Vehicle Break-Ins & Red Light Dangers Discussed at Community Safety Meeting

During the Cerritos Community Safety Committee's May meeting, updates on local crime and safety were shared by city and sheriff's station representatives.

Committee Reorganization
After a quick voting process amongst the committee, votes were in favor of the incumbents Chairperson Richard Martinez and Vice Chairperson Matt Kauble to retain their respective positions.

Crime Statistics Report

Vehicle Burglaries & Prevent Tips

• April: 44 break-ins 
• March:  50 break-ins

In regards to vehicle burglaries, we're taking another step,” said Lt. Allen Castellano of the . “The key is to educate the public on what to leave in the car and what not to leave in the car.”

Castellano advised not leaving anything in your vehicle when parking in a high volume parking lots, a location where most vehicle burglaries occur. This includes valuable items such as cell phones and purses. Castellano likened leaving a cell phone in plain sight inside your car, to leaving cash in plain sight.

Traffic Report
Castellano reported that recent traffic light violations might see a decrease due to . 

Committee member Joe de Guzman shared concerns about loading and unloading passengers at red lights. Community Mobile Officer, Michael Yach, pointed out that the first pedestrian collision the city had in the school zone occurred recently where a father pulled up to school and double parked beside another vehicle.

“He (the father) told his son to walk across the street, so the kid stepped out and got clipped by a mirror,” Yach said.

Other News
Gregory Berg, the city's Director of Community and Safety Services, reported the .

On July 16, the city will hold a volunteer banquet. In addition to some of the volunteers, the Volunteers on Patrol and Community Emergency Response Teams will be recognized at that event.

The next Community Safety Committee meeting will be held at 7 p.m. on July 18.