Cerritos Weekly Crime Recap: Oct. 8 to Oct. 14

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

There were 28 Part I felony investigations conducted by members of the Cerritos Sheriff’s Station last week, up from 22 the week before. Increases were noted in robberies, commercial burglaries and vehicle burglaries. Residential burglaries declined and vehicle thefts remained the same. There were 277 calls for service handled by patrol personnel, down from 282 the previous reporting period. The new 2012 weekly average in calls for service is now 291.

ROBBERIES

Two robberies were reported and both involved shoplifting incidents that escalated into physical contact.

The first took place at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 9 when a loss prevention officer was attempting to detain a suspect at a retail store in the 11500 block of South Street and the suspect struggled in an attempt to flee. He was subdued and arrested. Just over an hour later another suspect fought with the same loss prevention officer while attempting to get away. He too was ultimately placed in custody.

RESIDENTIAL BURGLARIES

Residential burglaries dropped from seven to three last week. Two entries were made possible by open/unlocked doors or windows and a window was shattered in the third case. Cash, a safe, coins, jewelry, a camera and wallets were stolen. The 2012 weekly average in residential burglaries is now 4.9.

Sheriff's safety tip: We have previously mentioned that the residential burglar will try to enter the home with the least amount of effort. Leaving doors and windows open creates that effortless opportunity. In one case last week, a second story window was left open and was used as a point of entry. Regardless of where the door or window is located, make sure that you check and secure them prior to leaving the residence.

COMMERCIAL/OTHER STRUCTURE BURGLARIES

Four commercial burglaries were logged last week, up from two the week before. Two school lockers were targeted for cell phones. A warehouse and a closed business were the other crime scenes where laptop computers were stolen. Two were recovered in the warehouse case. The 2012 weekly average in “other structure”/commercial burglaries is 2.2.

VEHICLE BURGLARIES

Vehicle burglaries rose from four to eight. Five took place in high-volume commercial parking lots and two involved SUVs. Cash, purses, a stereo, wallets, credit cards and a third-row seat (from an SUV) were taken. The 2012 weekly average in vehicle burglaries is 7.1.

Sheriff's safety tip: If a vehicle burglary suspect can see your property inside of the vehicle, he or she can steal it in seconds and leave you a shattered window to repair as well. 

VEHICLE THEFTS

Vehicle thefts remained the same at three last week. Two of the thefts involved high-volume commercial parking lots. An SUV, a Honda and a Toyota were stolen. The new 2012 weekly average in vehicle thefts remained at 3.9.

Sheriff's safety tip: There was no information to suggest that any of these vehicles were equipped with any type of anti-theft device. Transportation is the primary cause of vehicle thefts, therefore to the thief, any make or model will do. Consider a steering wheel locking device that serves as a good visual deterrent. 

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

Got Safety Concerns? Talk to Cerritos Sheriff's Capt. Joe A. Gonzales

Join other community members and meet Cerritos Sheriff's Capt. Joe A. Gonzales at the Coffee with the Captain event on Nov. 13 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Cerritos Senior Center. Click here for a video recap of the last Coffee with the Captain event earlier this year.

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.