THOUSAND OAKS : Neighbors’ Tip Helps Nab Suspect

A couple of conscientious Thousand Oaks residents helped Ventura County sheriff’s deputies catch a burglar red-handed, investigators said Monday.

Deputies received a phone call from the unidentified couple at 12:50 p.m. Sunday, informing them that a man had just broken into a house across the street on Flittner Circle, Lt. Bill Montijo said.

Deputies were dispatched almost immediately and Jose Belo, 27, of Thousand Oaks was apprehended while walking away from the house. Belo was carrying a camera and a VCR in a suitcase, Montijo said.

“This is a perfect example of cooperation between citizens and the police,” Montijo said. “This is what Neighborhood Watch programs are all about.”

Terrie Bennett, the victim of the attempted burglary, said she met the couple for the first time Sunday evening and thanked them.

“The last time I was robbed I told all the neighbors . . . and asked them to call the police if they see anyone going into my house who doesn’t belong,” Bennett said. “That’s just what they did.”

Belo was being held on suspicion of burglary at the Ventura County Jail with bail set at $10,000, Detective Stan Weber said. Arraignment is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. today in Ventura County Municipal Court.