Suspected Package Thief Arrested in Montecito
Source: Santa Barbara County Sheriff's Office
Sheriff’s deputies arrested a suspect for burglary, robbery, prowling, and theft of packages from homes in the Montecito area. On Sunday, November 28, 2021, at approximately 3:35 p.m. deputies were dispatched to the 1400-block of East Mountain Drive for a report of intruder who had just fled a home when confronted by the resident. The victim was able to provide a suspect and vehicle description for responding units, who located both in the 1500-block of East Mountain Drive.
The suspect, 43-year-old Despina Flengeris of Los Angeles, was found in possession of wrapped gifts that were taken from the victim’s residence as well as other items that appeared to be stolen from additional victims. One of the packages was tracked back to a separate residence where Flengeris was believed to have stolen it after it was delivered. Flengeris was also identified as having physically stolen another package from a delivery driver attempting to make a delivery at a third residence, but that package was recovered by the driver and delivered to the recipient. Flengeris was arrested for burglary (felony), robbery (felony), possession of a controlled substance (misdemeanor), possession of stolen property (misdemeanor), identity theft (misdemeanor), and prowling (misdemeanor). She remains in custody at the Southern Branch Jail with $50,000 bail.
The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office wants to take this opportunity to remind our community members of these safety tips to help prevent theft:
- Keep all doors and windows closed and securely fastened. Doors should have deadbolt locks and all windows should also have locks.
- Secure sliding glass doors by placing a metal rod or a wooden dowel rod in the track and install vertical bolts. This will help prevent burglars from forcing the door open or lifting it off the track.
- Always lock the door to an attached garage. Do not rely on your automatic garage door opener for security.
- Create the illusion that you are home by using timers on lights to make your residence appear occupied, even when no one is home.
- Keep the perimeter of your home well lit. Installing outdoor lighting is a good way to discourage intruders.
- Never leave clues that you are away on a trip. Have a trusted neighbor collect mail and deliveries while you are away. Be mindful of your social media and save the vacation photos until you are safely home.
- Lastly, report all suspicious activity to law enforcement when it is occurring or as soon as possible.
16 Comments
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Dec 01, 2021 11:51 AMShe probably drove all the way up here to steal from the rich so she could pay for her lease on that expensive car and keep up her appearances. Must be tough going in LA these days.
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Dec 01, 2021 11:34 AMGonna get worse. Murder in Beverly Hills exclusive enclave last night...home invasion. A very famous man with security, and, still, the thieves' guns won.
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Dec 01, 2021 08:56 AMhttps://www.facebook.com/despinaflengeris
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Dec 01, 2021 08:42 AMHoly shot she is hot!
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Dec 01, 2021 07:51 AMDespi short for Desperate
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Dec 01, 2021 06:58 AMYesterday a box that my husband was planning to donate to Art from Scrap was stolen off his car seat right outside his downtown office door after he had stepped inside. "DON'T TEMPT A THIEF" ! ....... (our car's door lock is malfunctioning & scheduled for repair)
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Nov 30, 2021 08:27 PMIs that a BMW? There were mail thefts along Painted Cave and in the Santa Ynez Valley that were caught on camera several times over the last year, which showed a brunette in a white BMW quite like this one. Police ought to look into that. (An aside, she describes herself on Twitter as "writer, humanitarian, activist." Mm hmm.)
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Dec 01, 2021 07:14 AMWhat? You believe ANYTHING you read on Twitter?
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Nov 30, 2021 06:20 PMCan't wait for her new website - https://www.bustedandbooked.con/
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Nov 30, 2021 06:04 PMWhat number are we to call when we see someone stealing from mailboxes and homes? 911?
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Dec 01, 2021 08:30 AM911 is for EMERGENCIES - A 911 emergency is when someone needs help right away because of an injury or an immediate danger. For example, call 911 if: there's a fire.
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Nov 30, 2021 08:28 PMFor sure. It's a crime.
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Nov 30, 2021 05:37 PMPet Treats were saved!!!
"Lastly, report all suspicious activity to law enforcement when it is occurring or as soon as possible."...
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Nov 30, 2021 05:27 PMSuspect's bio: https://www.flutterandflirt.com/about-despi/
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Dec 01, 2021 01:02 PM"When you talk to Despi Flengeris the founder of Flutter & Flirt about her business her passion is infectious."
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Dec 01, 2021 05:49 AMAwwwsers, I just tried to book an appointment, but for some reason, bookings are blocked... I wonder why? beeech!!!