As Burglaries Rise, Cerritos Citizens Encouraged to Be More Involved

"If you see something that doesn't look right, call the police."

This was the message conveyed during the Cerritos Neighborhood Watch Town Hall meeting held at the last week -- the second town hall gathering hosted by members of the  this year.

The Aug. 17 crowd of more than 150 participants exceeded January’s sparsely attended event as city officials, sheriff’s volunteers, neighborhood block captains and residents engaged in back and forth questions, answers and stories about the state of crime in the city. The evening also featured sheriff's department spokespersons taking turns addressing the audience, stressing further police-community collaboration to deter crime among other topics.

Part 1 Crimes in Cerritos Decline Overall

Prior to the meeting, attendees received a handout which included a detailed five-year crime summary with year-to-date statistics comparing incidents reported in 2010 and 2011.

Among the highlights of the summary, which is based on incidents reported as of Aug. 16, 2011, both violent and property crimes (classified as Part 1 crimes) were down. Part 1 crimes in Cerritos are down 4.6 percent compared to the same time last year. The data also noted that there has been more than an eight percent overall reduction compared to five years ago.

The chart comparisons show dramatic decreases in the following Part 1 crimes this year:

• Arson: -80.4 percent
• Grand Theft Auto: -39.6 percent
• Aggravated Assault: -36.8 percent

Burglaries Continue to be Crime of Choice in Cerritos; Up 32.6 Percent

However, much of the meeting’s focus centered on Burglary -- the only crime category on the uptick in 2011.

As of Aug. 16, 2010, there were 175 reported incidents of burglary. Through Aug. 16, 2011, there have already been 232 reported burglaries -- a 32.6 percent spike, according to the summary.

“When I see 32 percent, that lets me know we have some victims here,” said Capt. Joe A. Gonzales of the sheriff's Cerritos Station. “I want that number to be a zero.”

Year-to-date burglary numbers are up 45 percent compared to five years ago.

Gonzales said that further police-community cooperation was needed to help deter burglaries, which are listed as a property crimes that include car and residential thefts.

In Cerritos, where homes are primary targets, the Sheriff's Department says locked doors and fortified garages, alarm systems and dogs could all be potential deterrents to burglars canvassing neighborhoods for victims.

“Most of all, we need you," Gonzales said referring to community members. "Our station has four cars on the day shift and six on the night shift. We have a lot of ground to cover, so if you see something out of the ordinary, please don’t hesitate to call.”

Identity Theft and Traffic Stats Discussed

Aside from burglaries, identity theft and traffic statistics were also discussed.

Det. Rich Kent talked about how residents can protect vital credit card and check information from identity thieves. Some of the tips shared included:

• Paying bills online to prevent the chances of a thief stealing checks from a home mailbox
• Using cash or a credit card with a low credit line when dining out
• Periodically checking your credit report with the three major credit bureaus -- Experian, Equifax and TransUnion

Tim Britt, a deputy and traffic investigator, also went over the leading causes of traffic accidents in the city.

He said running red lights, unsafe speeds, following cars too closely, and cellphone use while driving contributed to most Cerritos accidents.

“Speeding is still our most cited traffic offense,” Britt said, adding that motorists should follow these guidelines when they hit the road:

• Pay attention, keep your eyes open
• Drive defensively
• Focus on driving safely

Community Surveys Highlight Citizens' Concerns

A week prior to the town hall meeting, sheriff's deputies along with members of the sheriff's Deputy Explorers program, distributed 1,000 surveys to residents by foot in parts of Cerritos.

The goal was “to find out how you think we’re doing,” Gonzales said.

The top-five citizen concerns according to the survey’s findings were:

• Traffic congestion around the schools
• Speeding vehicles
• Teens loitering in the park late at night and loud music
• Thefts in the neighborhood-residential burglaries
• Graffiti in the park -- but the city is very good at removing it quickly

Coordination of Neighborhood Watch Teams Encouraged

Some of the meeting’s speakers talked about the need for Cerritos neighborhoods to form their own watch groups.

Cerritos resident Larry Constantino says he took the initiative and became his neighborhood watch captain, despite not knowing all of his neighbors.

“We all just have to look out for each other," Constantino said. “There was pertinent information shared tonight about combating crime before it happens.”

“We have to break that barrier that exists sometimes between law enforcement and neighbors,” he continued. “I met and spoke with a sheriff last week and we’re working together.”

Gonzales said he hopes the town hall gathering not only helped spread awareness for safety and crime trends in the city, but also emphasized the need for Cerritos citizens to take responsibility in keeping their neighborhoods safe.

“Protecting yourself from becoming a victim is what I hope people walked away with from this event,” the captain said.

For more information or assistance on forming a Neighborhood Watch team in your area, call the Cerritos Station at (562) 860-0044.

Two Deputy Explorers Promoted to Sergeants

Sheriff's Deputy Explorers Rick A. Rojas and Zachary Lin were recognized during the community gathering, as the two were promoted to sergeant in the Explorers Program. The special ceremony drew loud applause from attendees, many of whom stood from their seats to photograph the two young men being honored. 

(Click here to see video of the ceremony.)

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK IN THE COMMENT BOX

What are your concerns when it comes to safety in Cerritos?