Hardware thieves locked up

Members of the Lost Hills Sheriff’s Department Burglar Apprehension Team arrested a Do It Center employee and his girlfriend for stealing merchandise from the Agoura Hills store.

The suspects are Douglas Schmachtenberger, 25, and Melane Brock, 23.

At 10:30 p.m. on Oct. 21, deputies observed two vehicles parked at the rear of the hardware store lot on Roadside Drive. Detecting the odor of marijuana, deputies searched the vehicles and also discovered non-prescription medication and a white substance resembling cocaine.

Deputies also found a cache of tools and home improvement items in both vehicles. According to a sheriff’s report, Schmactenberger admitted he had stolen the goods during the day and had called Brock to bring her car and help him transport the items. The vehicles were parked near the store’s warehouse doors.

Both suspects were arrested for burglary and narcotics violations.

Detectives are investigating whether or not the thefts are related to other burglaries recently reported in the Malibu/ Lost Hills area.