Orange County Sheriff's Report

The following information from the OC Sheriff's Department was prepared by

Lieutenant Tom Gallivan

Orange County Sheriff's Department

North Patrol Bureau Commander

Chief of Police Services for Villa Park

550 N. Flower, Santa Ana  92704

(714) 647-4559

Links and phone numbers for the sheriff's Department. As the paucity of the report indicates, North Tustin is a very low crime area. Nevertheless, we are grateful for the Sheriff Deputies who help keep it that way.

December 21, 2009

On Monday, December 21, 2009 at 11:45 PM  Deputies responded to numerous calls of vehicle vandalisms occurring in the North Tustin Area (Old Foothill/Barrett Lane.) According to witnesses, juveniles were driving around the area, smashing out vehicle windows with a baseball bat.  Deputies were able to locate the vehicle and the juveniles.   Approximately five vehicles were damaged during this crime spree. The local juveniles were released to their parents pending further investigation.

October 12, 2009

Deputies responded to several residential burglaries between October 7-9^th.     These burglaries took place in the area of Foothill/Arroyo, Skyline/Apsley and Foothill and Barrett Lane.    It is unknown at this time if the burglaries are related as the investigation is on-going.  The break-ins took place during the daytime when the residents were not home.  The following are some guidelines to follow to minimize your chances of becoming a victim:

· Lock all doors and windows prior to leaving your residence

· When possible trim landscaping around your doors and windows.  It is less attractive for a burglar when he/she can be seen from the street

· If you have a burglary alarm system, use it.   The system should be activated even when you are leaving for   a short time period.

· Neighborhood Watch.  This is a proven crime prevention system that involves neighbors watching out for each other

· Report all suspicious activity to the Sheriff’s Department.  If something or someone looks out of place, report it !!!.  Often times criminals will survey  a neighborhood to see how responsive the neighborhood is to strangers.    

September 4, 2009

I am often asked by community members, how can we reduce or eliminate crime in our community?   The Sheriff’s Department needs your help.  You are our partners in crime fighting.  There is no one who knows your neighborhood better than you.  When something is out of place or someone is loitering around the neighborhood acting suspicious, who better to notice than someone who lives in the community.  Often times people will notice something is out of place and try to justify the action instead of calling the Sheriff’s Department.    That is why we are here.  If you notice something is out of place or suspicious notify our department immediately.      Let the Deputy determine if there is a violation.  If there is no violation, we have been given the opportunity to make our presence known in the community and hopefully allows for us to make a positive citizen contact.   Below are a few simple suggestions that might prevent you or your neighbor from being a victim.

Be suspicious. Report any unusual or suspicious behavior to the Sheriff’s Department. Write down descriptions of the person(s) and license number of any vehicles.

• Keep a trusted neighbor informed if your house will be unoccupied for an extended period. It is important to leave that neighbor a way of reaching you if an emergency should arise.
• Look after your neighbor's house when they are away, and ask them to look after yours. This includes collecting mail, newspapers and other deliveries which would indicate at a glance that no one is home.
• Above all, be concerned. It is the most effective way to reduce or prevent crime and make your neighborhood safe. Often times, spending a few extra seconds watching strangers walking, or driving through your neighborhood is enough to prevent may crimes.
• And remember -- Your job it to report crime. The responsibility for apprehending criminals belongs to the Deputy’s.

July 17, 2009

Four gun shots were fired into a house Tuesday night, July 21, while the residents were inside, but no one was injured, authorities said. This is very unusual in normally quiet North Tustin.

Investigators with the Orange County Sheriff's Department are investigating the shooting, which is believed to have happened around 10 p.m.

Deputies were called to a home on Greenbrier Road in an unincorporated neighborhood near Tustin, where residents heard several shots being fired, he said. Authorities found that four shots were fired into the house and garage.

No suspect information or vehicle description was received. No one inside the home was injured.

This incident is currently under  investigation.  I will provide additional information as it becomes available.  The investigation is ongoing at this time and being handled by the North Investigation Bureau.  Although No suspects have been identified at this time, the incident does not appear to be a random act.   In addition, the shooting does not appear to be associated with any narcotic or gang activity in the area.

Residents are encouraged to report any and all suspicious activity to the Sheriff’s Department immediately.