There is a new type of crook in Ventura County and I think you should be aware of their presence.

I know of at least a dozen people that noticed a band of Free-Loading Termites had settled in their home. In an attempt to get them evicted, they contracted with a Termite Extermination Company who came and placed one of those large tents over the house. We have all seen these in our neighborhoods from time to time.

The bad part is when the Extermination Company removes the tent, it is discovered that when the Termites vacated they took some of these people's possessions with them. In one case they found the keys to one of their vehicles and drove off in that vehicle. These are bad critters for sure.

I am making light of a bad situation but this is happening far too frequently in our county. (See the VCStar here for Ventura and here for Oxnard) The local Police Departments, (look here) are warning residents about this trend.

If you do find your home has been burglarized we are here to help. You can call me at (805)985-5488 or file a claim with Farmers HELPPOINT on line at my web site. (Here)

So be careful out there and if you do find it necessary to have your house tented, try to keep an eye on it.

Americans are smart people and we are always looking for new and better ways to do things. Unfortunately this also applies to the less honorable among us. It seems that thieves have come up with a new way to steal from us and the police refer to them as 'Sliders'.

Apparently while you are spending a day's wages filling your gas tank, a vehicle will pull up to the pump on the passenger side of your car. While you are watching the Sale Price go around like a slot machine, the guy from the car that just pulled up enters the passenger side of your car, takes the purse, cell phone, or laptop, then gets back in his car and drives off. Pretty ingenious.

So be careful out there. Try to be observant of what is going on around you. Don't leave valuables visible in your car when you're not sitting right next to them. Keep the passenger doors locked. (Be careful not to lock your keys in the car but if you do call Farmers Road Service). Remember that someone else is trying to make an easy living off your hard work.