Posted by alhynson on December 29, 2008 at 4:49 a.m. (Suggest removal)

That's within a block of Rookies, Nicholby's, Ventura Theater, & the Bombay.

There was(maybe still is) a cop shop(police store front) on Oak St across the street from the parking lot. Maybe the cop shop should be permanently staffed on weekend nights.

Also, the cop shop could have permanent video security cameras at separate locations to provide a large area view from the cop shop. This idea would probably have to be approved by citizens, yet, would be a great deterrent to criminal activity in the area.

Posted by azuresees on December 29, 2008 at 6:03 a.m. (Suggest removal)

MRSMYTH: If they consider going out armed, they'd better have gun in hand, because if it's in a purse, and the guy gets the drop on them like he did, the gun will become his.

Posted by Hueneme_girl29 on December 29, 2008 at 6:26 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Guess the "buddy system" doesnt work anymore.....

Posted by AnnaWhaat on December 29, 2008 at 6:52 a.m. (Suggest removal)

What a Scum bag!!!! I hope they have him on video somewhere and I.D him and arrest his butt!
Hopefully he will be stupid enough to use one of thier credit cards or cell phones......then hopefully they can track him. Most stores have surviellence and all ATM's do.....

Posted by jill on December 29, 2008 at 7:18 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Sadly, as much as they try to enhance downtown Ventura, some of the people loitering there creep me out. You don't get the good feeling you get when you walk around, for example, San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara. It's just a weird vibe.

Posted by lawabider on December 29, 2008 at 7:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I have a friend that loves to go to downtown Ventura on the weekend nights to listen to the various types of music they have -- I always worry about her because the scum shows up just about anywhere after dark these days... I'm buying a gun now, my mind is made up...

Posted by zscuba_8e on December 29, 2008 at 7:36 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Seems like Ventura is taking the crime title from Oxnard. Anyone know what is going on there?
I thought Ventura was a safe place, now I wonder.
Always be vigilant.

Posted by THX1138 on December 29, 2008 at 8:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Here the city has spent a lot to upgrade that area and if the word gets out that you may get mugged, people will stay away.
+1 on increasing the use of cameras, although that would require yet more $$.

Posted by jeffinventura on December 29, 2008 at 9:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Crimes happen in all areas and all cities....it's a fact of life. This incident appears to be isolated and hardly the indicator of any crime wave.

It's ALWAYS a good idea to be careful...no matter where you are and what time of day it is!!

GOD BLESS!

Posted by nojustice_justus on December 29, 2008 at 10:28 a.m. (Suggest removal)

zscuba_8e-Crime is everywhere but it will take much more than that to compare it to Oxnard.

Posted by venturapagan on December 29, 2008 at 10:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)

that "cop shop" on Oak downtown has been vacant for several months.....this is why we need CCL's (Concealed Carry Licence) and learn to be proficient with a firearm; we all need to be able to defend ourselves from this kinda scum. Cops can't be everywhere, especially when a crime takes a matter of a few seconds to occur. Just my opinion..

Posted by johnhancock on December 29, 2008 at 11:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I heard the suspects have 10 fingers, two hands, a couple of arms and legs, about 10 toes, and some hair on their heads.

Posted by rebel123 on December 29, 2008 at 12:24 p.m. (Suggest removal)

OK, so the perp already has a gun drawn and pointed.....you really think you stand a chance in hell of getting your concealed weapon out before he shoots? Very likely you end up dead without your purse. I'd rather be alive without my purse.

Posted by dragstripgirl on December 29, 2008 at 12:30 p.m. (Suggest removal)

There are so many cops that patrol downtown Ventura on the weekends. It is almost ridiculous.

The issue is that they are all young guys who are too busy trying to intimidate the broskies at Rookies and flirting with the drunk girls. In fact when I was 21 the cops let me sit in the front seat of the car and share their In and Out while I waited for my friends who were still inside the bar.

The aren't patrolling for crime. They are waiting to get people for drunk in public or score a hot date for the next week...

Don;t get me wrong, our officer's do a great job for the most part but we have DRAMATICALLY increase enforsment downtwon and have not shown very much in the way of results..

Posted by tim_timer on December 29, 2008 at 12:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Time to trot out the "broken window" theory. The dramatic increase in massage parlors now proliferating Ventura combined with the "actively unemployed" soliciting funds at mall exits and freeway off-ramps gives rise to the idea that Ventura is light on crime. Convenience store murders, downtown muggings, vehicle break-ins, it's a regular crime spree in San Buenaventura.

Posted by exheaven1 on December 29, 2008 at 1:05 p.m. (Suggest removal)

dragstripgirl - I agree. That's the first thing I was thinking, there are so many cops downtown, espicially during the holidays. But you are right they are usually watching to see who comes out drunk so they can follow them to their car and see if they are going to drive away. Granted that is great for everyone, but they should also take into consideration scary dudes just sitting in a parking lot...lurking.

Posted by FedUp on December 29, 2008 at 1:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)

CCW is an idea I have been pushing for years. if the criminals even have an inkling of suspicion that someone could be carrying a gun, they are less likely to rob someone. they prey on everyone, because the know the odds are in their favor that they are the only one carrying a weapon. someone above mentioned that the person was already armed and pointing the weapon at them. since the victims were women, I am guessing it would be safe to say at least one of them were carrying a purse. you reach into your purse to pull out your "wallet" or cell phone, whatever the loser asks for, and you pull out a 9 mm instead. shoot him on the spot. self defense, no charges, and one less loser on the streets committing crimes. I dont see any downside to that at all.
can anyone tell me the what the downside to a criminal who does not repeately commit crimes is?

Posted by CVGuide on December 29, 2008 at 2:14 p.m. (Suggest removal)

This from the press release on the Ventura PD website. Not much more info.

Suspect(s): Suspect 1: Black Male, Early 20’s, Thin Build, Dark Baggy Clothing
Suspect 2: Unknown.

Posted by nojustice_justus on December 29, 2008 at 2:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

ILO2 touched on it previously, but VPD has its hands full with the few officers on patrol. I won't say how many there were at that time, but when I was on a ride along a few years ago the officer asked me how many officers I thought were out patrolling. My guess was over by four-fold.

I was shocked, thinking there were far more on patrol.

You can only do what with what you have-until you get more.

Posted by eclipsewatcher on December 29, 2008 at 2:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

CCW? Take a peek inside your wife/girlfriend's purse one of these days. “Please wait a minute, Mr. Assailant, while I rummage through my purse for my gun. I know it's in here somewhere. No, that's my wallet . . . no, that's my cell phone . . . no, that's pictures of the kids . . . no, that's my Blackberry . . . no, that's my make-up bag . . . no, that's my hairbrush. Where is that !@#$% thing?!”

By the time she finally fishes it out of there, she'd be a crimson stain on the sidewalk!

Posted by lawabider on December 29, 2008 at 3:34 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I like those ideas, JakestreamBob? I thought an auto-bomb in your car would be cool, too, if someone stole it... But, seriously, if I had a gun, I would NOT put it in my purse -- as Eclipse said, take forever to find the dang thing!!!

Posted by venturapagan on December 29, 2008 at 4:08 p.m. (Suggest removal)

thank you,FedUp for typing up most of my thoughts on CCW. IF the state of Kalifornia issued more than 2 permits a year, the criminals would not have the upper hand they have at present. On purses and guns; usually purses made to conceal a weapon have a separate hidden pouch made for easy access, but I think I'd rather carry it on my person, personally. Steal my purse and turn your back on me to run, and that's when it's my turn. And I AM woman that's an EXCELLENT shot with a handgun. I refuse to be a victim. As it is, without a CCW, I carry pepper spray separately from my purse for this reason. I'd venture a guess that if these women were not busy jawing and paying attention to their surroundings, they may have seen it coming. I like the exploding wallet thing :)

Posted by AnnaWhaat on December 29, 2008 at 5:52 p.m. (Suggest removal)

airics ,Good idea cause after the third failed attempt it keeps the card!!!
The best thing to do is carry your license (which has your address on it) and all credit cards in a credit card pouch and stick it in your pocket or bra. Then they can only have your lipstick, perfume, hair brush and maybe your phone. I like the exploding phone idea too !! Just don't carry anything in your purse with your address on it. You can have a regualar purse for different occasions and one to take shopping or to the clubs.

Posted by RedTail on December 29, 2008 at 9:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Great suggestion AnnaWhaat!

Posted by socal2310 on December 30, 2008 at 8:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)

CCW is useful in conjunction with situational awareness (Look up "Cooper Color Codes"), without it, the robber is likely as not to get a new gun.

Ryan

Posted by frank14 on December 30, 2008 at 8:42 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I used to go to Nicholbys and always feared that would happen. There isn't a policeman in sight!

Posted by opns on December 30, 2008 at 9:44 a.m. (Suggest removal)

“as much as they try to enhance downtown Ventura, some of the people loitering there creep me out” jill

Your right Jill, I love ventura, but the city keeps insisting on trying to get the Santa Barbara feel. It back-fired on them, downtown is just for misfits wanna be high class, which we are not. I say close down, those stupid clubs and add some stylish dining and socializing. 40 years ago I worried about the palm trees they were knocking down, that made Ventura beautiful, all that money wasted that could have been used on the beachfront. Idiots.

Posted by 805m0mma on December 30, 2008 at 10:05 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Downtown is soooo busy on the weekends...I can't believe there are no witnesses or even a description of the scum bag! The parking structure is usually pretty well lighted...hopefully the women got a look at the perp!
As far as the Cops go...there are at least 2 on every corner...but seem to only be looking for drunk drivers.

Posted by NightLight on December 30, 2008 at 11:50 a.m. (Suggest removal)

FedUp, one downside I can see would be the person with the CCW misses, or the bullet goes through the mugger, and hits an innocent bystander on the other side.

Venturapagan, I may be wrong (and I'm sure someone will correct me if I am) but if the assailant has turned to run and you shoot him in the back, I believe it's no longer considered self defense and you could be up for charges. I'm not saying it's right or not, but I think that's how the law reads.

Posted by guitarmike on December 30, 2008 at 8:42 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I REALIZE THAT ANY TOWN HOWEVER SMALL, OR QUAINT IN REPUTATION IS GOING TO HAVE A BAD ELEMENT PRESENT ITSELF FROM TIME TO TIME, BUT I HAVE BEEN AND STILL AM A YELLOW CAB DRIVER IN VENTURA AND OXNARD. AFTER SIX YEARS OF WORKING DAYS AND WEEKEND NIGHTS I HAVE NEVER HAD ANYTHING MORE SERIOUS THAN SOME UNPLEASANT WORDS WITH MY CUSTOMERS. BEING AN AVERAGE SIZED PERSON (NOT VERY INTIMIDATING) I WOULD HAVE TO SAY THAT THIS SAYS ALOT FOR THE PEOPLE OF THESE TOWNS. THE VPD'S VISIBILITY AROUND TOWN IS A GREAT DETERENT FOR MOST OF THESE CREEPS!

Posted by roscoeofthe805 on December 30, 2008 at 10:49 p.m. (Suggest removal)

wow,i just posted a lil comment the other day about my parents not goin downtown anymore cuz of crap like this!!!!!!!!!!....wow!.PD PLEASE DO SOMETHING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by opns on December 31, 2008 at 1:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Thats right roscoe - not fair for your parents. They deserve a nice social dining out without having so many cops in every other corner. I agree with you.

Yes PD, do something.
To the City of Ventura, DUMP IT NOW!! Make it work now.

Posted by opns on December 31, 2008 at 1:15 a.m. (Suggest removal)

You can bring Teresa Russel and Coco-Billi 24/7, that would make me happy. They rock. The old days at Alexanders. Just me and my hubby and the great Teresa Russell and group. That's music!!!

Give me some Stevie Ray Vaughn music anytime, and i'm happy.

Posted by venturapagan on December 31, 2008 at 9:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Nightlight- hmm...I don't see anywhere in my post where I said I'd shoot him in the back....I could however demand my property back and hold him till cops arrived (set up speed dial for 911 on cell, or don't travel alone so someone else can call). I may be pro-gun, but that doesn't mean I relish the idea of having to shoot someone. More often than not, it would change the criminals mind about victimizing me, which is enough.

Posted by venturapagan on December 31, 2008 at 9:40 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Now if cops actually show up when you call.....that's another story.

Posted by NightLight on December 31, 2008 at 12:25 p.m. (Suggest removal)

venturapagan, sorry if I misread your post. I never meant to imply anything.

Posted by venturapagan on December 31, 2008 at 1:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)

no prob! Have a great New Year! Be safe out there!

Posted by whatch on December 31, 2008 at 7:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)

I am not surprised at all by this incident. I am very sorry the woman went through this. The crime downtown is rampant my seven year old was assaulted three years ago. Some random guy tried to carry him away. luckily I was holding his hand. I guess the pervert thought I wouldn't be able to hold on to him. I'm still enraged about the incident. At this point we need to boycott downtown and demand safety. It's sad because we went there that day to show support and ate at one of the restaurants. I asked a merchant to call the police he slammed his shop door on me. It's time to get it right and clean up this city! What else is it going to take to get the community to agree that we will do our part in abolishing scum. the business owners ,employee and local need to do their part if we want to restore this beautiful town. I like having Ventura to myself. Obviously it would boost our local economy if we could develop a reputation that attracts tourism. Step up to the plate Ventura.

-One concerned citizen who in 2009 is going to implement change.

Posted by nojustice_justus on December 31, 2008 at 7:59 p.m. (Suggest removal)

These chicks, too engrossed in their idle gossip, thought the guy approaching was just another hook-up.

Instead it was their hands up.

Posted by NightLight on December 31, 2008 at 9:44 p.m. (Suggest removal)

Happy New Year to you too, venturapagan!

Posted by Informationhighway on January 1, 2009 at 10:59 a.m. (Suggest removal)

Wow, I take offense to the put downs of our Police Department and those officers patroling the area, that is so wrong. I am sure if you were to walk 2 hours in their shoes your view and attitude would change, as would that of many people who always seem to place the blame where it shouldn't be.

We can't all carry loaded guns, that is not a solution, that can cause more harm than good, and you all know it. Then we have random people shooting random people because they "thought" they were in danger.

The Police do all they can, and I for one commend them, the entire Law Enforcement of Ventura County for all they do, day in and day out. Just stop to imagine what it would be like if we didn't have them at all.

No, I am not in law enforcement, nor is my spouse, or anyone in my family any longer. My Father was many, many years ago. But my problem with people who speak about the police in a negative manner is that they are speaking at random, trying to place blame. No one can be everywhere at all the time, it doesn't matter if our law enforcement grew 100% today, so we need to all be diligent in our observations, and make sure we do our part to report suspicious activity, or people, watch out for others, and still use the buddy system.

I would suggest, even if in a group that one of you have your cell phone out, with 911 already pressed, ready to push the "send" key, another if they have a camera, take photos of cars nearby, license numbers, just randomly, why not, they can be deleted, and possibly they might have been able to get the license number of they car they got away in.

Do all you can to protect yourself, don't go out alone at night and carry everything in your purse, put your drivers license and credit cards in your pocket, have just "junk" in your purse, and if they take it, good for them, you haven't lost anything and can always buy a new lipstick, or whatever else is of value in there. At least they don't have your info. And make a pact with your friends, that you are there for one another, to just tag along.

Posted by AnnaWhaat on January 1, 2009 at 4:37 p.m. (Suggest removal)

whatch ,OMG, That had to be very very scary for both of you! Thank God you had a good hold of your son. Did they ever catch the guy?
Nightlight, I understood your comment and believe your correct. If you shoot someone in the back after they have just robbed you then you can be arrested. Since your life was No longer in danger. Good Comment to let people know.

Posted by simivalleycoordinator on January 2, 2009 at 7:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)

I found out yesterday that a friend of a friend was assaulted on Main Street just before midnight. He was mugged, beaten and is still in the hospital. Haven't heard the Star report on it yet.