The Thousand Oaks Police Department, along with several specialized enforcement units, has apprehended a group of individuals accused of defacing public and private property throughout the city. In March of 2025, city authorities noted a marked increase in graffiti, a byproduct of the turf wars between local criminal gangs, causing over $5,000 in damages, according to a statement released by the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office.
After an investigation by the East County Special Enforcement Unit and others, two adults—identified as Cesar Gonzalez and Joselin Lopez—and five juveniles were taken into custody under suspicion of graffiti vandalism and gang involvement, their actions contrary to sections 594(b)(2)(A) PC and 186.22(d) PC, with the arrests spanning various locations across the Thousand Oaks region, the report disclosed.
"The Thousand Oaks Police Department encourages citizens to immediately report suspicious people and vehicles by promptly calling 911 or our non-emergency line," Sergeant Dillan Alvarez stressed in the report, underlining the community's role in crime prevention. The statement also included an appeal for residents to leverage social media and text services for updated law enforcement and public safety advisories.
Moreover, the City of Thousand Oaks offers a graffiti removal service, free of charge, to erase the marks of vandalism from public view. Residents are urged to report graffiti sightings through a dedicated hotline or email outlined in the release. For tips leading to further arrests, Ventura County Crime Stoppers has put forth a reward of up to $1,000, with anonymous options for those providing information.
