Unlocked cars attract burglars to Thousand Oaks

Thieves already know that Thousand Oaks is full of unlocked cars with treasure inside. Gang members have been known to drive in from other areas to partake of the bounty, according to police. Now young Thousand Oaks residents are succumbing to the temptation: They walk down streets and try car doors that have cameras, GPS systems, laptops, sunglasses, iPods, cash and other goodies in plain sight.

On Sat., Feb. 9, a 16-year-old Thousand Oaks resident is suspected of walking down the 220 block of Maynard Avenue while opening unlocked vehicle doors and helping himself to valuables inside.

It was about 4:40 a.m. when a resident noticed his parked car was occupied by the suspect.

The middle-aged man went outside to confront the juvenile and the young suspect took off running, Thousand Oaks police Detective Russell King said.

The man continued to chase him until the suspect jumped over a fence. By then the police had arrived and surrounded the perimeter.

A short time later, they found the suspect on top of a roof.

"A roof is not an unusual place for people to use when they're trying to hide from us," King said.

The suspect was arrested and given a citation before being turned over to family members. He wasn't booked into juvenile hall, King said.

Police suspect at least three cars were burglarized.

The suspect allegedly possessed stolen property, and the total value of those items will determine if he's charged with grand larceny or not.

Police have asked residents to lock their vehicle doors and not to leave valuables in plain sight.

Bringing desirable items inside, locking them in the trunk or glove compartment could deter the crime.

--Nancy Needham