Oxnard Police Tell Residents to Hold Their New Year’s Fire

Warning of property damage and a threat to innocent bystanders, Oxnard police say they will distribute 3,000 brochures to area residents today in a move to discourage the firing of guns and rifles into the air during New Year’s Eve celebrations.

The practice has not been a major problem in the county, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department said. But a spokesman said the illegal activity could lead to arrests and fines of $500 and up to one year in jail for those convicted.

“It’s a dangerous activity,� said Lt. Jeff Young of the Oxnard Police Department.

There have been no reported injuries over past years, he said, but there has been property damage.

“We discourage the firing of guns into the air,� Young said. “There’s no telling where the bullets will come down. It’s a public safety hazard.�

The flyers--which in English and Spanish warn recipients about the dangers and repercussions of illegal gunplay--will inform residents that the Oxnard Police Department will step up enforcement on New Year’s Eve.

In addition, a series of public service warnings is airing on cable television before New Year’s Day, said David Keith, a senior Oxnard police crime analyst.

The one-minute commercial will air during “Street Beat,� a 30-minute crime prevention program hosted by the Oxnard Police Department, Keith said.

Noting that the Police Department does not have records relating to injuries or property damage caused by New Year’s revelers who shoot off firearms, Keith said he does recall one near-miss.

A bullet pierced the roof of an Oxnard mobile home and lodged in the occupant’s bed, Keith said.

“The man was in bed at the time. It was a close call,� Keith said.

Although fewer shots are reported each year, Keith said he still crosses his fingers each New Year’s Eve. “We ask people to celebrate other ways. What goes up must come down.�

Meanwhile, Cmdr. Mark Hansen of the Santa Paula Police Department said he is hoping for something other than bullets to fall from the sky on New Year’s Eve.

“I’m hoping for rain,� he said.

The discharging of firearms is not a major problem in the city, Hansen said, adding that there has been a decrease in the number of such incidents over the years. Hansen, however, issued a warning to would-be shooters: “Shoot your gun and go to jail.�

Police in other cities throughout the county, including Simi Valley and Ventura, said no special arrangements have been made to combat New Year’s Eve gunfire, but that patrol officers will be prepared to make arrests if necessary.