Thieves target Toro Park neighborhood in Monterey County

The small neighborhood of Toro Park is being targeted by thieves. After a recent string of burglaries residents said it’s time to take action.

“When people from the outside come in, we pick it up real fast,” said Toro Park resident Michael Georgariou.

Georgariou said several cars on his block have been broken into.

“Put up a camera. Set-up some lights with a sensor and first and foremost put a nice sign out in the front that your house is protected by an alarm company,” said Georgariou.

The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office said there have been more than 40 car burglaries and thefts in Toro Park since March 1.

On Saturday, investigators served three warrants in Salinas and Prunedale hoping to catch suspects. That’s when they came across 13 illegal guns, a stash of ammunition and drugs.

“We arrested six people; four males and two females. In this case we had a seventh person that wasn’t arrested but contacted and then we have one male that’s outstanding that we are trying to locate,” said Cmdr. John Thornburg with the Monterey County Sheriff’s Office.

Thornburg said car break-ins are a county-wide problem.

“Burglaries or thefts from vehicles are probably one of our top crimes in the last ten years,” said Thornburg.

Thornburg said Toro Park may be the target now because thieves are finding valuables in people’s cars.

That’s why residents like Georgariou are taking precautions.

“Lock your car at night. Put it by the light so if someone comes by your car the sensor picks you up and the light comes on. Thieves don’t like light,” said Georgariou.