Police: lock cars, homes to keep out thieves

Due to another hike in a continuing rash of late-night thefts from unlocked vehicles, the Camarillo Police Department is once again warning residents to lock their cars and make sure valuables are hidden.

Senior Dep. Bob Maclean said there has been a noticeable increase in thefts from cars over the past two weeks.

"My suspicion is that probably whoever was responsible for it is just out of jail," Maclean said. "Whenever we see an increase in a crime like that, that kind of person comes to mind."

Police officials are hand delivering fliers to homes in neighborhoods that have seen a number of these crimes of opportunity. Maclean said many have occurred on the west side of the city.

Between Sept. 1 and Sept. 20, there were about 13 burglaries reported from vehicles in Camarillo, many of which are thefts from unlocked cars.

Police offer these tips to residents to help them protect their property:

+Always lock your vehicle and house.

+Don't leave valuables in plain view inside your vehicle or residence.

+Never leave keys to your car--or your home--inside your vehicle.

+Take appropriate measures to secure property left in the open bed of a truck or the front yard.

To report an emergency or a crime in progress, call 911 and to reach the Camarillo Police Department directly, call (805) 3885100.

--Daniel Wolowicz