Sheriff forms task force to target burglaries

In response to the large number of burglaries and thefts from vehicles in eastern Ventura County, the Ventura County Sheriff's Department has formed a task force consisting of patrol deputies, detectives and members of the Thousand Oaks Police Department's Bike Patrol Unit.

During a recent twoweek period the task force made 627 contacts in Thousand Oaks and Moorpark, and made 74 arrests for various crimes, including 36 narcotics violations.

The contacts consisted of traffic stops, pedestrian stops, and probation and parole searches. Two of the arrests involved in-progress burglaries and thefts.

In recent months, the city of Thousand Oaks was averaging 20 to 25 vehicle related thefts per week. Since the task force began that number has dwindled to an average of six per week. Deputies and investigators know that their efforts will only pay off if residents do their part by removing valuable property from their vehicles.