Here is the latest "City Watch" alert from Senior Deputy Tim Lohman of the Thousand Oaks Police Department. If you would like these updates directly from via email, click here for more information.

December has started off with complete madness as we rush out to get those gifts and attend holiday parties. This is also the month where we set our plans and goals for the upcoming New Year and prepare our New Year resolutions.

Lets make 2013, a year where we decrease crime in our communities by sending thieves a message that we will no longer be victims or allow them to profit from our losses. Be vigilant in locking doors, setting alarms, being watchful for suspicious vehicles or persons.  By working together, we can decrease crime.

With the holiday season in full swing, many of us will be attending holiday celebrations. Family, work and school parties, in addition to other social events will be attended as we celebrate the holidays with friends and loved ones.

At many of these holiday traditions, alcohol is added to the celebration. Every year members of law enforcement have come to expect the consequences associated when people drink and drive.  Driving while under the influence (DUI) of alcohol, certain prescription medications, and illegal drugs has ruined many lives and destroyed families.  Nationally, thousands of people die or are severely injured every year as a result of someone who has decided to drive while intoxicated. 

Along with the natural consequence of having to live with the pain of having brought catastrophe on the life of another, there are other legal consequences that the drunk driver must face. Those who are arrested for DUI can expect serious consequences such as jail time, thousands of dollars in fines, probation, a loss of driving privileges, and potentially the loss of a job if the job requires driving.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind this holiday season:

• If you drink alcoholic beverages, DO NOT DRIVE. Use a designated driver.
• Designated drivers should not drink any alcoholic beverages.
• People hosting a party should do so responsibly.  Do not allow guests to drink and drive.
• Party hosts should not allow anyone under 21 to drink alcoholic beverages.
• Find alternative transportation for intoxicated guests.

On the Crime Front:

The Oaks

A victim recently was at The Oaks when he believes he may have been followed to his car or being watched when he put gift cards in his vehicle and returned to the mall. The suspect removed the lock on the driver's side door of the victim’s vehicle as it was parked in The Oaks parking lot.  Unfortunately, the victim had gift cards, a briefcase, a leather bag, a laptop and books taken from inside the vehicle. As a reminder, try to avoid putting items of value in your vehicle and returning to the stores.

24-Hour Fitness

During the week of November 27–30, four people became victims at the 24-Hour Fitness on Thousand Oaks Blvd.  The victims secured their personal property inside a locker.  The suspect cut the locks off of the lockers and stole the victims’ property.

To avoid becoming a victim either keep you valuable property on you or leave it at home.  Leaving the property in your vehicle is not advisable, due to past thefts from vehicles in the parking lot.

If you see anyone suspicious in the parking lot or in and around the locker rooms notify the employees or the Thousand Oaks Police immediately.

Indecent Exposure

On 8-1-12, 11-10-12, and 12-2-12, a white male approached several children at apartment complexes in the 1900 block of Avenida de Los Arboles, the 100 block of Los Feliz Drive and the 1100 block of Ramona Drive and exposed himself. During the incidents, the suspect was wearing a woman’s skirt or similar type woman’s clothing.  Although not aggressive towards the children, he did instigate a conversation with them as he exposed himself.  Detectives from the Thousand Oaks Police Department’s Sexual Assault Unit believe the suspect is the same in all incidents.  Along with a skirt, the subject was also wearing women’s underwear and fishnet stockings. If you have any information please contact Detective Greg Tougas 805-947-8279.

I would like to wish all of you a happy and safe holiday and a happy new year.

It is important to report suspicious persons or activities immediately. Remember if it’s a crime in progress and requires an emergency response call 911, otherwise contact (805) 654-9511 for non-emergencies.

Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for these type of crimes.  The caller may remain anonymous.  The call is not recorded.  Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).

Until next time, stay safe

Tim