On Saturday, November 29, a woman was arrested in the parking lot between Sprouts and Target on Magic Mountain Parkway by investigators with the CHP. Deputies working out of the Santa Clarita Sheriff Station assisted the CHP by setting up a perimeter, but it is believed that a second suspect, a man, eluded capture by running into the nearby wash.
With all of the shopping being done this time of year, law enforcement officers are used to seeing car robberies spike as well. The robberies are usually conducted using one of two methods while the owner of the vehicle is away. The first method is to simply walk through a parking lot or neighborhood and check for unlocked doors. When found, thieves will quickly steal what they can from glove compartments, center consoles, and whatever else they can quickly grab and get away with.
The second method is what’s known as a “smash and grab,” and consists of a thief breaking the window of a vehicle, grabbing what they can, and running off.
While there’s no way to predict when or where these kinds of robberies will occur, there are a few things that can be done to help ensure you’re not one of the victims. Thieves like this prefer easy, out-of-the-way targets, so when you’re out at night, park in a well-lit area as close to the door as you can. Additionally, never leave gifts or other valuables in your car in plain sight of anyone who happens by. Thieves will be more than happy to smash your window, even if your car is parked under a light, to grab an Ipad, laptop computer, or other equally valuable item. If you must store presents in your vehicle, keep them in the trunk.
