Mail Theft Ring in Santa Barbara County

The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department is investigating a mail theft ring in the county and is asking the public’s help to locate two women suspected of being responsible.

Law enforcement identified 25-year-old Sireena Dominguez and 25-year-old Ashley Barnett, both are from Santa Maria.

Investigators say the two women used stolen credit card information to rent two suites from a hotel in the 500 block of McMurray Road in Buellton. “When the women left the hotel, two flat screen televisions, two media charging stations, two alarm clocks, a microwave oven, and two baskets were missing from the suites,” said Kelly Hoover, Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s spokesperson.

Glenda Hunt said “it’s just horrible that people would do that.” Her neighbor, Helga George, agrees and added being close to the highway makes it “real easy for people to swoop through” mailboxes.

The Sheriff’s office also says that during the investigation they discovered Dominguez and Barnett are suspects in similar crimes throughout northern Santa Barbara County, and are possibly staying in the area.

The women are believed to be driving a Ford F350 u-Haul, that may be embezzled with the “U-Haul” logo either faded or removed.

Area hotels and motels are asked to be vigilant. Hoover said, “it is highly probable that the suspects will attempt to rent rooms with stolen credit card information, specifically if the room is rented online.”

All Santa Barbara County residents are encouraged to report any suspicious vehicles parked near mail boxes, specifically in rural areas. Officials also said checking your mailbox daily is a way to prevent someone from getting your personal information.

The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department is working with other agencies and the U.S. Postal Inspector on this case.