Local vandals apprehended

STAR WITNESS-The familiar Mercedes hood ornament was a prime target for the Oak Park automobile vandals. Four teens were arrested Oct. 11 in connection with the recent rash of vandalism in Oak Park, including the removal of vehicle hood ornaments and emblems.

Three of the suspects also were involved in the destruction of nine trees at Deerhill Park that resulted in almost $3,000 damage.

The teens, all 15 years old and students at Oak Park High School, were issued citations for vandalism and vehicle tampering and released to their parents. According to police, the crimes occurred late at night.

Dep. Dave Nadon headed the investigation and used information he received from residents and other deputies to identify the four suspects.

"It's a small community so you get to know a lot of people. We started interviewing kids and through those efforts located the four Oak Park High School students," said Det. Eric Buschow, spokesperson for the Ventura County Sheriff's Department.

The parents didn't know their children were involved until they were contacted by the authorities.

The county's youth services and probation department will review the case, Buschow said. The suspects could be placed on probation, given community service, and required to pay restitution to the victims, he said.

"With juveniles, the point is to get parent involvement so that this does not result in incarceration," Buschow said.

Police estimate that more than 38 vehicles were damaged by the emblem thefts. At least 11 of the damaged vehicles were Mercedes-Benzes. Other luxury makes included BMW and Audi.

One of the suspects admitted vandalizing local vehicles for over a year.

During interviews the suspects said they were "bored" and committed the crimes for "kicks." Some of the stolen emblems were recovered while others had been thrown in the trash.

Felony charges were filed against two of the suspects because of excessive damages to one of the vehicles. Three suspects received an additional felony charge for the tree vandalism.

Police initially were unaware of the extent of the vandalism because many of the incidents had not been reported by the victims.

Authorities encourage victims of vandalism to report all incidents to the Sheriff's Department at (805) 654-9511.