VENTURA, Calif. (KEYT) — Retail theft in Ventura is down 35% compared to this time last year, according to the Ventura Police Department.
Police say they investigated 650 retail theft cases in 2024, down from 420 the year before. Officials credit increased enforcement and improved surveillance technology for the decline.
“You have organized efforts by law enforcement to be out there and be seen,” said Commander Ryan Weeks. “You have better camera systems, so it's easier to identify people.”
But some local business owners say the drop in theft may also reflect another issue: fewer customers.
Theft impacts more than just inventory. Davina DeCant, owner of Industry Horror — a non-profit retail store that employs adults with autism — says even isolated thefts can have a major impact.
“When it comes to retail theft, you're not only stealing from us, but you're stealing from the people who create and make this stuff, and all the sales keep them employed,” DeCant said.
She described an incident from a couple years ago where a woman stole about $900 worth of merchandise while a new employee was being trained.
“The young gentleman kept my employee distracted while she just filled up her bag and then they left,” DeCant said.
DeCant says theft doesn’t happen often, and when it does, technology can help identify suspects.
“Thankfully we had it on camera, and the public was able to identify her thanks to social media,” she said.
While police point to enforcement, some business owners say declining foot traffic could also be contributing to the drop in theft.
With Main Street closed to cars, several say weekday business has slowed.
“During the week, it's very difficult. There isn't a lot of traffic,” DeCant said. “I wish they would implement a hybrid system where they could keep it open to traffic during the week.”
Some business owners say fewer shoppers may mean fewer opportunities for theft — but it also means fewer sales.
Daniel Bovis, a worker at Times Remembered, says limited access has impacted customers, especially those with mobility challenges.
“If someone's buying a big piece, we can't take it out to their vehicle to load it,” Bovis said. “We’ve basically stopped selling big items because there's no access.”
Business owners say they want Main Street reopened to vehicle traffic to help bring customers back.
Meanwhile, Ventura police say they will continue enforcement efforts and are encouraging businesses to report thefts to help track trends and build cases.
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