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Sheriff reports June spikes in vehicle thefts; Fire Department warns of dry conditions as MAC plans Firewise event and 211 promotion
Summary
The Oak Park MAC heard a June law-enforcement update noting 96 calls for service and a recent surge in unlocked-vehicle thefts, and a Ventura County Fire memo warning of dry conditions and fireworks-started brush fires; members agreed to promote 211 resources and plan a Firewise event.
At the June 27 Oak Park Municipal Advisory Council meeting, Detective Tim Behrend of the Ventura County Sheriff's Office summarized June public-safety activity in Oak Park, saying deputies responded to 96 calls for service, produced six crime reports and eight incident reports and investigated cases including attempted burglary, identity theft and forgery.
Behrend highlighted a short-term spike in thefts from unlocked vehicles and said detectives arrested suspects in a multi-count case; he urged residents to secure valuables and vehicles, using the department's prevention slogan, "Remove it, Lock it, Keep it." The minutes note deputies continue to investigate leads in an attempted-burglary case and reported a stolen vehicle used in an out-of-area crime.
The council also reviewed a Ventura County Fire Department communication noting several brush fires in early July, at least two of which the department tied to illegal fireworks. The memo, circulated by Scott Thomsen in county communications, said dry conditions and recent high temperatures have increased fire risk and listed common ignition sources to avoid.
Separately, the council heard a presentation on 211VC, Interface Children & Family Services' countywide information-and-referral line that handles more than 25,000 calls a year and offers assistance in 150+ languages. Members agreed to promote 211 contact information across MAC social channels and to use a forthcoming Firewise event at the local fire station as an outreach opportunity with partners including Athens, the Water District and Public Works.
No new enforcement actions or funding allocations were recorded during the meeting; the memos were received as informational reports and will remain part of the meeting record.
