Ventura County Sheriff's Department

The Headquarters station has seen a recent increase in thefts of landscaping equipment. The type of equipment taken, ranges from lawnmowers, edgers, chainsaws, leaf blowers and even a stump grinder. Other jurisdictions have also seen a recent increase in similar thefts under similar circumstances. The victims of these crimes vary from small operations to large-scale companies with multiple pieces of equipment taken.

In an effort to reduce the thefts, law enforcement agencies encourage owners to take additional precautions to safeguard their property. Investigators also ask the equipment owners take the time to document their equipment serial numbers. Some other safeguards would be to mark the equipment, which would help in identifying it should it be stolen. Bright paint on various locations of the equipment and engraving are just a couple methods of marking the property.

Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 494-TALK (Thousand Oaks / Moorpark) or 385-TALK (Camarillo / Oxnard / Port Hueneme).

Report Number: 11-11022, 11-10981 – additional reports

Location: El Rio, Saticoy – additional locations

Date & Time: 5-13-11, 5-22-11, - additional dates

Unit Responsible: West County Patrol Headquarters Investigations

Suspect(s) / Victim(s) / Witness(es) / Decedent(s) City of Residence Age

Media Release Prepared by: Detective Christine Rettura

Media Release Date: 5-27-11

Follow-Up Contact: Detective Rettura 805-662-6770

Approved by: Captain R. Bonfiglio