Military Gear Stolen From Veterans' Cars, Garages In Camarillo

CAMARILLO (CBSLA.com) — Police are warning veterans and other residents in Camarillo to secure their vehicles after military gear was stolen from local service members.

The items, which included uniforms, helmets and other specialized military gear, were stolen from service members who live in the western portions of Camarillo during the first two weeks of February, according to Camarillo Police Detective Brent Miller.

Most of the items were stolen from the victims' garages and vehicles during nighttime hours, Miller said.

Police say some of the stolen property was located in a parking lot near the intersection of Overland Road and West Ventura Boulevard in Camarillo.

But despite the nature of the thefts, "detectives believe these are crimes of opportunity, and that military personnel are not being targeted," Miller said.

Investigators are warning residents to be on the lookout for military gear with name tapes, iron-on labels and permanent marker that do not match up with the identities of any person selling such equipment.

Anyone with information on the thefts is asked to contact the Ventura County Sheriff's Dispatch Center at 805-654-9511 or 911.