Crime Prevention Notices Being Issued

Ojai residents who accidentally leave a garage door open or car door unlocked may find themselves the recipient of a friendly note from the cops.

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Department, which provides police services in Ojai and surrounding mountain communities, began a program last week that alerts residents about situations in which property crimes could occur.

Deputies and department volunteers are issuing “Crime Prevention Alert” notices in residential areas, shopping centers, parks and elsewhere, Sheriff’s Sgt. Chuck Buttell said.

“One of the goals of this program is to educate the public into realizing that these common, everyday occurrences can lead to the loss of their valuables,” Buttell said.

A copy of the notice is left on a vehicle or at a residence or business where a potential problem was observed, and a copy is filed at the sheriff’s station in Ojai. A telephone number is listed on the notice in case a recipient wants to contact deputies.

Buttell said he hopes that the program will improve relations between deputies and residents and raise awareness of crime prevention programs offered by the department. He said the program can reduce property crimes, especially in the upcoming holiday season.