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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Tuesday, June 25th, 2013
 Ventura County Sheriff's Department Monday morning, two men robbed the First Bank & Trust branch located at 2797 Agoura Road. The men entered the bank and jumped over the counter. They proceeded to open the cash drawers and took an undisclosed amount of cash. The suspects exited the bank and were last seen walking eastbound through the parking lot. No one was injured during the robbery. The suspects were described as being black males, wearing gray colored hooded sweatshirts and dark colored pants. Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact detectives with the Sheriff’s Office at (805) 494-8201. Nature of Incident: Thousand Oaks Bank Robbery 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). |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Monday, June 24th, 2013
Police ask anyone with information to contact them
On May 24, 2013, the Thousand Oaks Police Department received information that an adult male entered the women’s locker room at the Gilbert Sports Arena at California Lutheran University (CLU). On June 12, 2013, the same male subject entered the women’s locker room and exposed himself. The subject in the attached photos may have information that would assist the Thousand Oaks Police Department with the investigation. If anyone recognizes the subject from the attached photo, please contact Detective Taylor (805) 371-8397. Nature of Incident: Disorderly Conduct and Indecent Exposure 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). |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Monday, June 24th, 2013
 Rogelio Gutierrez, Gilroy, Ca, 33 The suspect who was shot by deputies after he rammed his vehicle into a sheriff’s patrol unit and tried to run over a deputy last Saturday night was booked late Wednesday at the Pre-Trial Detention Facility in Ventura. Rogelio Gutierrez was released from Los Robles Hospital and Medical Center in Thousand Oaks and immediately taken to the jail, where he was booked for attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, evading an officer, and reckless driving. Gutierrez bail was set at $1,000,000.00. He is scheduled to appear in court on June 21, 2013 at 1:30 pm in Ventura. Nature of Incident: Update to Officer Involved Shooting |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Monday, June 24th, 2013
Ventura County Sheriff's Department Over the past several months, the Conejo Valley and Camarillo areas have seen an increase in vehicle burglaries. For the past month, specific information was received about a red SUV that has been seen in areas where vehicle burglaries were committed. Surveillance video was obtained of the suspects and vehicle committing some of the crimes. The Thousand Oaks Police Department’s Investigations Unit worked in collaboration with the Camarillo Police Department and Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (Lost Hills) and identified two of the suspects associated with the crimes and red SUV. An investigation into the suspects led to deputies observing them commit new crimes on 6/19/13 in the City of Camarillo. Members of the Thousand Oaks and Camarillo Special Enforcement Units stopped the suspects, who had numerous items of stolen property in their vehicle that belonged to several different victims from several cities. The suspects were arrested for numerous felony charges related to the burglaries. The Thousand Oaks police would like to remind the public to secure valuables from their vehicles inside their homes to help prevent them from becoming a victim of theft. Nature of Incident: Arrest of burglary suspects |
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By Anonymous — Monday, June 24th, 2013
SACRAMENTO, CA – Attorney General Kamala D. Harris today announced the arrest of four individuals, including suspected Sureños gang members, and the seizure of an estimated $2 million in marijuana during a California Department of Justice raid of a marijuana growing operation in Sacramento County. The arrests represent the culmination of a month-long investigation by Special Agents with the California Department of Justice. Agents seized more than 7,000 marijuana plants and 100 pounds of processed marijuana with an estimated street value of $2 million. Two 12-gauge shotguns and one .22 caliber semi automatic handgun were also seized. “These armed gang members are learning the hard way that operating a massive, illegal drug operation on state property is a very bad idea,” Attorney General Kamala D. Harris said. “I commend the men and women of the California Department of Justice for their continuing efforts to identify and dismantle illegal and dangerous operations like this one.” In May, California Department of Justice agents began an investigation into suspected members of the Sureño gang in Tulare County who they believed were involved in an illegal marijuana growing operation. The investigation led agents the state-owned Stone Lakes Preserve in Sacramento County, which contained a large-scale illegal marijuana growing, processing and packaging operation. In a raid on Tuesday, agents arrested Anthony Uasiarez, 34, and Ruben Guzman, 18, both from Mexico, and Jorge Vargas Garcia, 22, and Jose Estrada, 23, both from Tulare County. Garcia and Estrada are suspected Sureños gang members. The suspects have been booked into the Sacramento County Jail and face charges that include possession of marijuana for sale, cultivation of marijuana, conspiracy and being armed in the commission of a felony. The four individuals are being held on $500,000 bail each. The Mountain and Valley Marijuana Investigation Team (MAVMIT) led the operation and was assisted by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. MAVMIT is an investigation team focused on illegal marijuana-related cases. Photos of items seized during Tuesday’s operation are attached to the electronic version of this press release at http://oag.ca.gov/news. The charges in the complaints are only allegations and the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless they are proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Monday, June 24th, 2013
Ventura County Sheriff's Department Narcotics Detectives completed a 3 month investigation into marijuana cultivations with the arrest of Ricardo Valencia. In February 2013, Narcotics Detectives observed suspicious activity at several locations along Highway 33 north of the city of Ojai. This area has held several large scale marijuana cultivations for many years. Through their investigation, detectives identified Ricardo Valencia, a Los Angeles resident, as being involved in these suspicious activities. Detectives knew Valencia from his arrest, and subsequent conviction, for cultivation of marijuana in 2012 near Rose Valley. After serving his sentence, Valencia was deported to his native country. With the assistance of the Sheriff’s Air Unit, three large cultivation sites near Highway 33 were identified: On June 4th and June 6th, Sheriff’s personnel eradicated the 3 grow sites and seized 6,229 marijuana plants. On June 7, Valencia was arrested near his home in Los Angeles for the cultivation of marijuana. During the Search Warrant at his residence, detectives discovered 2 firearms, over $5,000.00 in cash, approximately 1 pound of processed marijuana, and items typically related to marijuana cultivation; flexible irrigation tubing, camouflaged propane cylinders, seedling cups, and animal repellants. Valencia was transported to the Sheriff’s Main Jail in Ventura and booked for the cultivation of marijuana, a violation of probation warrant stemming from the 2012 arrest, and possession of fictitious identification paperwork. His bail was set at $500,000.00. Nature of Incident: Marijuana cultivation arrest 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). |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, June 19th, 2013
Ventura County Sheriff's Department Citizen surveys can be a valuable tool in gauging the effectiveness of the services we offer the community. The Sheriff’s Office has completed a survey utilizing a random sampling of individuals who placed calls for service during the month of February 2013. This year’s process differed from previous surveys in which we had notified people by mail. The rate of return in the past was very low. Rather than send notices by mail this year, deputies contacted individuals directly. This resulted in greater participation among the contact group than in previous years. The results of the survey have been posted on our website at www.vcsd.org. The link to the survey is on the banner above the photo gallery on the main page. Nature of Incident: 2013 Citizen Survey Results |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Tuesday, June 18th, 2013
Ventura County Sheriff's Department On June 16, 2013, at approximately 5:10 PM, the Camarillo Police Department, Ventura County Fire Department and AMR responded to the intersection of Carmen Dr. and Edgemont Dr. in reference to an injury traffic accident. Initial reports were that a vehicle hit a juvenile riding a bicycle. Upon further investigation, it was determined that the juvenile was riding his bicycle northbound along the west side of Carmen Dr. with two other bicyclists. Carolyn Skinner was driving her 2000 Toyota Avalon northbound on Carmen Dr. approaching Edgemont Dr. The juvenile attempted to cross Carmen Dr. at Edgemont Dr. and was struck by Skinner. The juvenile sustained life-threatening injuries as a result of the accident and was transported to Los Robles Regional Medical Center by AMR where he later died. The juvenile was not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident. The accident is still under investigation by the Camarillo Traffic Bureau. Anyone who might have witnessed the accident or is aware of anyone that might have been involved in the accident is asked to contact the Camarillo Police Department at (805) 388-5100. Nature of Incident: Fatal Traffic Accident 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). |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Tuesday, June 18th, 2013
Ventura County Sheriff's Department A man was shot by deputies Saturday evening, after he rammed one patrol car and attempted to drive his car into another deputy. The incident began with a hit-and-run traffic collision on Westlake Boulevard. Deputies were checking the area for the suspect vehicle, when one of them found a similar vehicle in the area of Lakeview Canyon Road and Agoura Road. When the deputy tried to stop the vehicle, it fled through a shopping center at the northwest corner of Lakeview Canyon and Agoura. The deputy followed the suspect vehicle, which then drove eastbound on Agoura Road in the westbound traffic lanes. The suspect vehicle continued eastbound and intentionally accelerated and rammed a marked sheriff’s patrol car traveling westbound on Agoura Road. The suspect then reversed his vehicle toward the first deputy who had followed him. That deputy had exited his patrol car and was in imminent danger of being struck by the suspect’s vehicle. The deputy fired several shots at the suspect. The suspect then tried to drive away, but the second deputy rammed the suspect’s vehicle and pushed it into the curb to prevent the suspect from being a further danger to the public. The suspect, who was later identified as 33-year-old Rogelio Gutierrez of Gilroy, Ca., suffered several gunshot wounds and was taken to Los Robles Hospital and Medical Center for treatment. Anyone who was in the area and witnessed the incident is asked to contact Sgt. Ian Laughlin of the Sheriff’s Major Crimes Bureau (805)383-8791 or (805)384-4737. Nature of Incident: Officer Involved Shooting |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Tuesday, June 18th, 2013
Ventura County Sheriff's Department On 6/13/2013, detectives with the Ventura County Sheriff’s Narcotics Unit concluded a month long investigation of a Los Angeles County resident who was selling illegal narcotics to Ventura County residents. Detectives arrested Robert James Heitz, age 45, after he left his residence located in Agoura Hills. A search warrant was served at Heitz’ residence where detectives seized two ounces of heroin, three ounces of marijuana, a half ounce of cocaine and a half ounce of methamphetamine. A small marijuana grow was also discovered inside the residence. Additionally, detectives seized a significant amount of currency they determined to be proceeds from illegal drugs sales and evidence Heitz was actively involved in the illegal sales of narcotics. Heitz was booked at the Ventura County Main Jail in Ventura for violations of sales of heroin, possession for sales of heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine and marijuana. Heitz’s bail is pending review at $250,000.00 He is scheduled to appear in Ventura County Superior Court for arraignment on 6/17/2013, at 1:30 PM. Nature of Incident: Narcotics Arrest 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). |
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By Anonymous — Tuesday, June 18th, 2013
SAN FRANCISCO -- Attorney General Kamala D. Harris today announced criminal charges and the arraignment of three brothers who face up to five years in prison for operating an illegal website that allowed users to watch bootleg versions of copyrighted television shows and movies. Hop Hoang, 26, Tony Hoang, 23, and Huynh Hoang, 20, all brothers, were arraigned in Alameda County Superior Court on Thursday, June 13 for allegedly operating the website mediamp4.com which allowed users to illegally stream more than 1,000 copyrighted television and movie titles on computers and mobile devices. The three have each been charged with one count of conspiracy, four counts of receiving stolen property and one count of grand theft. “Digital piracy is theft. It is a serious crime that harms one of California’s most important economic engines – our entertainment industry,” said Attorney General Harris. “This case sends a clear message that the California Department of Justice will investigate digital piracy and prosecute violators to the fullest extent of the law.” The Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) initially began an investigation into iphonetvshows.net and movieiphone.net and sent a cease and desist letter to Tony Hoang. Thereafter, Tony Hoang and his co-defendant brothers allegedly resumed the illegal operation under a new domain name, mediamp4.com. The Attorney General’s office then initiated an investigation into mediamp4.com, executed a search warrant, seized property used in connection with the illegal operation and filed charges against the Hoang brothers. “The MPAA deeply appreciates the leadership of Attorney General Harris and her office in helping to combat websites that illegally profit from the creative content produced by the men and women of the American movie and television community,” said former Senator Chris Dodd, the MPAA’s CEO and Chairman. “There are now nearly 80 legal online services in the United States dedicated to providing movies and television shows to viewers. But to realize the enormous potential of these businesses and ensure an Internet that works for everyone, it is critical that government, content creators, the tech community and others work together to stop illegal rogue sites.” Over the 18 months of the website’s operation, the brothers earned approximately $150,000 in advertising revenue. Hop Hoang allegedly confirmed that the brothers generated traffic to the website through Google search ads. Subscribers could illegally access television shows like “How I Met Your Mother,” along with films such as “Black Swan,” “Tangled” and “Harry Potter and the Deadly Hallows Part 1.” The investigation was conducted by the eCrime Unit of the California Attorney General’s Office, California Highway Patrol, and REACT, a law enforcement task force located in Santa Clara, CA specializing in investigating technology crimes and identity theft. The Attorney General’s eCrime Unit conducted the forensic analysis of the computer seized during a search and is prosecuting the case. In 2011, Attorney General Harris created the eCrime Unit to identify and prosecute identity theft crimes, cybercrimes and other crimes involving the use of technology. The charges in the complaints are only allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless they are proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Monday, June 17th, 2013
Ventura County Sheriff's Department There has been a recent burglary trend in the Ventura County area targeting residential and commercial structures, which are undergoing fumigation. Several residences and commercial buildings in the Ventura County area have been burglarized after being “tented” for fumigation. The structures are being targeted between the time the buildings are covered with the tent and when the tent is removed. The suspects have been cutting the tents and forcing entry into the structures, stealing jewelry, money and electronics. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office would like to warn residents and business owners of this current trend and to take any necessary precautions from becoming victimized. We recommend residents remove any money, jewelry or other items of value from the home that can be taken with you while your residence or building undergoes fumigation. Nature of Incident: Burglary trend 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). |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, June 12th, 2013
 Brandon Wimsatt On May 28, 2013, Burlington Coat Factory received a telephonic bomb threat. Several patrol units from the Thousand Oaks Police Department responded and searched the business with the help of store management. No bomb or suspicious packages were located. Detectives from the Thousand Oaks Police Department Investigations Unit conducted an investigation and learned Brandon Wimsatt’s telephone was used to call in the false bomb threat. The investigation also revealed Wimsatt took steps to hide his phone number from being discovered. On June 11, 2013, Thousand Oaks detectives located Wimsatt in the City of Thousand Oaks. Wimsatt was arrested for Falsely Reporting a Bomb to a Business. Wimsatt was booked into the Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention Facility in Ventura and his bail was set at $10,000. Nature of Incident: Burlington Coat Factory Bomb Threat 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). |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, June 12th, 2013
Ventura County Sheriff's Department On May 20, 2013, Camarillo High School Officials received an accusation that Associate Principal Felix “David” Gallegos was involved in offensive behavior on the school campus. School officials immediately placed Gallegos on administrative leave and then reported the information to the Camarillo Police Department. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Major Crimes Unit conducted an investigation into the allegations. Two separate victims, one adult female staff member and one juvenile female student, each claimed that Gallegos had inappropriately touched them while on the school campus. These were separate incidents and the two victims were unaware the other had been victimized until the crimes were reported. On June 5, 2013, Gallegos was arrested on four misdemeanor counts of child molestation and one misdemeanor count of sexual battery. Gallegos was booked into the Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention Facility on $30,000.00 bail. He is scheduled to appear in Ventura County Superior Court on June 6, 2013. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office would like to point out that Oxnard Union High School District officials fully cooperated with the investigation in a desire to learn the truth about these allegations. The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office is asking that anyone with information about these crimes contact Detective Greg Guilin at (805) 384-4725. For those who wish to remain anonymous, Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against persons responsible for these types of crimes. These calls are not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477). Nature of Incident: School Official Arrested for Child Molestation and Sexual Battery |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Wednesday, June 12th, 2013
Ventura County Sheriff's Department On June 3, 2013, the Thousand Oaks Police Department received information that a local travel soccer team trainer/coach was having sexual relations with a minor. Detectives followed-up on the report and conducted several interviews with both the victim and suspect. At the conclusion of the investigation, Christopher Capellini was arrested for the allegation and booked into custody at the East County Sheriff’s Jail in Thousand Oaks. Nature of Incident: Local Travel Soccer Team Trainer Arrested for Sexual Assault 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). |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Tuesday, June 11th, 2013
 Daryl Westerback, Thousand Oaks, 55 On March 8, 2013, Dr. Daryl Westerback was arrested for driving under the influence of drugs and felony child endangerment when he was involved in a traffic collision in the City of Thousand Oaks. On June 5, 2013, Dr. Westerback was arrested for driving under the influence of drugs after he was seen by a narcotics detective exhibiting a driving pattern consistent with impaired driving. Dr. Westerback was interviewed by members of the Ventura County Interagency Pharmaceutical Crimes Unit and the investigation revealed he had been treating patients while impaired due to prescription drug use. The investigation also revealed evidence of potential improper prescribing practices. At least one death related to his practice is being investigated. The California Medical Board and the United States Drug Enforcement Administration are assisting in the investigation. The Ventura County Interagency Pharmaceutical Crimes Unit is a newly formed task force which is comprised of members of law enforcement from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, Simi Valley Police Department, and Ventura County District Attorney’s Office. The unit’s responsibilities include investigating crimes relating to prescription drug misuse, abuse, and sales. A primary mission of the unit is investigating doctors and pharmacists who have abandoned their duties related to their profession and have become engaged in criminal activity. The unit spawned out of the realization that prescription drug abuse leads to heroin abuse, which unfortunately, all too often, leads to death. Rogue doctors and pharmacists are frequently the source of supply for prescription drug abusers. Nature of Incident: Thousand Oaks Doctor Arrested Twice in Past Three Months |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Monday, June 10th, 2013
Ventura County Sheriff's Department Camarillo Patrol Deputies arrested two adults and one male juvenile for a string of vehicle burglaries in Camarillo this morning. At 5:00 AM, deputies responded to a call of subjects breaking into vehicles in the 700 block of Mobil Avenue, in Camarillo. When deputies arrived in the area, they saw a male juvenile who immediately fled on foot. After a short search of the area, deputies located all three subjects. The subjects were arrested and found to be in possession of a large quantity of stolen property. Camarillo Detectives interviewed the suspects and learned they have been stealing property from unlocked vehicles or “car hopping” for several months. They admitted to opening at least 20-30 cars a night, throughout the city, over the last two months. Detectives are still trying to identify all of the victims. If you have been a victim of a theft from your vehicle and have not reported it to the police, please contact Detective Scott Norris (805)388-5120 or Detective Robert Shirk (805)388-5157. Tyler Buchanon and Patrick Sturm were booked at the Ventura County Jail for burglary, possession of stolen property and conspiracy. The male juvenile was cited for theft and released to a relative. The Sheriff’s Office would like to remind the public to remove any items of value from their vehicle and ensure the vehicles doors are locked. These crimes are examples of “crimes of opportunity” and could have possibly been prevented. More importantly, we would like to thank the public for reporting this crime and encourage others to call the police anytime they observe suspicious subjects. Nature of Incident: Two Adults and One Juvenile Arrested for a Series of Vehicle Burglaries 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). |
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By Santa Paula Police Department — Wednesday, June 5th, 2013
 Santa Paula Police Department On Saturday 6/1/13 at approximatley 2125 hours, officers from the Santa Paula Police Department were dispatched to the area of 12th Street and Corto Street for a report of a subject with a shotgun. Officers were advised the subject was firing the shotgun in the area of Corto Street and the river bottom and was leaving the area in a silver four door sedan. When officers arrived in the area they located a vehicle matching the description and conducted a stop of the vehicle. The vehicle was driven by Eliceo Varas and was also occupied by his wife, Kimberly Rodriguez, and their one week old son and three year old daughter. The vehicle was stopped and Vargas and Rodriguez were detained for investigation. During the investigation Vargas was found to be in possession of a shotgun shell. While speaking with Vargas it was determined a shotgun was in the trunk of the vehicle. When the shotgun was recovered it was found to be less than 26" in length. During the investigation Vargas was also found to be under the influence of alcohol and unlicensed. At the conclusion of the investigation Vargas was booked into Ventura County Main Jail for 246.3(a) PC; Discharge of a Firearm with Gross Negligence, 33215 PC; Possession of a Short Barreled Shotgun, 273a(a) PC; Child Endangerment, 23152(b) VC; Driving with a BAC of .08 or Higher, and 12500(a) VC; Driving without a Valid CDL. Nature of Incident: Discharge of a Firearm with Gross Negligence Report number: SG1301027 Location: Santa Clara River Bottom at Corto Street Date & Time: Saturday, 06/01/2013 at approximatley 2125 hours Unit Responsible: Patrol Bureau |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Monday, June 3rd, 2013
Ventura County Sheriff's Department Ojai Patrol Deputies became aware of illegal marijuana sales advertised on Craigslist. The seller was contacted and arrested for a misdemeanor warrant. An illegal marijuana cultivation was discovered in the suspect’s residence. On 5/28/2013, Ojai Patrol Deputies saw an advertisement on Craigslist offering marijuana for sale. Through investigation, deputies were able to identify the seller, William Pollick, and found he had a misdemeanor warrant for his arrest. Pollick was contacted at his residence in the 400 Block of Mesa St in the community of Meiner’s Oaks. At this time deputies found one room of the residence contained a sophisticated marijuana growing operation with 21 marijuana plants. Narcotics Detectives were summoned and a Search Warrant was obtained for the residence. Pollick was subsequently arrested for the misdemeanor warrant and cultivation of marijuana. He was booked into the Sheriff’s Main Jail. Nature of Incident: Marijuana cultivation investigation |
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By Ventura County Sheriff Department — Monday, June 3rd, 2013
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 TRACKING PROGRAM 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 PRIVATE PROPERTY GRAFFITI IN COUNTY AREAS GRAFFITI ON FREEWAYS Public or Private Property Public Schools Nature of Incident: Graffiti Vandalism Arrests 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). |