Multiple burglaries prompt warning from police

After multiple burglaries in Newbury Park earlier this month, police have warned residents to be alert, watch for door-to-door solicitors, and teach children who are home alone when it's okay to dial 911.

Between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Dec. 11, two burglaries occurred in the 3800 block of Lesser Drive near Newbury Park High School, one in the 700 block of La Grange Avenue near Lynn Road and Wendy Drive in Newbury Park, and an attempted burglary in the 5300 block of Via Andrea in Dos Vientos.

"It's outside the norm to have so many residential burglaries the same day in Thousand Oaks," said Detective Eric Buschow of the Ventura County Sheriff's Department.

The detective said since the investigation is ongoing he didn't want to be specific about the loot taken from each house, but added that residential burglars usually steal valuables such as cash, jewelry, electronics- - and even large items like flat-screen TVs.

Neighbors did notice some unusual activity and were able to provide suspect descriptions, Buschow said.

"We do not know at this time if the burglaries were all related or not," he said.

He did warn residents to not fall into a false sense of security and leave doors and windows unlocked.

"You don't want to provide burglars with an opportunity," Buschow said.

The home on La Grange Avenue was entered through a backyard window after it was broken, he said. The two homes on Lesser Drive showed no signs of forced entry, he said.

The attempted robbery in Dos Vientos was stopped when the residents heard someone rattle their front door as the would-be burglar tried to get inside, Buschow said.

Usually the thieves knock first, then try to enter- - if they think nobody is home.

Burglars also pretend to be door-to-door solicitors, he said.

"They can dress nicely and appear to have a reason to be on someone's property," he said.

If someone unknown is in a neighborhood, police should be called so they can determine if the purpose is legitimate.

Even if someone is knocking on doors selling magazines, they must have a city permit to legally do so, Buschow said.

"Police will come out and check for their permit. Often they don't have a permit or any identification with them," he said.

A company from out of state hires people who just got out of jail or prison to go door-to-door and sell magazines for them, Buschow said. Sometimes salespeople have been arrested for burglaries, the officer said.

People going door-to-door could be looking more for someone who doesn't answer than for someone who does, he said.

Parents who leave children home alone and tell them not to answer the door or adults who are home themselves and don't feel comfortable opening the door to strangers should be ready to dial 911 if that person doesn't depart in a reasonable amount of time or starts walking around the outside of the house, Buschow said.

"Once someone starts snooping or walking around the house, they become a prowler," he said.

Police respond quickly to protect residents from hot prowls of this kind.

"We want people to make these calls," Buschow said.