Burglars target 8 Camarillo homes

A string of recent daytime home burglaries has police asking Camarillo residents to lock their doors and windows before leaving home.

The Camarillo Police Department earlier this week reported eight daytime residential burglaries from July 7 to Aug. 11 in several Camarillo neighborhoods north of Las Posas Road between Mission Drive and Camino La Madera.

Sgt. Joe Devorick with the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department said in most cases the burglars entered through an unlocked rear door or window, and specifically targeted home electronics such as televisions, computers and video game consoles. Devorick said large containers of change were also taken in a number of instances.

The crimes occurred in the 1600 block of Calle La Cumbre, the 1300 block of Gardenia Avenue, the 1900 block of Alborada Drive, the 600 block of Calle Portilla, the 1600 block of Avenida Del Manzano, the 2200 block of Chelsey Court and the 2900 block of Dwight Avenue.

Police records show five of the eight burglaries took place between July 7 and 9.

Devorick said deputies are increasing patrols in the area but reminded homeowners to take a few basic steps to help protect their homes.

The sergeant said most of the break-ins took place during work hours on Monday and Friday when residents are least likely to be home.

Police say burglars specifically look for empty homes.

Because most daytime burglars knock on front doors to ensure the house is empty, Devorick said, residents should make it known to whoever is at the door that there is someone inside the house; do not ignore the person knocking.

The sergeant said the resident does not need to open the door and added it’s a good idea to have a phone in hand when responding to a knock on the door.

Devorick said detectives have spoken to a number of eye witnesses and said investigators suspect the burglars are between 15 and 25 years old.

He said it’s likely the burglar is someone who lives in Camarillo.

Although police records show a total of 22 incidents that either involved a home burglary or an attempted burglary between May 21 and Aug. 11, Devorick, a 25-year veteran on the department, said the number isn’t especially high for a three-month period.

Devorick noted, however, that the dozen arrests police have made during that time is due in large part to alert neighbors who have reported suspicious activity.

“We truly do not mind responding to calls of suspicious people,” Devorick said.

Three teens were arrested on burglary charges in late May in the 400 block of Calle Converse when police were called by a neighbor about a possible burglary in progress.

Soon after, a tip led police to arrest three Camarillo teens in connection with a home burglary in the 5000 block of Paseo Montelena on May 26.

Police again were called to a possible burglary in progress on June 29 in the 5900 block of Palomar Circle, where deputies arrested three Santa Paula residents suspected of breaking into the house.

Earlier this month, police arrested a 43yearold man and a 36year-old woman in connection with a burglary in the 80 block of Encino Avenue on July 12. According to police, the man had tried to cash a $29,000 personal check reportedly taken from the home.

Last week, police arrested a teenager who is a possible suspect in a home invasion robbery in the 200 block of Gardenia Avenue on Aug. 4 that left a 17-year-old male with stab wounds. See page 9 for the story.

Police advise residents to never enter their home if they suspect a burglar is inside.

“Don’t enter if you believe they’re in there,” said Robert Maclean, a senior deputy with the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department. “Call the police immediately, either from a cellphone or a neighbor’s house. You never know if a burglar is armed.”

To report a possible home burglary in progress, Maclean said to call 911 immediately.

Anyone with any information regarding the home burglaries are asked to call detectives at (805) 388-5100 or (805) 388-5131.