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OXNARD POLICE DEPARTMENT
NEWS RELEASE
| INCIDENT: | Vehicle Theft Problem Continues for Oxnard; #NotThisCarOxnard Campaign |
| LOCATION: | Citywide |
| PREPARED BY: | Crystal Walker, Detective |
| CONTACT PERSON AND CONTACT INFO: | Enrique Alvarez, Detective
(805) 385-7664, Enrique.alvarez@oxnardpd.org |
DETAILS:
In the spirit of Informing, Educating and Empowering our community, the Oxnard Police Department (OPD) would like to remind the residents of Oxnard of a continuing crime trend citywide. The Oxnard Police Department has had over 750 vehicles reported stolen over the past year (overwhelmingly 1990’s Honda sedans) which is a 9.2 % increase from 2017.
This is not a new or isolated trend. According to NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), nationwide, the top two vehicles listed on the “Vehicles Most Likely to be Stolen” graphic are Honda Accords and Civics.
The Oxnard Police Department is still diligently working to solve the issue. Among OPD’s efforts to lower the instances of vehicle theft are:
- Informational campaign to educate would-be victims on how to prevent vehicle theft;
- Educational Public Safety Videos;
- A #NotThisCar Campaign that sees detectives locating owners of 1990’s Hondas and providing them with steering wheel locks; and
- An enforcement campaign to target known car thieves and put them on notice that OPD is watching!
Crime prevention is YOUR responsibility and it starts at home. Next time you walk away from your idling vehicle, in your driveway or on the street, turn around and turn it off. If you see your neighbor running inside with their doors open or unlocked, keep an eye out or let them know. If you see a suspicious person checking door handles to a vehicle that is not theirs, report it! Let’s let criminals know #NotThisCarOxnard!
The Oxnard Police Department has been focused on extensive public engagement and community outreach, encouraging residents to be “Partners in Public Safety.” Residents are reminded and encouraged to report any and all suspicious activity to police, and can do so anonymously, with translators available 24 hours a day. Anyone with information regarding criminal activity is encouraged to contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7740 or the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477 and www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org.
In addition, the Oxnard Police Department has a limited number of steering wheel locks available, free of charge, to owners of the ‘90s Honda sedans. To obtain a steer wheel lock, contact Detective Enrique Alvarez at (805) 385-7664 or Enrique.alvarez@oxnardpd.org
DATE / TIME PREPARED: 12/12/18 @ 4:14 p.m.
