Over the last several months, there has been an increase in stolen vehicles and crimes related to catalytic converter thefts throughout the City of Fillmore. In some cases, thieves are stealing vehicles for the purpose of removing the catalytic converter.
The makes and models of the vehicles that thieves have targeted has varied. However, in some cases, vehicles were left unlocked, and their keys were left inside. This makes it easy for a suspect to steal a vehicle.
The Fillmore Police Department is asking residents to be diligent and make sure all spare keys to their vehicles are accounted for, stored in a secure location, and not left in the vehicle. This includes any wallet or hide-a keys and key fobs.
Here are some tips to help prevent vehicle theft and catalytic converter theft:
- Park in a secured garage or in a well-lit area with surveillance cameras and/or where the vehicle will be seen by a passerby.
- Install motion-sensitive lighting to illuminate driveways used for parking.
- Consider adding security cameras to oversee driveway and on-street parking areas.
- Research catalytic converter anti-theft devices and weigh the pros and cons of having one installed.
- DO NOT leave keys inside the vehicle, make sure to remove any valuable items for the vehicle, and lock the vehicle.
We are asking for our community’s help to prevent catalytic converter thefts. If you hear strange noises during the night, such as power tools or sawing, if you see a vehicle driving suspiciously slow through your neighborhood or stopped at the side of the road, if you see or hear ANYTHING out of the ordinary, please call the Fillmore Police Station at (805) 524-2233, or Ventura County Sheriff’s Dispatch at 911 or (805) 654-9511. The reporting party may remain anonymous. Often, these thieves are caught when an observant resident calls the police when something looks suspicious or does not seem quite right.
The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank members of the public for their on-going support and due diligence in providing information to assist our agency in solving crimes. We are better at what we do because of our community partnerships. Join us in the fight on crime by following us on Twitter @VENTURASHERIFF, Facebook, Instagram @ VCSHERIFF, and with Nixle by texting your zip code to 888777 to receive local law enforcement and public safety alerts and advisories.
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