LANCASTER – A resident contacted The AV Times to voice concerns regarding a purported spike in burglaries in her west Lancaster neighborhood, although Sheriff’s officials did not have information readily available to support the resident’s claim.
“After the latest blackout we had last week, on the following day to be precise, there have been several robberies in our community,” reported the tipster, who said she lives in a neighborhood near 30th Street West and Avenue J in Lancaster. “The burglars ran away with a computer and other items from one of the homes.”
She added that her neighborhood has experienced a “great deal of commotion” over these latest break-ins, noting a series of other thefts, including a neighbor’s tailgate having been stolen from off a truck.
A Neighborhood Watch captain from the area, who would only give his first name, Julio, said he knows of at least four burglaries that have occurred near 30th Street West and Avenue J in the last week.
Thieves sought windows of opportunity by targeting homes that appeared to be unoccupied, according to Julio.
“On Thursday one house got broken into, and the occupants were away on some family event – a wedding, I think,” Julio said. “Burglars in another incident knocked on the door of a home, and when nobody answered, they kicked in the door. But then they realized there was an occupant inside the house, so they took off running. Nothing was taken from that home.”
He said that these are only descriptions of those burglaries that are known from neighbors who keep his watch group informed. “[There] could be other incidents that haven’t been reported or that we don’t know about,” Julio added.
Julio’s group, Shadow Crest, interacts with fellow members online through the social network Nextdoor.com. The “Facebook for Neighborhood Watch,” as he describes it, allows members of a local community to keep each other informed with crime and safety updates.
Formed in 2007, the approximately 120 members of Shadow Crest have defined a half-square mile of their own geographical area in west Lancaster to watch over. Julio and the other seven block captains try to hold at least two watch meetings a year, while recording their sessions to provide access to members through the network.
“Our neighborhood is pretty good,” Julio said. “We’re pretty vigilant and keep an open eye for each other. We also look out for people when they go on vacation.”
However, group participation is normally at its best when crime is on the rise, he admits.
“When there is an incident, then there is a lot more interest,” Julio said. “When the group formed, there was a lot of break-ins with our mailboxes, and that’s what kind of brought the group together.”
But Julio does not believe the recent burglaries are an ongoing problem in his neighborhood. Instead, he attributes the latest incidents to a summertime trend when thieves tend to troll for empty houses and easy access.
The AV Times contacted Lancaster Sheriff’s Station Community Relations Deputy Joshua Stamsek to validate residents’ concerns with a recent increase in burglary incidents.
“I don’t have anything that says burglaries are on the rise or that crimes are on the rise, per se,” said Stamsek. He said he would inquire with other detectives to see if there has been evidence of a recent rash of crimes in the Lancaster area.
Deputy Stamsek also said that tailgate thefts had increased about a month ago, and that the Lancaster Sheriff’s Station recommended that drivers “park their trucks up against a wall or their garage door, and to be aware of suspicious activities in their neighborhood.”
To report anything suspicious in your neighborhood to the Lancaster Sheriff’s Station, call 661-948-8466. Residents may also report crimes and remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, or by visiting the website at www.lacrimestoppers.com.
The City of Lancaster also provides crime statistics on its website at www.cityoflancasterca.org.
–
JustWondering says
Will someone please tell me why the tailgates off of trucks are being stolen? Do they have value detached from a vehicle?
(I only did a cursory scan of the posts looking to see if this had already been addressed. If it has, I’m sorry. Then just give me the Reader’s Digest version). Thanks.
Tim Scott says
People take the tailgate off as a (theoretical) way to get better gas mileage. Next thing you know there’s a divorce, or a move, or a knocking stuff over in the garage and when they go to put the tailgate back on it is lost or damaged. That makes a market.
Mary says
Anyone breaking into my home won’t walk away with much. They better bring a 55 gallon trash bag to fill up with my Legos because that’s all I own. And no, I do not have collectable ones, just random legos for my grandkids. I own no electronics, no movies, no TV, no jewelry, and a $5.00 CD radio – I also have about 10 55 lb bag of dirty clothes – please steal them.
young thug says
Thanks for letting me know, now I dont have to waiste my time going to your house.
PeaceInTheAV says
There was an attempted burglary in a West Lancaster neighborhood off of Ave I during the same blackout weekend. This attempt was NOT REPORTED because the burglars did not get in. I wonder how many other residents did not report the same type of incident because the burglary was botched?
Bee says
Should get intelligent home; home security. Wayyyy better than adt. Doesn’t need a phone line, runs off internet if your power is cut it has a back up battery & backed up by cell service
ashley says
THe AV is so ghetto. I wouldnt live here unless I had to…..
Just Saying says
With decent home DVRs running under $200, I don’t get why more west side houses don’t have them. Thief’s will avoid an entire block because just one system can show them in the neighborhood and blow their cover.
Nancy P says
What good is video if the patrols don’t come by to look at it or get a copy?
James P. Biddle says
You’re mistaken about the uptick in burglaries. The tweety bird sounds eliminated crime. Plus, Lancaster is a Christian city and therefore crime does not occur. Just ask King Rex.
Turd Ferguson says
You are right James P. Biddle.You are right James P. Biddle.The tweety bird sounds were supposed to eliminate crime.The tweety bird sounds were supposed to eliminated crime.That is what Rex told the reporter.That is what Rex told the reporter.For the Wall Street Journal.For the Wall Street Journal.Maybe Rex was wrong.Maybe Rex was wrong.But how can he be wrong about LEAPS?But how can he be wrong about LEAPS.It is an aerial crime fighting tool.It is an aerial crime fighting tool.That will bring an influx of new jobs and tax revenues to our city.That will bring an influx of new jobs ant tax revenues to our city.When someone buys one.When someone buys one.Nobody wants one.Nobody wants one.Except for Rex.Except for Rex.He does not mind spending $90,000.00 a month to make his friends rich.He does not mind spending $90,000.00 a month to make his friends rich.For 10 years.For 10 years.That is $10,800,000.00.That is $10,800,000.00.For what.For what.For pisspoor results.For pisspoor results.We need more Sherriffs.We need more Sherriffs.We do not need LEAPS.We do not need LEAPS.No to LEAPS.No to LEAPS.Yes to Sherriffs.Yes to Sherriffs.More boots on the ground.More boots on the ground.
Imagine says
Imagine what we could get done with $10 million dollars instead of wasting it on a spy plane that is useless.
EJ. Ward says
Do you know the answer to all of your question for Lancaster residents is that we need a new mayor with new ideal,,, . Why are we still living the old fashion way, our Mayor doesn’t care about the City of Lancaster he only care about how much money he can make out of the city for his attorney business., I beleave he doesn’t even live here in the City of Lancaster, I think he live in Ventura County very rich man,,, Lancaster residents do the research, it time for a new Since of direction for Lancaster don’t you think so.
Shadow Crest Neighborhood says
consider using Nextdoor for networking with your neighborhoods. Here is link to a couple of of videos explaining Nextdoor:
https://vimeo.com/59427424
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfW2t2W0h4U&feature=youtu.be
Mr fed up says
Well this is the downfall of that county settlement, withe the DOJ! And now with advisory committee watching both A.V. Sheriff stations are deputies are handcuffed on giving information about burglaries, cause if the race factor involved, everything goes hand and hand. The sheriff department can’t stop black and Latino people who are the cause of 95% of the burglaries
Fed up with You says
Well I’m Fed up of all of you people always talking about Blacks and Latinos! Yes I’m Mexican American I really don’t care what skin color you are. But ugly is ugly. And if you want to go there lets just talk about all the people that on the corner asking for money with their hand out. And if you just go to AV’s most wanted most of them are your people not mine….
Brana says
Trash is trash and knows no color!!! Same thing can be said about stupid and ignorant — goes across allll racial lines. Quit judging people by the color of their skin; judge them on their actions!!!!
Mr fed up says
You right, its not about color, but everyone new to the a.v. is making it about color,perception goes along way in today’s society, look at av’s crime rate , every race is to blame, but look at the majority, which the media is giving the perception, that it’s mostly blacks and Latinos committing the burglaries. Remember Mr. Fed up with you, the people your defending because of the color, are the ones breaking into hard working innocent people of all colors, races and nationalities.
Lh says
East Palmdale between 25th St. E to 47th has sparked up as well. My house was broken into.
It’s getting out of control
William says
Movie star homes get broken into in Beverly Hills.
So, what else is new?
Tim Scott says
Notice when there’s a big story about two break ins there is no big story about the couple hundred thousand houses in the AV that weren’t broken into. If there were five burglaries a day in the AV, every single day, the odds of your particular residence being targeted anytime in the next DECADE would still be better than ten to one against.
Burglaries do happen. People also get struck by lightning. If you are actively worrying about either one, do the math and just stop. Save yourself the stress.
Alan says
Are you a moron? While it is okay to accept the fact that you have a low chance – though still likely – to be struck by lightning, you should never accept that buglaries are just something that happens, shrug it off, and walk away.
Yes, they happen – how about instead of saying “It’s never going to happen to me” you say “I am ready, my family is safe, all I have worked hard for is safe, and if I see one of these bastards trying to break into my place, they will not be leaving except in the back of a police car”.
And if you have noticed, officers aren’t really doing anything about squat around here. They are more interested in writing tickets, maybe we should make sure they are doing their jobs as well, serve and protect, not only serving tickets.
Seriously dude? Is that the best you can come up with?
You are the problem.
Gowchong says
Alan, you mentioned “…and if I see one of these bastards trying to break into my place, they will not be leaving except in the back of a police car….” They won’t be so lucky at my house. More n likely, they’ll be taken out feet first if they unlawfully enter my house….
Rick says
Alan – Your response is spot on, for the most part – However stating that the officers aren’t really doing squat around here is highly inaccurate. They aren’t writing an influx of tickets to fill the void in fighting real crime – This is a prime example of what happens when law enforcement is hammered for being proactive and conducting proactive policing – With the help of realignment bills, early releases of prisoners and anti police/discrimination/race baiting community groups, the days of proactive police work is over – I’m not talking about rogue cops caving in skulls for entertainment, but rather ability to detain and identify groups of all races in high crime areas or just that intelligence yielding system of contacting people who are out wondering the streets at 2am – Since anything like that is considered stereotyping and the product of a hate filled racist cop, the days of being able to control a criminal element is pretty much over –
When you reward criminals with immunity and a check and tell them they are ‘victims’ and the police are the bad ones, it pretty much sets the tone for things to come. Get ready – It’s only going to get worse here – In fact, it might get so bad that even Tim Scott might finally become a victim of crime – Although I doubt there is a criminal brave enough in the AV to undergo his psychological torture and way out there theories and claims of immunity when it comes to becoming a victim of crime. In his world he’s always the hero and winner – He is made of Teflon and full of brown leftovers from the digestion process. Take care.
Tim Scott says
So what do you recommend as an “appropriate” level of preparation for this one in a million event?
Spend money on a home security system? Do the math, it costs more than you lose even if you DO happen to get burgled.
Sleep with a gun in your hand? You are far more likely to shoot yourself or someone in your own family than you are to shoot a burglar. If you leave your gun at home while you go to work, which is when most burglaries occur, you are likely to be arming a burglar which seems counter-productive.
Give the cops a big enough budget to put a squad car on every block 24/7? First off, who can afford it? Second off, the cops currently cause far more trouble than burglars do, and if there were that many more it would be a disaster.
So, what’s your plan?
Tim Scott says
Nope. Can you do math?
Native says
You should know better Tim. The moment you let your guard down is when it’s going to happen. A military personnel ought to know that.
All of these reports of thugs getting shot in the AV, but no one ever talks about the citizens that were NOT shot by police. Your logic is flawed at best.
Tim Scott says
Our crime rate is about average. Too low to spend a lot of energy fretting over, and normal enough to suggest that there isn’t anything practical to be done about it.
Our law enforcement organization is one of the absolute worst in the entire nation. That suggests that pushing to improve it is worth the effort, even though as you say far more people are not being inappropriately killed or otherwise victimized than are.
Native says
If our crime rate is average, why do you spew your logic against the cops? The crime rate and police go hand in hand. If there were no cops, would the crime stop? No, Tim. Police are the reason the crime rate is average, in you words. The criminals fear police. The criminals fear being captured or shot. A criminal pulls a gun on a peace office and gets killed. You complain about brutality being rampant in the police. A criminal knocks over a couple houses and you say, “Don’t worry, the odds are against you.”
Your letting your prejudice show Mr Scott. You really need to try policing these innocents, as you seem to see them!
Tim Scott says
Native, here’s a question for you…
If there were no cops tomorrow, would you rob a bank? Break into a house? Kill your mother in law?
Cops aren’t what keep people from committing crimes, and everyone knows it ABOUT THEMSELVES. You just operate in this widely held false premise that only the cops keep some mysterious “them” in check.
Joey B says
Tim Scott are you kidding, what a joke. If there were no cops and you don’t think people wouldn’t commit crimes. You are wrong. If there were no more cops the crime rate would at least double if not more. No more cops it would be everyone for themselves mentality. Look at all the crime that is stopped by them. Is this the liberal idea of Utopian society you all crave. Stop being a hater.
Jeff Lemmon says
Please let me know if I can help. I offer the best prices for state of the art monitored home security systems from ADT. I will also host a watch meeting and give tips on securing your homes properly. I’ll also give group discounts and $100 referral fees. Thank you and God bless. 661-857-7473
naive says
Capitalism at its best! Thank you, Mr Lemmon, after insurance kicks in, maybe then I’ll consider it. That’s why it’s important to own you house, pay taxes & BUY INSURANCE! New things are on the way! Thanks criminals, I’m getting paid! You get to go meet nurse Steve in c block.
Nancy P says
This area is also very close to the area where the beloved, senior resident was killed by a young teenage kid.
Turd Ferguson says
Good thing we pay $90,000.00 a month for LEAPS.Good thing we pay $90,000.00 a month for LEAPS.They said it was a crime fighter.They said it was a crime fighter.It cannot catch these petty burglars.It cannot catch these petty burglars.It could not catch a butterfly in a butterfly farm.It could not catch a butterfly in a butterfly farm.Now they are telling us it will help disasters.Now they are telling us it will help disasters.It is a disaster.It is a disaster.They told us it would create jobs.They told us it would create jobs.They told us it would bring in revenue.They told us it would bring in revenue.It does neither.It does neither.It just makes money for Rexs friends.It just makes money for Rexs friends.No to LEAPS.No to LEAPS.
ERIK says
Glad to see you are back, Turd. I have missed seeing your post. Very amusing and very true.
William says
We knew rex was going to pull stuff like this from the day he first took office.
Everything has been predictable including the big FAIL of the fabulous ‘heart of the Valley’, ‘destination blvd’, ‘ramblas’ and/or a public urinal for the homeless.
Is anyone surprised?
What a record for rex to run on next year.
Would it surprise anyone if rex asked the government for a federal bailout of Lancaster at this point.
Sierra says
Why the heck are you bringing up Rex yet AGAIN? Obsess much????? Geeze!
We have the amount of crime we do because of the amount of low-income trash people who live here and prey on others, the same people who consistently vote for Democrats and expect handouts.
These are the people you have in your party and supporting your party now which are nothing but pure trash!!!!! pure unadulterated trash!!!!!
Let that sink into your head for a minute! Your party is not the working class party, the wealth party or the decent people party, it’s the TRASHY PEOPLE party! Embrace it!!!! And congratulations!
ERIK says
I am a Republican and I can see that much of what Rex and the boys have done has been nothing but a pile. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to analyze that situation. Nor does it take someone from a different party. The mayor is eccentric and has very unorthodox ways of getting what he wants….
Tim Scott says
Careful. Being a Republican means giving full vocal backing even if the party leader or party position clearly flies in the face of reality or morality. To do less makes you a RINO at best, or perhaps one of them godless lib’ruls.
William says
@Sierra
Look, Silly Person
I was replying to a comment re: rex parris and you replied to me about obsession than went off on your rant.
Come Thursday night, August 6, on fox ‘news’. we’ll all get to see your party self-destruct for all America to watch plus the people like you and your ilk in the audience who will cheer them on when they say the most insane things.
Come back afterwards so we can discuss it or will you run and hide, Sierrakins?
BTW You sound just like Granny13 and Lady Liberty on steroids. Not good. Not good at all.
Lady Liberty says
William, stop bashing everyone. Tell me what’s the difference between a socialist and a democrat? Debbie Wasserman Schultz couldn’t answer the question from Chris Matthews can you.
William says
Your user ID “Lady Liberty” is such a lie.
I bet much of what you stand for depends on denying some form of liberty to minorities, immigrants, the LGBT community, atheists, Muslims, women in need of reproductive health care, Americans in need of any health care, American’s voting rights and so on.
Who do you think you’re foolin’ besides yourself?
Tell me now, did I nail it for ya? Go down the above list and tell us where you stand on those issues.
Claire says
Secular Liberalism is undermining the institutions essential to keeping our country strong and free. Liberal antagonists are likely to be successful in the short term. No doubt this is due to the-frog-in-kettle effect. You didn’t answer her question William.
William says
@Claire
Lady Liberty never answers questions but expects others to answer hers, a typical right wing ploy.
It’s sounds like you are of her ilk too.
“Secular liberalism” is a good thing, BTW. Look up the words you use.
secular
: not spiritual : of or relating to the physical world and not the spiritual world
: not religious
: of, relating to, or controlled by the government rather than by the church
liberalism
1: the quality or state of being liberal
2 a: often capitalized : a movement in modern Protestantism emphasizing intellectual liberty and the spiritual and ethical content of Christianity
b : a theory in economics emphasizing individual freedom from restraint and usually based on free competition, the self-regulating market, and the gold standard
c : a political philosophy based on belief in progress, the essential goodness of the human race, and the autonomy of the individual and standing for the protection of political and civil liberties; specifically : such a philosophy that considers government as a crucial instrument for amelioration of social inequities (as those involving race, gender, or class)
From Merriam-Webster online
Any questions, Claire? You thought you were so clever. Apparently not so.
William says
@Lady Liberty
Why didn’t you telling Sierra to stop ‘bashing’?
She just wrote this up above. I’ll bet it’s because you and she are both hypocrites.
“These are the people you have in your party and supporting your party now which are nothing but pure trash!!!!! pure unadulterated trash!!!!!”
Like I’ve said, she is like you on steroids and then you show up to prove it.
I can’t wait to see what you have to say after the BIG debate Thursday. You and she remind me of Babs, this crazy person that used to forward right wing nonsense emails all the time. I wonder if she’s been locked up yet.
William says
Poor, poor Lady Liberty. This is how confused she really is. The root of ‘liberty’ is the same as the root of ‘liberal’.
Is it any surprise that she is confused about everything else besides her own name? What a girl. What a girl.
Origin of liberal
Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin liberalis suitable for a freeman, generous, from liber free; perhaps akin to Old English lēodan to grow, Greek eleutheros free
First Known Use: 14th century
Origin of liberty
Middle English, from Anglo-French liberté, from Latin libertat-, libertas, from liber free — more at liberal
First Known Use: 14th century
Don’t nobody tell her. She thinks she knows everything. But, we know better.
Jh says
I live on J and 25th W. There have been 2 burglaries that I know of. Scary