Cerritos Weekly Crime Recap: June 11 to June 17

Editor's Note: The information below comes from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Cerritos Station's weekly crime summary.

There were 22 Part I felony cases investigated by the last week, up from 19 the week before. Robberies, vehicle burglaries, and vehicle thefts increased. Residential burglaries remained the same, as commercial burglaries dropped. Patrol deputies handled 285 calls for service last week, up from 250 the previous one. (Calls for service traditionally increase during summer months and the holiday season). The new 2012 weekly average in calls for service now stands at 267.

ROBBERIES

Two robberies were investigated last week, up from one the week before. On Saturday, June 16 at 7 p.m. a male was sitting on a bench outside the when three males approached and demanded his property, which consisted of recent purchases. The victim complied and the suspects fled.  At 6:45 p.m. the following evening, a male shoplifting suspect fought with loss prevention personnel outside the Los Cerritos Center. The suspect was joined by a female companion, but both were ultimately arrested. 

RESIDENTIAL BURGLARIES

Residential burglaries remained the same at six last week. Three cases were attributed to open/unlocked doors or windows, two windows were pried open, and one was shattered. Jewelry, currency, and laptop computers were taken. Six suspects were arrested in the burglaries last week. The 2012 weekly average in residential burglaries is now 4.4. 

Sheriff's safety tip: Again we can see that leaving windows open to keep the home cool can lead to a resident becoming a victim of a residential burglary. Make sure that you check all windows and doors prior to leaving, and that they are all secured.  

COMMERCIAL/OTHER STRUCTURE BURGLARIES

There were no commercial burglaries reported. The 2012 weekly average in “other structure”/commercial burglaries is 1.6.

VEHICLE BURGLARIES

Vehicle burglaries rose from four to 11 last week. High-volume commercial parking lots were the locations in eight. Seven were SUVs. Two GPS units and two stereo systems were stolen along with credit cards, purses, tools, ID, wallets, checkbooks, sunglasses, and miscellaneous papers. The 2012 weekly average in vehicle burglaries is 7.7. 

Sheriff's safety tip: Just because your vehicle is the driveway doesn’t mean it cannot be the target of a vehicle burglary. Make sure that nothing can be seen inside that would appeal to a thief. Secure it in the trunk or take it with you, and don’t forget to do so with the remote garage door opener.

VEHICLE THEFTS

Vehicle thefts increased to two last week after no reports the previous one. A Toyota and an SUV were stolen from high-volume commercial parking lots. The 2012 weekly average in this category is now 3.4.     

Sheriff's safety tip: We always promote the use of steering wheel locking devices as great visible deterrents, but also endorse the use of tracking devices that can lead to the speedy recovery of your stolen vehicle.   

* Visit www.safercerritos.com for an extensive library of crime prevention tips, disaster preparedness information, and a variety of links to other pertinent sites.

Volunteers on Patrol Wanted 

The Cerritos Sheriff’s Station is seeking Volunteers on Patrol (VOPs). Patrolling the city in distinctly marked vehicles, VOPs assist with crime suppression, traffic control, vacation checks, special events and park security checks. They serve as additional “eyes and ears” for the Sheriff’s Department and train as first responders in the event of a major emergency or disaster. If you are interested in helping Cerritos maintain its reputation as a safe place to live and work, the Cerritos Sheriff’s Station encourages you to apply to be a VOP.  

For more information, contact the Cerritos Sheriff’s Station at (562) 860-0044, or visit the Cerritos Sheriff’s Station to obtain an application.  

Block Captains Wanted 

Block Captains act as contacts for the Sheriff’s Department and the Community Safety Division on behalf of their neighbors.  They are also responsible for distributing information and do a great deal to promote public safety in Cerritos. Remember, informed citizens who use safe living strategies are safer citizens!  We encourage residents, business owners, and their employees to consider joining the Virtual Block Club (VBC). If you are interested in helping our Sheriff’s Department prevent and reduce crime, and enhancing your own personal and neighborhood safety, join the VBC on-line at our website devoted to public safety in the City of Cerritos. We encourage you to share the information with your family, friends, and co-workers. Go to www.safercerritos.com to sign up. 

If you are interested in becoming a Block Captain in the Cerritos Neighborhood Watch, contact the Community Safety office at (562) 916-1266.