Ventura County law enforcement monitoring surge in social media threats
VENTURA COUNTY, Calif. - The Ventura County Sheriff's Office is seeing a dramatic increase in phone calls from residents concerned about threats of violence posted on social media. The threats include rioting and looting in local neighborhoods.
Sheriff's officials released a written statement acknowledging the fear and anxiety these types of social media posts have on the community. Officials said they are closely monitoring the threatening posts to determine their credibility and whether a law enforcement response is needed.
The Sheriff's Office said the preferred way to report these online threats is to use the Ventura County Crime Stoppers website, which is:Â www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org.
The information can be reported through the website, a mobile app, or via telephone at (800)222-TIPS (8477). The information will quickly be forwarded to the appropriate law enforcement agency for follow up. Officials said they appreciate all the help they receive from local residents and people on social media who see these threats and report them immediately.
