Police Nab Ring Of Thieves Targeting Ventura County Lawn Ornaments

THOUSAND OAKS (CBSLA.com) — Dozens of Ventura County crime victims Wednesday were able to pick up their stolen property.

The Ventura County Sheriff's Department busted a ring of thieves targeting lawn ornaments.

More than 100 residents were targeted. And the thieves took items large and small; they even grabbed a wheelchair.

Esperanza Moore sorted through the lawn fixtures until she found her pagodas and other items swiped from her Camarillo yard. She said the pair of ceramic pagodas cost her $800 when she bought them in 1987.

"When I wake up early morning, it was not there anymore," Moore said.

"It's very unique. The stuff was being re-sold by the suspects that we've arrested at local swap meets, so apparently there is some money in this," said Sgt. Jason Robarts of the Ventura County Sheriff's Department.

The crimes took place over the past four to five weeks.

The suspects, Brian Nissen 29, and Laura Guziak, 31, often returned to the same homes twice, police said.

If you recognize any of the stolen items in video above, contact the Ventura County Sheriff's Department.