Home security during the Holiday season in Santa Barbara

Santa Theft ChargesHome security during the Holiday season in Santa Barbara is an issue that should be taken seriously.  Thieves know that Christmas is a very popular occasion for gifts.  Oftentimes, these presents are valuable merchandise that can be sold illegally by the unscrupulous characters.  In an effort to help you prevent this from happening, Absolutely Affordable Bail Bonds offers some tips to make your home more secure:

Santa Stick Up

  1. Check access areas around your property.  Santa Barbara is known for it’s beautiful Although trees and bushes provide added beauty to your home, they are also great hiding spots for nefarious characters.  Trees offer a natural ladder to gain access to either a 2nd floor or rooftop.
  2. Do you own a pet?  Doggy doors are another access point that many people don’t think about.  Although it may be too small for a human to enter, one can use tools to exploit this hole.
  3. Are you on Facebook or Twitter?  If so, be aware of what you say about your status.  Letting others know that you’ll be attending a party or going away on vacation is a no-no.  This tells burglars that no one will likely be home for a period of time.  In the modern age of social media, criminals have became very savvy.  If you plan on leaving the Santa Barbara area, only tell those who you trust.
  4. Be careful shopping online.  It seems everyone buys from Amazon, eBay or other retailers.  The issue is that you could expose yourself to identity theft.  Phishing is a popular method where you are sent an e-mail and the sender asks for personal information through a link.  Double check this link before clicking.  This isn’t just an issue for Santa Barbara residents, so let your friends and family know as well.
  5. One of the easiest home security methods is to make sure your windows and doors are locked.  This may seem obvious, but during this hectic time of year, people tend to be forgetful.  Statistics show that 40% of burglaries are the result of an unlocked door or open window.  One tip is to create a checklist of your doors and windows.  As you secure each one, you can mark them off.
  6. Bright lights keeps burglars at bay.  Shadows are a thieves best friend.  Motion detector lighting is excellent for illumination and saves electricity.  Timers are another option as well.  Just be sure to alternate times if possible.
  7. Some residents of Santa Barbara love to show off their Christmas trees by keeping their curtains open for all to see.  This is like a flashing advertisement to burglars who may be in the area.  It’s best to keep your curtains closed.  Home security is more important than bragging rights.
  8. The Holidays are a time for getting to know others.  Next door neighbors are great at helping with security.  They can keep on eye on things while you’re away.  In return, you can do the same for them.  Nothing like getting to know your fellow Santa Barbara neighbor.
  9. Most people tend to get newspapers and magazines digitally nowadays.  However, if you’re still into getting physical media in the mail or on your doorstep, then pause your subscriptions and hold deliveries.  Your local Santa Barbara area post office can assist you with this process.  Alternatively, you can ask your neighbor if they can get your mail, packages, and/or newspapers while away.

Santa Mob BossThe Holiday season in Santa Barbara is a wondrous time of year.  It’s also a time to be vigilant with home security.  While officers and deputies from the police and sheriff’s departments will be on high alert, it starts with you first and foremost.

Santa in JailIf you do know someone who has been arrested for these types of charges, remember that people are innocent until proven guilty.  It’s always a good idea to deal with a local Santa Barbara bail bonds agency.  Happy Holidays to you and your families.

Theft during Holiday shopping in Santa Barbara

Prevent theft during the Holiday season in Santa Barbara by using a few simple steps.  This time of year is meant to be joyous.  However, there are some out there who engage in criminal mischief and are looking to steal the things you bought.

Absolutely Affordable Bail Bonds has been doing business in Santa Barbara since 1969.  During this time, we have seen a number of unfortunate situations occur.  There are some things you can do to help avoid any heartache:

  1. Park in an area with lots of lights.  Darkness is a thief’s best friend.
  2. When going to the parking lot, be wary of your surroundings.  Have a clean line of sight while carrying your bags and be mindful of suspicious looking characters that may be nearby.
  3. When making purchases, it’s best to use credit or debit cards.  Cash is very attractive to thieves and cannot be traced.
  4. Keep your purse or wallet secure at all times.  Leaving either in a shopping cart or stroller is not a good idea.
  5. If you need to offload a bunch of goods in your car or truck, it’s best to put them in a location that cannot be seen.  Trunks are best, but if you have an SUV, then in the back underneath a blanket is another idea.
  6. When your shopping day is done and you decide to leave for home, be sure to lock your vehicle doors as soon as you get inside.
  7. Do not hesitate to contact security or local law enforcement if you suspect something is amiss.  Whether it be a shady looking character or some type of illicit activity, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

On the other side of the situation, if you or someone you know has been arrested for theft, then it’s good to know that bail bonds is an option.  A person is innocent until proven guilty in the United States.

When someone does get arrested, in the local area they are taken to Santa Barbara County Jail.  This is the main housing facility for the county.  The Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Department is in charge of running the operations.

Additionally, if you or someone you know does become incarcerated for a false arrest, a bail bond will help you fight the case from the outside.  It’s difficult to defend yourself when in custody.

The Holiday Season in Santa Barbara is a time for family and joy.  However, situations happen in life that are sometimes beyond one’s control.  In these instances, it’s always good to know a local bail bonds in Santa Barbara.

Police Arrest Ronald Beltran for Attempted Murder and Auto Theft

Suspect Being Held at Santa Barbara County Jail with No Bail

By Jae Brattain | Posted 01.07.2013

Ronald Anthony Beltran

Officers from the Santa Barbara Police Department answered a call over the weekend about a stolen vehicle near the corner of East Figueroa and North Milpas.  The victim informed the police that Ronald Beltran, 39, had taken his truck without permission and stabbed him with a knife around 3:30 pm Sunday afternoon.  However, the report was not made until 11:30 pm in the evening.

The 46-year old male, who is related to Beltran, had been taking a shower at the time when the stabbing incident occurred.  Beltran wielded a knife while threatening his life, then punctured the victim twice in the back.  The wounds were superficial and did not require hospitalization.  But it was serious enough to justify attempted murder charges.

Another relative happened to be nearby and assisted by intervening in the situation.  Beltran left the residence, but the victim did not report the incident immediately.  He left the home for personal matters and returned around 9:00 pm.  Upon his return, the victim noticed his vehicle was gone.  Another relative indicated that Beltran took the keys and truck.

1100 Block of North Milpas Street

California Highway Patrol officers notified police that the vehicle had been involved in a collision, but was unoccupied when inspecting the scene.  It was located near the intersection of Old Coast Highway and the 101 Freeway.

During this time, patrolmen had been watching a van owned by Beltran near Milpas Street.  At approximately 12:45 am, the assailant returned and was confronted by officers at the scene.  He resisted arrest, but was eventually taken into custody after a scuffle.

Investigators noted that relatives said Beltran appeared heavily intoxicated before everything occurred.  However, detectives were not able to ascertain a motive because the suspect refused to provide any information.  Nevertheless, Beltran did admit that he wanted to provoke the victim into a fight by taking the truck without permission.

He is being held at Santa Barbara County Jail with no bail bonds.  He faces multiple charges including attempted murder, hit and run, stealing a vehicle, and resisting arrest by police.  His first hearing will be Tuesday, January 7, at Santa Barbara County Superior Court.

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