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Oxnard Resident Becomes 18th Person Arrested for Auto Theft in 2019.

OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT

NEWS RELEASE

DETAILS:

On February 5, 2019, detectives assigned to the Oxnard Police Department Auto Theft Task Force (OATTF) observed a stolen 1997 Honda Accord in the 700 block of Cooper Road.  Detectives stopped the vehicle and contacted the driver, Richard Abarca, 25 years old.  During the investigation, it was determined that the Honda was stolen out of the city of Oxnard on January 31, 2019.  Abarca was arrested for driving a stolen vehicle and for possession of burglary tools. 

Richard Abarca has a history of arrests related to auto theft which he has been convicted of in Ventura County. Abarca is currently on probation for possession of a stolen vehicle and he is the 18th person arrested for auto theft this year in the city of Oxnard.

So far in 2019, there have been 97 stolen vehicles reported to the Oxnard Police Department. Honda’s are the number one stolen vehicle in Oxnard.

Help protect yourself and your vehicle from thieves by remembering to:

  • Lock your vehicle and take out your valuables when leaving it.  An unlocked car is an invitation to a thief. 
  • Close all windows – thieves can open vehicles through the smallest of openings.
  • To take your car keys with you. Do not leave them in your car, or leave your car running. 

Please be advised that a large portion of auto theft is attributed to vehicles left running and unattended in front of the owner’s own home.

As part of an ongoing campaign to curb auto theft, Detectives from the Auto Theft Task Force are offering steering wheel locks to Oxnard residents.  Owners of 1990-2000 Honda passenger vehicles are asked to be extra vigilant due to the high number of thefts involving these specific vehicles.  The Auto Theft Task Force has a limited amount of steering wheel locks available, for details on obtaining a free steering wheel lock, contact Detective Enrique Alvarez at (805) 385-7664.

The Oxnard Police Department cannot effectively stop auto theft without the assistance of concerned, responsible residents.  We depend on YOU to call and tell us whenever you see suspicious persons or activity.  Contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7740 or the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477 and www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org to report suspicious or criminal activity.  Translators are available 24/7.   

 DATE / TIME PREPARED: 2/6/19 11:20 AM

Richard Abarca