THOUSAND OAKS : Transient Suspected in 30 Thefts Arrested
A 30-year-old transient who is suspected of committing more than 30 residential burglaries in Ventura County was arrested Sunday in Newbury Park after he had attempted to rob a Thousand Oaks home, authorities said.
Jeffrey McConnell, held Sunday night in the East Valley Branch Jail, is suspected of a string of burglaries in Thousand Oaks and Camarillo, Sheriff’s Lt. Bill Montijo said.
“McConnell would prey on victims who had their homes listed for sale or the elderly,” Montijo said. “While touring the homes, McConnell would use a ruse to separate himself from the homeowners, steal cash from the victims’ purses and flee.”
On Sunday, McConnell visited a home for sale in the 2200 block of Deerfield Street in Thousand Oaks, sheriff’s deputies said. While viewing the second floor of the home, he told the homeowners he needed a pen and went downstairs.
The homeowner, whom police did not identify, became suspicious and followed McConnell. “McConnell ran from the home, and the victim followed him outside and obtained his vehicle license plate” number, Montijo said.
About an hour later, sheriff’s deputies located McConnell’s car on Lynn Road near Hillcrest Drive and arrested McConnell, Montijo said.
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