Deputy warns of increase in car break-ins

Car burglaries are on the rise in Moorpark, according to Senior Deputy Ed Tumbelson of the Moorpark Police Department.

"The thieves are targeting small electronics such as satellite receivers, iPods, cellphones, laptop computers and anything else of value left in plain view in either locked or unlocked vehicles," Tumbelson said.

Recently, thieves smashed the windows of several vehicles parked

on Timber Ridge and Heather Court to steal personal electronic devicesSomeone also caused damages to a car parked on East Los Angeles Avenue to take a satellite receiver.

Investigators believe more than one person is involved in the breakins.

Officials are asking residents to help put a stop to these crimes. They suggest that electronic devices and other valuable items should be stored out of sight to prevent burglaries.

"If you store valuables in your vehicle in plain view, it may only be a matter of time before you are victimized by this crime," Tumbelson said.

"If you see someone walking by vehicles and it appears to you that they are looking into the vehicles they are passing, please call the police department immediately and report what you saw," Tumbelson said.

Callers should describe the person and his or her clothing and tell

the dispatcher which direction the suspects are walking toward. The phone number is (805) 654-9511.

-- Sylvie Belmond