Youths Arrested in Garage Burglary Case

An off-duty sheriff’s sergeant walking a dog found himself watching two teens size up an open garage.

So Sgt. Steve Wade put a leash on them, as well.

The two 17-year-old Camarillo boys were arrested on suspicion of burglary, booked into Juvenile Hall and released to the custody of their parents after the incident Wednesday night, police said.

Wade said he watched the boys drive slowly past the home and its open garage door near the intersection of Las Posas Road and Calle La Sombra about 8:50 p.m.

Minutes later, the car came back, and Wade watched as the youths got out of the car and walked into the open garage.

One stood at the door as a lookout. The other fished around inside, police said.

Before they could lift a thing, Wade detained and arrested them on suspicion of residential burglary, police said.

The residents of the home were inside during the burglary attempt, which police say is not surprising.

Thefts from open garages--even while residents are home--account for scores of burglary reports taken each year across Ventura County.

Police say the incident points to the need to keep garage doors shut and locked when not in use.