The Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station has released its crime and arrest information report for Newhall (Zone 6) for March 18-24, 2018.

03/24/18
Petty Theft (Shoplifting): 23400 Lyons Avenue
A male adult exited the location with two items he did not pay for. He was arrested for petty theft shoplifting.

Grand Theft (Auto): 25000 Peachland Avenue
Person(s) unknown stole the victim’s 1999 Honda Civic from the parking lot of the location. The vehicle was later recovered in Los Angeles.

03/23/18
Burglary: 23800 Oakhurst Drive
Person(s) unknown smashed the rear sliding glass door of the location and entered the location. It is unknown what was stolen.

03/21/18
Petty Theft: 25000 Avenida Balita
Person(s) unknown entered the victim’s unlocked vehicle and stole his sunglasses.

03/19/18
Petty Theft: 24800 Orchard Village Road
Two female adults exited the location with four bottles of health supplements without paying for the items. The suspects then left the location in a blue Chevrolet car. They were not detained by store employees and no arrest was made. Total loss was $170.

Tip of the week: Avoiding Vehicle Burglaries
Most criminals who are looking to steal items from a vehicle are looking for the easy targets. Most commonly known as a “smash and grab,” the burglars are looking for high-value items that are in plain sight which can be easily and quickly taken after finding an unlocked door or smashing a window.

Imagine the costs and inconvenience of not only having to replace a smashed window but also having to replace your driver’s license, credit/debit cards, laptop, cell phone, etc.

Here are some great tips to help prevent being a victim of a vehicle burglary:

* ALWAYS lock your vehicle when left unattended.

* Never leave your wallet or purse in your vehicle and in plain view when leaving your vehicle unattended.

* If you use a portable GPS, remove it from the dash or windshield and place it in your glovebox or trunk when leaving your vehicle unattended.

* Never leave any high value items (laptops, cell phones, jewelry, tools) inside your vehicle in plain view while unattended. If you cannot carry those items with you, secure them in the trunk.

* Use a sunscreen in your windshield, even at night or when parked in a parking structure. This makes it much harder for a burglar to look into your vehicle.

* Remember: Vehicle burglars usually will not break into a vehicle with the intention of searching it in hopes of finding something of value. This takes too long and the burglar risks being seen. If there is no easy opportunity that is readily available for a smash and grab thief, they will more than likely pass your vehicle and look for a better target.

Take care, and be safe.

Dep. Kevin Duxbury
Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station
661-799-5158
KBDuxbur@lasd.org