Ventura County Sheriff's Department

The City of Thousand Oaks has seen an increase in commercial burglaries within the past few weeks. Investigators have made solving these crimes a priority, but are asking business owners and residents to assist in putting an end to this increase.

The Thousand Oaks Police Department encourages citizens to report any suspicious activity they may see in or around commercial areas. The suspects involved in the burglaries have forced entry into the businesses when the business is closed. The burglaries are occurring during early morning or late evening hours. Some businesses had alarms systems, but they were not activated at the time of the break in. The Thousand Oaks Police Department would like to offer the following crime prevention tips:

• Before you leave for the night / weekend, please remove all cash from your registers and put it in a safe place or remove it from the business. Leave emptied register drawers open.
• Leave a light on and your windows uncovered after closing. This allows for an unobstructed view inside.
• Consider applying security film on the interior of your glass windows. Security film adds a layer of protection from glass breakage and is available through several local vendors.
• If you have an alarm system, make sure it is operating properly and is turned on. The alarm system should include a motion detector and should be tested frequently.
• Make sure your alarm company has all of your correct contact information and they contact the police for a response to the business if your alarm is activated.
• If you use a security camera, make sure it is operating properly. Conduct a weekly inspection of your security camera.
• Make sure all of your doors and windows are locked before you leave.
• If you hear an audible burglary alarm, especially at night, call 911.
If you see anyone acting suspicious around a closed business or a suspicious vehicle, please call 911or call (805) 654 9511 to report the activity.

Nature of Incident: Thousand Oaks Police see an increase in commercial burglaries
Location: Citywide
Date & Time: On-going
Unit Responsible: Thousand Oaks Police Department – Crime Prevention Unit
Prepared by: Senior Deputy Timothy Lohman
Media Release Date: February 5, 2014
Follow-Up Contact: Sergeant Jason Robarts (805) 494-8214
Approved by: Captain Mike Hartmann

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.