OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT
NEWS RELEASE
INCIDENT: | Oxnard Police Department Auto Theft Task Force Makes 5th Auto Theft Related Arrest In Two Day Period |
DATE/TIME: | May 10th, 2017/6:10 P.M. |
LOCATION: | 1900 block N. Oxnard Boulevard, Oxnard |
SUSPECT(S): | Stephanie Blanco – 19 year old Oxnard resident
Virginia Rivera – 44 year old Oxnard resident |
LOSS: | N/A |
PREPARED BY: | Detective Chip Buttell |
CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO: | Detective Chip Buttell (805) 385-7755 or Charles.buttell@oxnardpd.org |
DETAILS:
On May 10, 2017 at 6:10 P.M., Investigators from the Oxnard Police Department Auto Theft Task Force (OATTF) conducted an investigation regarding a stolen Lexus LS400 out of the city of Oxnard. Investigators observed the vehicle, which was occupied by three passengers, in the area of Gonzales Road and Ventura Road. Investigators stopped the vehicle in the 1900 block of North Oxnard Boulevard and arrested the driver, Stephanie Blanco, for auto theft related charges. In addition to Blanco’s arrest, one of the passengers, identified as Virginia Rivera, was also arrested for an outstanding warrant. These arrests mark the 4th and 5th arrests in the past two days related to auto theft. Despite these five (5) arrests, the Oxnard Police Department will continue its enforcement and crime prevention efforts.
The Oxnard Police Department Auto Theft Task Force was created in 2015 to address stolen vehicle issues within the City of Oxnard. Since then additional officers have been added to the OATTF to help combat the instances of vehicle theft. Due to the increase in stolen vehicles reported (within the last 30 days) the OATTF is conducting enhanced enforcement that includes the use of bait cars.
In a large majority of the cases for the past 30 days, the keys were easily accessible to the suspects. According to OATTF investigators, the suspects in the above case admitted that they observed the Lexus, unoccupied, with the engine running prior to taking it.
The Oxnard Police Department urges citizens to park their vehicles in well-lit areas, lock their vehicles and to use anti-theft devices. It is also suggested that you not leave your vehicles unattended with the engine running, as this is a common precursor of vehicle theft. Leaving spare keys (including valet keys) in your vehicle, even if it is locked, is highly discouraged. Vehicle theft is a crime of opportunity and being proactive about crime prevention is the most effective way to avoid theft.
The Oxnard Police Department continues to encourage residents to be “Partners In Public Safety.” Anyone with information regarding criminal activity is encouraged to contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7600, or you can remain anonymous by calling the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (805) 222-8477 or via email at www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org/contactus. Anyone with information regarding auto theft in Oxnard is encouraged to contact the OATTF at (805) 385-7650.
DATE / TIME PREPARED: 5-11-17/0945 hours
Stephanie Blanco Virginia Rivera