Members of the Oxnard Police Department Auto Theft Task Force and Neighborhood Policing Team conducted an unattended vehicle enforcement operation in an effort to reduce the amount of vehicles stolen in the city of Oxnard. Fourteen citations were issued to residents who left their vehicles unattended with the keys in the ignition and the engine running.
Some residents leave their vehicles running and unattended with the misconception that there is a need to warm their vehicles for an extended period of time in order for the engine to run properly. Auto theft suspects use this as an opportunity to steal vehicles. A number of vehicles stolen citywide are due to residents leaving their vehicle running and unattended or leaving spare keys in them.
As of January 1, 2022, 118 vehicles have been stolen in the city of Oxnard. Of those 118 vehicles, 24 were stolen due to keys left inside of them. Recently, a resident left their vehicle unlocked with the key in the ignition during early morning hours, and within minutes the vehicle was stolen. Officers were able to locate the vehicle and arrest the car thief due to the stolen vehicle having a tracking device. With the assistance of the vehicle owners, these types of thefts can be prevented.
The Oxnard Police Department will continue to enforce unattended vehicle laws in an effort to decrease vehicle thefts. The fine for leaving an unattended vehicle running is $70.00.
The Oxnard Police Department launched The Oxnard Auto Theft Task Force in early 2015. Detectives assigned to the task force along with the assistance of the Ventura County Auto Theft Task Force (VenCatt), proactively locate and arrest those responsible for vehicle thefts in Oxnard. The Oxnard Police Department Auto Theft Task Force asks residents to help prevent auto theft in our community by never leaving your vehicle running unattended.
The Oxnard Police Department Auto Theft Task Force reminds all residents to remove all keys and valuables from their vehicles, lock and secure their vehicles, and utilize vehicle alarms. The Oxnard Police Department is committed to reducing auto theft in the City of Oxnard.
Anyone with information regarding this case or other criminal activity is encouraged to contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7600, or online via the Oxnard Police Department’s website: www.oxnardpd.org, and clicking on Report Suspicious Activity.