NEWS RELEASE
DATE: November 29, 2022
SUBJECT:Police warn of an increase in vehicle thefts during the winter months
LOCATION: Citywide, Oxnard, CA
CONTACT: Greg Utter, Auto Theft Task Force | (805) 385-7687 | Greg.Utter@Oxnardpd.org
Traditionally, every winter, the Oxnard Police Department sees an increase of stolen vehicles where keys were left in the ignition with the vehicle running or keys were otherwise available. From November 2021 to March 2022 there were 58 vehicles stolen in the city where keys were available, car doors were left open or unlocked or engines were left running. This accounted for 24% of the stolen vehicles in that time frame.
Oftentimes residents leave their vehicles running and unattended with the misconception there is a need to warm the vehicles. Auto theft suspects use this as an opportunity to steal these vehicles. Many of the vehicles stolen in the City of Oxnard are due to vehicles left running and unattended or leaving spare keys in their vehicles.
The Oxnard Police Department would like to remind residents of the following tips to help prevent vehicle thefts:
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Never leave your car unlocked or your keys in the vehicle, not even for a minute.
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Don't leave your car idling and unattended because it is unnecessary, it is unsafe and illegal (22515(a) V.C.) and someone can steal your car.
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Vehicle theft can also lead to other crimes, such as fraud, identity theft, theft of vehicle parts and vandalism to the vehicles.
Anyone with information about vehicle thefts or other criminal activity is encouraged to contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7600, or online via the Oxnard Police Department's website: www.oxnardpd.org, and clicking on Report Suspicious Activity. You can remain anonymous if you choose to do so. You can also stay anonymous by calling the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477or visiting this site: www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org to submit a tip via text or email.
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