Four Moorpark residents arrested for burglary

Three men and one juvenile, all of Moorpark, were recently arrested in connection with grand theft from vehicles, identity theft and possession of stolen property.

Geoff Naylor reported that on Nov. 3, unknown persons had entered his two vehicles and stolen his personal property, including several credit cards in his name. The vehicles were parked in his driveway in the 4200 block of Scholartree Court and 12400 block of Willow Grove Court, Moorpark.

During an investigation, Moorpark detectives and patrol personnel were able to identify possible suspects involved in the theft. These suspects had used the victim's credit cards to purchase items at several businesses in the Moorpark and Simi Valley areas.

Moorpark police personnel served search warrants at two residences and recovered stolen property and credit cards leading to the discovery of additional crimes, including a vehicle burglary that occurred on Oct. 27 on Willow Grove Court, Moorpark.

Andrew Houston, 21, was arrested and booked into the Ventura County Jail on a charge of identity theft. He is in custody with bail set at $50,000.

Michael Ballerini, 19, was arrested and booked into the Ventura County Jail on charges of burglary, receiving stolen property and identity theft. He is in custody with bail set at $50,000.

Justin Hayward, 18, was arrested and booked into the Ventura County Jail on charges of grand theft and receiving stolen property. He has been released from custody and ordered to appear in court on Nov. 19.

A 17-year-old juvenile was also arrested on charges of grand theft, burglary, receiving stolen property and identity theft. He was issued a citation and released to his mother. Criminal charges are pending.

The city of Moorpark is experiencing an increase in vehicle burglaries and thefts from unlocked vehicles. In most cases, criminals see personal property lying inside the vehicle. Most of these vehicles are parked on residential streets or in residential driveways.

The Moorpark Police Department urges residents to remove all personal property from their vehicles and keep vehicles locked when unattended. Call the police department at (805) 532-2700 or 911 to report any suspicious activity.