Property Crimes Unit
The Property Crimes Unit consists of assignments that address burglary, fraud/ forgery, auto theft, arson and general thefts. Five detectives handle burglaries, thefts, stolen vehicles and arsons. One detective is assigned to handle fraud/ forgery investigations. These six detectives handled a total of 2,797 cases in 2013.
In 2004, a Crime Prevention Detail consisting of one detective was started, and the focus of this position was to seek ways to reduce opportunities for criminals. The detective assigned to this position manages the Crime Free Multi-Housing Program, which seeks to certify apartment properties upon their adoption of a number of standards. Such standards include the property embracing Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) concepts such as improved lighting, maintained landscaping, and tenant screening. Some locations who have embraced this program have experienced as much as ninety-percent reductions in calls for service to police. In 2008, a business-oriented version of this program known as Crime Free Business began with a campaign to educate merchants and reduce opportunities for crimes to occur on or near their premises. The concepts of Oxnard’s efforts have been sought after by agencies across the nation.