Santa Barbara, Calif.  – The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office is reaching out to community members, specifically in the South Coast areas of Hope Ranch, Montecito, Summerland and Carpinteria to share information about recent burglaries and offer burglary prevention tips. In the past week, deputies have taken several burglary reports with notable similarities in the resident layouts, times of occurrence and items taken. In these burglaries, criminals target unoccupied residences that back up to open spaces such as golf courses as well as creeks, streams or the ocean. Investigators have noted most of these crimes tend to occur between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. The most recent burglaries occurred on Wednesday, January 24, 2024, in the 1500-block of Las Tunas in Montecito, and two in the 800- block of Sand Point Lane, Carpinteria. The suspect(s) in these cases are targeting safes.

The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office offers the following suggestions to deter our residents from being targeted:

• Install a Security System: A monitored security system can deter burglars and alert authorities in case of a break-in. Activate alarm systems when leaving the house. Even if you only plan on being away for a brief period.
  • Alarm systems should consist of door sensors, window sensors and glass break sensors for all windows and doors on the first and second stories of the house. Notify your alarm company and Sheriff’s Dispatch at (805)-683-2724 of gate codes that will be needed to access your property and contact information for responsible parties.
  • Replace batteries in alarms and cameras as needed.
• Security Lighting: Well-lit exteriors make it difficult for burglars to approach unseen. Install motion sensor lights around entrances. Leave indoor lights and/or televisions on during the evening hours to give the appearance the house is occupied.
• Secure Doors and Windows: Use solid core or metal doors and reinforce windows with security film or laminated glass. Close and lock all windows and doors when leaving the house.
• Secure Valuables: Keep valuable items out of sight from windows, and consider a home safe for important documents and jewelry. Personal safes have been specifically targeted during these burglaries. Consider permanently securing safes, storing valuables in heavy, well-constructed safes, safe deposit boxes or other secure locations.
• Get to Know Your Neighbors: Building strong relationships with neighbors can lead to a more vigilant and supportive community. Be a good neighbor and report suspicious vehicles or individuals immediately by calling Sheriff’s Dispatch at (805) 683-2724. Pay particular attention to vehicles that drive slowly up and down residential streets, vehicles parked on a street with the engine on and headlights off, and vehicles parked adjacent to hiking trails during hours that are not consistent with hiking.

By implementing these burglary prevention tips, you can reduce the risk of a break-in and enhance the safety of your home.

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