Ventura County Sheriff's Department

On May 21, 2013, the City of Thousand Oaks Special Enforcement / Gang Unit concluded a two month graffiti investigation with the arrest of two juveniles.

During the latter part of March through the middle of May, the City of Thousand Oaks Public Works Department removed graffiti from 27 different locations around the City. All of this graffiti was associated with a particular tagging crew. The graffiti was applied on the street, sidewalks, trees, curbs, block walls, city signs, guardrails, business walls, mailboxes, utility boxes, and bus stops. Spray paint was used on all occasions. In all, the estimated cost of clean-up to the City of Thousand was approximately $5,000.

The investigation revealed the above-mentioned graffiti was associated to two suspects. Detectives from the City of Thousand Oaks Special Enforcement / Gang Unit interviewed the two suspects who took responsibility for their actions. Both juveniles were arrested for graffiti vandalism and released with a citation to their mothers. In addition to the graffiti vandalism, the 16-year-old juvenile was also arrested for being in possession of a knife on school grounds.

The following is an excerpt from the City of Thousand Oaks website, http://ci.thousand-oaks.ca.us/government/depts/police/default.asp

WHAT IS THE CITY DOING ABOUT GRAFFITI?
Graffiti hurts communities and impacts business. Studies show that quick removal of graffiti is an effective crime prevention tool. The City’s objective is to remove graffiti within 24 hours after being reported. Annually the City removes approximately 800 incidents of graffiti.

GRAFFITI TRACKING PROGRAM
Recently, the City implemented a graffiti tracking and intelligence system that has been successfully implemented in cities throughout California. The system is used by the Public Works Department and the Police Department to facilitate coordination between enforcement and cleanup.

Tracking graffiti helps to identify graffiti hot spots and targets specific incidents. When a vandal is prosecuted the cost of removal for each incident he/she is responsible for can be more easily identified allowing the City to recover the costs.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU SEE GRAFFITI IN THOUSAND OAKS
If you see graffiti report it immediately to our graffiti removal hotline (805) 449-2488 or send an email to the City at PublicWorksMSC@toaks.org. Please provide the following information:
 Address or street name and cross street of the incident. A detailed description will help crews locate the graffiti quickly.
 Structure type or object the graffiti is on.
 Your name and phone number in case crews are unable to locate the graffiti.

PRIVATE PROPERTY
The City, upon request, removes graffiti from private property free of charge. Before removing graffiti a hold harmless waiver must be signed by the property owner or authorized representative. Property owners that choose to remove graffiti themselves have five business days to complete the removal.

GRAFFITI IN COUNTY AREAS
Public Works crews do not remove graffiti in unincorporated County areas of the City. If graffiti is found outside City limits, the County is notified.

GRAFFITI ON FREEWAYS
Public Works crews investigate the 101 and 23 freeways for graffiti on a daily basis. If graffiti is found the California Department of Transportation (CalTrans) is notified.

Public or Private Property
Error! Hyperlink reference not valid.(805) 449-2488
PublicWorksMSC@toaks.org
Freeways
Caltrans
(805) 389-1106 Water Channels
Ventura County Watershed Protection Agency
(805) 378-3033

Public Schools
Conejo Valley Unified School
District
(805) 498-4557 x201 Unincorporated Areas - Ventura County Road Maintenance
(805) 672-2131 Parks and Open Spaces - Conejo Recreation and Park District
(805) 495-6471
parks@crpd.org

Nature of Incident: Graffiti Vandalism Arrests
Report Number: 13-11253
Location: Multiple Locations in the City of Thousand Oaks
Date & Time: 3/20/13 through 5/16/13
Unit Responsible: City of Thousand Oaks, Special Enforcement Gang Unit
Prepared by: Sergeant Dan Hawes
Media Release Date: 05/29/2013
Follow-Up Contact: Detective Richard LaSecla (805) 371-8335
Approved by: Captain Luis Obregon

Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).