NEWS RELEASE
DATE: October 14, 2021
SUBJECT: Unattended Vehicle Enforcement
LOCATION: Citywide, Oxnard, CA
CONTACT: Enrique Alvarez, Auto Theft Task Force
(805) 385-7664 | Enrique.Alvarez@Oxnardpd.org
The Oxnard Police Department Auto Theft Task Force conducted an operation this morning targeting vehicles that were found to be running without the driver being present. Leaving your vehicle running and unattended is against the law and carries a fine of $70. Today, detectives issued a total of 10 citations.
The operation was conducted due to an increase in stolen vehicles over the last month. It has been observed that as the weather turns colder, drivers leave their vehicles on to warm them up and then leave them unattended. These actions create a window of opportunity that is often taken advantage of by a car thief.
The Oxnard Police Department will continue to enforce this law and ask that our community members do their part in helping reduce auto theft in our city by not leaving their vehicles running and unattended.
The Oxnard Police Department would like to remind residents of the following tips to help prevent vehicle thefts:
· Never leave your car unlocked or your keys in the vehicle, not even for a minute.
· Don't leave your car idling and unattended because it is unnecessary (it doesn't get cold enough here), it is unsafe and illegal (22515(a) V.C.) and someone can steal your car.
· Also, it is a well-known fact that the crime of stealing a vehicle is not the only crime that occurs. Usually, this “first” crime can lead to fraud, theft of identity, grand theft, etc.
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. You can remain anonymous if you choose to do so. You can also stay anonymous by calling the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477. You can also visit this site: www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org to submit a tip via text or email.