Crime Prevention Unit deputies are warning residents about a rash of fog-light thefts, particularly by the Valencia mall, and asking shoppers to be especially careful about their parking.

Santa Clarita deputies have regularly warned people about leaving things unlocked due to crimes of opportunity.

Now, thieves are stealing fog lights from vehicles, particularly late-model Honda Accords, 2016 and 2017 models.

Shoppers, mall-goers in particular due to the location of the previous reports in the Westfield Valencia Town Center parking lot, are being asked to keep an eye out.

The thefts are happening anytime between noon and midnight, according to Sheriff’s Department officials.

“We’re asking people to be careful about where they park, and if they see any suspicious activity, or a suspicious looking person in the parking lot, they report it immediately to the Sheriff’s Station at 661-255-1121,” said Deputy Chris Craft of the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station.

The main reason for the theft is the easy access and the lights’ re-sale value online. Dealerships retail the lights for about $450, and aftermarket vendors might sell the lights for as much as $300, which makes it worthwhile for a thief to try and make that on the black market.

Deputies have received about 15 reports of theft, going back several weeks, once detectives caught the pattern and began looking into the theft.

The theft happens so quick that one time, thieves were able to remove the fog lights from a vehicle while an occupant slept in the car. The victim awoke and spooked the thieves, however, they’d already removed his lights. He promptly filed a report with the Sheriff’s Station, but by that time, the thieves, and his fog lights, were long gone.

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