Burglaries near hiking trails and golf courses now being reported in Santa Barbara County

Authorities in Santa Barbara County are warning residents whose homes back up toward open spaces about a rising trend in burglaries. The warning comes just days after a similar advisory was issued by Ventura County law enforcement.

Several burglaries have been reported in the southern part of Santa Barbara County that includes the city of Santa Barbara, Goleta, Montecito and many of the unincorporated neighborhoods where some of America’s wealthiest residents live.

The two most recent burglaries were reported on Wednesday in Montecito and Carpinteria, officials said.

The burglaries are believed connected as both homes are adjacent to open spaces and the suspects appeared to be targeting safes.

The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office is now warning residents in these towns, as well as communities like Hope Ranch and Summerland, about these burglaries and the common factor that they seem to share.

“In these burglaries, criminals target unoccupied residences that back up to open spaces such as golf courses as well as creeks, streams or the ocean,” a press release from the Sheriff’s Office reads. The crimes also tend to occur between the hours of 6 p.m. and 10 p.m.

Just last week, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office issued an eerily similar warning about a rise in break-ins that followed that same pattern. One of the burglaries was captured on security footage that was later shared with KTLA.

That video showed a group of masked burglars smash a sliding glass door to get inside a home in Camarillo. The group stole cash and thousands of dollars’ worth of jewelry, electronics and other devices before fleeing. Another home nearby was also broken into that same night; the backyards to both homes have almost unobstructed access from nearby hiking trails.

Authorities have not said if the crimes are connected, but similar advice is being shared to keep your house safe while you’re away.

Install a security system or security lights, ensure your windows and doors are locked when you leave the home and make sure your valuables are securely stored — that includes considering having a floor-mounted safe that cannot be stolen easily.

Officials also recommend getting to know the people who live closest to you.

“Building strong relationships with neighbors can lead to a more vigilant and supportive community,” the Sheriff’s Office says. “Be a good neighbor and report suspicious vehicles or individuals immediately.”

Anyone with information about these burglaries should contact the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch at 805-683-2724.

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