Ojai Anti-Crime Program

Re “Crime Prevention Notices Being Issued,” Oct. 1.

Ojai residents, have you gotten a friendly note from our local cops?

It would seem that the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department Ojai Division has started a new program. In order to help fight crime, they will give you a note if they find that you have left your garage door open.

Sheriff’s Sgt. Chuck Buttell says deputies are issuing Crime Prevention Alert notices, and a copy will be left at the residence where a potential problem was observed, and a copy will be filed at the sheriff’s station in Ojai.

I believe this program will create more harm than good. Personally I do not like the idea that a deputy or volunteer will come onto my property without my permission. Because that’s what they need if they do not have probable cause or a search warrant.

Sgt. Buttell says they are going to maintain records on us! Why? What are they going to do if you get too many notices--send a ticket in the mail?

If you are ripped off, when they write their police report are they going to cite how many times you left the door open? Are they then going to list you as the reason for the loss? Have fun when you notify your homeowners insurance agent.

Has Ojai gotten so bad that we have to close our doors? I don’t know about you, but when it’s 100 degrees outside, I open everything I can, even a few beers. Can you imagine, as the deputy is coming up to post the notice on your house, he or she spots you in the backyard Jacuzzi naked with your wife? Now you are looking at an indecent exposure ticket and arrest.

Where will this program stop?

RANDY HOFFMAN

Oak View