The Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station has released its public safety and crime information report for Stevenson Ranch (Zone 3) for Jan. 7-20, 2019.

The following crimes were reported:

01/07/19
Grand Theft (Auto): 25300 block The Old Road
Person(s) unknown stole the victim’s 2015 Chevrolet Camaro, red/black, which was parked in the parking structure of the location.

01/09/19
Burglary: 25300 block The Old Road
Person(s) unknown smashed the passenger side window of the victim’s vehicle and ransacked the interior. It was unknown at the time of the report if anything was taken.

01/15/19
Burglary (Vehicle): 25900 block The Old Road
A witness saw a white male adult smash the passenger window of a vehicle parked in the parking lot, and take a backpack from the passenger seat. The suspect then got into the passenger seat of an older white car (possible a Honda) driven by a male adult. The witness confronted the suspects, at which time the suspect threw the backpack out of the window and left the area. The backpack contained an Apple laptop computer which was returned to its owner.

Burglary (Vehicle): 27600 block The Old Road
Person(s) unknown smashed the front glass door of the business and gained entry. Nothing was taken.

01/16/19
Burglary: 25400 block Chisom Lane
Two adults (NFD) smashed the rear sliding glass door of the location, ransacked the home, and stole $13,000 in U.S. currency.

Burglary (Vehicle): 24900 block Pico Canyon Road
Person(s) unknown smashed the front passenger window of the victim’s vehicle and stole a purse containing a wallet, debit/credit cards, make-up bag, $80.00 in gift cards, and $10.00 in U.S. currency.

01/18/19
Burglary (Vehicle): 24800 block Pico Canyon Road
Person(s) unknown smashed the rear passenger window of the victim’s vehicle and stole a backpack containing an earthquake emergency kit.

Burglary (Vehicle): 25300 block Chiquella Lane
Person(s) unknown smashed the rear passenger window of the victim’s vehicle and stole a backpack containing a 15” MacBook Pro computer, Kindle Fire, and Apple DVD player.

01/19/19
Burglary (Shoplifting): 24700 block Pico Canyon Road
An adult placed two bottles of perfume into his backpack, then left the location without paying for the items.

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.

Deputy Kevin Duxbury
KBDuxbur@lasd.org
661-799-5158
Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department