Prevent Auto Burglaries this Summer!

It’s that time of year again when we all spend more time outdoors enjoying our beautiful county parks and beaches. It’s also an opportune time for crooks to steal items from your cars while you are on the beach or hiking trails. Rather than have your day ruined with damage to your car and your personal belongings stolen, please be proactive in protecting your property.

An auto burglary is theft of property (any value) from a secured vehicle and is a felony. If you leave your car unlocked, then the crime is classified as a theft and generally is a misdemeanor unless the value of your property exceeds $400. The most common items stolen are briefcases, purses, computers, cell phones, CDs, day planners, stereos and faceplates, wallets (usually found under a seat or in the glove box), checkbooks, gym bags, MP3 players (such as Ipods), PDAs, jewelry, keys, mail , tools, and even garage door openers (your address is on the vehicle registration or any mail). If a suspect has your home address plus keys or garage door opener, it can lead to a subsequent home burglary.

So it’s important that we not be complacent so that it presents an easy opportunity for thieves that are surveying vehicles while you are away. Some tips:

• Remove visible items from your vehicle. This may sound like common sense but it happens all the time where items of value are left in plain view. It automatically makes your car a target. Be aware of your surroundings, especially if you notice someone just watching you. Experienced thieves can enter your locked car and steal your belongings in less than thirty seconds by smashing a window.
• Lock your car! Sounds like a simple solution but there are many thefts from cars in the county where valuables are left in the vehicle and the doors were not locked or windows left down. Even if it is quick errand, don’t take the chance. If you have a car alarm, please use it. Although some believe that the car alarm doesn’t really deter a thief, remember that the easier targets will get hit more often.
• Park Safely. Park in well-lighted areas if possible and are visible to others in the area. If you are going to a State Park or beach, pay the parking fee as these lots are frequently monitored by staff rather than park out on the street and walk into the beach/park access points.

In July, August and September of 2006, the Sheriff’s Office alone had 139 auto burglaries. Even though we catch some of these thieves, please make our job easier and your visits to the beach more enjoyable by doing your best to minimize your chances of becoming a victim of an auto burglary.

Sheriff’s Response to Party Calls

During the summer months, all the police agencies experience a large amount of public disturbance calls due to parties. Not only are our residents having parties but we have a huge influx of tourists to the area. Unfortunately, the overuse of alcohol and drugs can sometimes lead to grave consequences. In addition to the noise and fights from parties in our neighborhoods in the late evening hours, people driving away from the parties in an intoxicated state creates a public safety hazard. In a few cases, young people and their use of alcohol at parties has led to tragic circumstances. In 2006, a fight at a party in Aptos resulted in a murder when a young man stabbed another partygoer. Just this last week, a group of high school students were having a bonfire party on a mid-county beach with alcohol present when another stabbing took place, leading to the tragic death of one teenage boy and injury to others.

Because of the high incidence of calls, the Sheriff’s Office will be stepping up its enforcement on these parties to hopefully prevent more tragedies and keep the peace in our neighborhoods. It will not be an easy task due to the large amount of area that we patrol and the current shortage of deputies available to respond, but we are making these calls a priority. Many residents feel that they have “had enough”.

Here are some reminders regarding laws that will affect party calls. First, County Ordinance Section 8.30.010 states that persons making “offensive noise” (such as loud, boisterous, or unusual noise that would disturb people of ordinary sensitivities), between the hours of 10 PM and 8 AM, is an ordinance violation. If a person violates this section again within 48 hours, it is a misdemeanor. On top of the criminal penalties, the Sheriff’s Office may also charge the responsible person(s) for the cost of the deputies’ response to that location once an initial warning has been given. If the responsible person is a minor, the parents or guardians shall be liable for the costs. The Sheriff’s Office will be enforcing this rule. In addition, the noise may also be a violation of the Penal Code and is a misdemeanor.

County Ordinance Sections 8.02.020 and 8.02.030 forbid anyone from consuming or possessing alcoholic beverages in public. That means parks, parking areas, beaches, streets, etc.. In addition, there are criminal laws that prohibit minors under 21 from having alcohol in their possession.

County Ordinance Section 8.21.030 is the Youth Protection Curfew that makes it unlawful for a minor under 18 years old to remain in any public place between the hours of 11PM and 5 AM.

There are also county ordinances that affect Live Oak beach areas, including noise, fire, and camping prohibitions. Please pick up any litter as well.

By following these rules, you will create less impact on your neighbors and our beaches and parks. The Sheriff’s Office wants everyone to have a safe and enjoyable summer.