts at reducing crime and improving public safety of all residents by continued community partnerships. Join us in the fight on crime by following us on Twitter @VENTURASHERIFF, Facebook, Instagram @ VCSHERIFF, and with Nixle by texting your zip code to 888777 to receive local law enforcement and public safety alerts and advisories.

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank members of the public for their on-going support and due diligence in providing information to assist our agency in solving crimes. We are better at what we do because of our community partnerships.

Attached is a photograph of one of the recent suspects who was caught on Ring camera stealing a 2005 Chevy Silverado from 300 block of River Street in the city of Fillmore on October 9, 2023.

Nature of Incident: Public Awareness/Vehicle Thefts/Early Model Chevy Silverado Trucks
Location: Various locations throughout the City of Fillmore
Date & Time: October 2023
Unit(s) Responsible: Fillmore Police Department

Prepared by: Detective Sergeant Will Hollowell
Approved by: Captain Eduardo Malagon