Oxnard | Four arrested in three days on charges related to stolen vehicles

Oxnard Police Department – Incident Press Release

Officers arrested four people over the last three days for auto theft-related charges. Below is a summary of the arrests:

March 26, 2019

3:15 p.m. – Officers were in the 200 block of South Oxnard Blvd when they arrested Victor Velasco for a felony stolen vehicle arrest warrant.

March 28, 2019

5:30 p.m. –Ventura County Auto Theft Task Force (VenCATT) detectives located a stolen vehicle in the area of the 5000 block of Saviers Road. They conducted a high-risk stop on the vehicle and arrested the driver, Arlene Hokafanu, for auto theft, possession of narcotic paraphernalia, and identity theft charges. The passenger, Erica Torres, was arrested for narcotic related offenses and a felony warrant for possession of a stolen vehicle.

VenCATT is comprised of members from the California Highway Patrol, Oxnard Police, Ventura Police, Ventura District Attorney’s Office, DMV Investigations and the Simi Valley Police Department.

10:01 p.m. – patrol officers were handling a call for service on South B Street when they heard a vehicle collision occur near the 400 block of South Oxnard Blvd. Officers responded and located the two vehicles involved. Officers were able to determine that one of the vehicles involved was a reported stolen vehicle from Ventura. Officers identified the driver of the stolen vehicle as Ana Lopez and arrested her at the scene for being in possession of the stolen vehicle.

Please be advised that a significant portion of auto theft is attributed to vehicles left running and unattended in front of the owner’s own home.

Help protect yourself and your vehicle from thieves.

Lock your vehicle and take out your valuables when leaving it. An unlocked car is an invitation to a thief.
Close all windows – thieves can open vehicles through the smallest of openings.
Take your car keys with you. Do not leave them in your car, or leave your car running.

As part of an ongoing campaign to curb auto theft, the Oxnard Police Department is offering steering wheel locks to Oxnard residents. Owners of 1990-2000, Honda passenger vehicles are being asked to be extra vigilant due to the high number of thefts involving these specific vehicles. The Oxnard Auto Theft Task Force has a limited amount of steering wheel locks available, for details on obtaining a free steering wheel lock, contact Detective Enrique Alvarez at (805) 385-7664.

The Oxnard Police Department cannot effectively stop auto theft without the assistance of concerned, responsible residents. Anyone with information regarding stolen cars or other criminal activity is encouraged to contact the Oxnard Police Department at (805) 385-7600, or online via the Oxnard Police Department’s website: www.oxnardpd.org, and clicking on Report Suspicious Activity. You can remain anonymous if you choose to do so. You can also remain anonymous by calling the Ventura County Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477. You can also visit www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org to submit a tip via text or email.