Surge of Thefts from Cars, Homes in Carp, Summerland, Montecito

Authorities are warning residents to lock their homes and car doors after a total of 21 cars and homes were burglarized since last weekend in Carpinteria, Summerland, and Montecito. According to a Sheriff’s Office press release, several other vehicles were reported stolen over the weekend in Montecito.

Wednesday night saw 10 thefts from cars in unincorporated Carpinteria, north of Via Real and near Venice Lane and Via Marcina, said the Sheriff’s Office release. This week, six cars or homes were burglarized in Carpinteria around Cameo Road and Canalino Drive. Last weekend, community members reported five thefts from cars and homes on the 1300 block of Montecito’s Danielson Road and the 2400 block of Bella Vista Drive, as well as the 2100 block of Ortega Hill Road in Summerland.

“Thieves are targeting unlocked vehicles and residents in the middle of the night in residential areas,” said Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Kelly Hoover in a prepared statement. “Just the simple act of locking your car and home is enough of a deterrent to cause some thieves move on and to prevent the crime from occurring.”

Residents who spot suspicious cars or subjects may call 9-1-1. Anyone with information on the crimes is asked to call the Sheriff’s Office at (805) 683-2724 or call anonymously to (805) 681-4171.