The Santa Barbara Police Department would like to alert citizens — be aware of suspicious activity stemming from high traffic areas like retail parking lots or beachfront parking areas. The constant turnover and activity aide a thief’s ability to blend in with the environment.
Recently, there has been a rash of vehicle burglaries and theft from vehicles at the Arroyo Burro Beach Park (Hendry’s Beach) as well as other beachfront parking areas and trailheads. Police suspect professional crews are specifically targeting those areas due to high value opportunities.
The vehicles are often accessed while locked with the use of tools to force entry.