Cerritos Weekly Crime Recap: April 16 to April 22

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

There were 23 Part I felony investigations logged at the last week, the same as the previous one. Robberies, residential burglaries, vehicle burglaries, and vehicle thefts increased as commercial burglaries declined. Field deputies handled 274 calls for service, down from 292 the week before. The 2012 weekly average in calls for service is 262. 

ROBBERIES

Two robberies were reported last week. The first occurred on Friday, April 20 at 1:15 p.m. when three male suspects grabbed the purse of a female victim in the Towne Center and fled on foot. Witnesses obtained a vehicle description and license plate number and all of the suspects were arrested at their residence a short time later. All of the property was recovered.  

On Saturday, April 21 at 11:30 a.m. a male victim met another male to complete a sales transaction based on an internet contact. While parked in the 16400 block of Stowers Avenue, the “seller” produced a handgun and robbed the buyer of his cash intended for the purchase. 

RESIDENTIAL BURGLARIES

Residential burglaries increased from one to three last week. Two of the homes were entered via unlocked doors or windows, and a sliding glass door was pried open on the third. Watches, handguns, jewelry, a purse, and a GPS unit were taken. The 2012 weekly average in residential burglaries is now 4.1. 

Sheriff's safety tip: Breaking glass is not the preferred method that a burglar will use to gain entry to a home. While infrequent, there is a good defense to such possibilities. Consider that burglars commonly avoid homes with dogs or alarm systems. For a $20-$30 monthly payment, an alarm system could protect your home. That is a very small price to pay for the peace of mind that you will enjoy. Many homeowners’ policies offer discounts for customers using such systems. Remember, if you display a sign indicating your home is protected, the would-be burglar will be inclined to locate another target.   

COMMERCIAL/OTHER STRUCTURE BURGLARIES

There were no commercial burglaries investigated last week.  The 2012 weekly average in commercial burglaries is 1.3.

VEHICLE BURGLARIES

Vehicle burglaries increased from nine ten last week. High-volume commercial parking lots were involved in nine. SUVs were burglarized in six. Stereo equipment, laptop computers, purses, wallets, credit cards, backpacks, cell phones, MP3 players, and third-row seats (from SUVs) were among the items reported stolen. The 2012 weekly average in vehicle burglaries is 6.5. 

Sheriff's safety tip: As the weather gets warmer, motorists are inclined to leave windows partially or completely open to cool the car while parked. We remind you that this is a dangerous practice and could result in the loss of property from within the vehicle, or the vehicle itself.    

VEHICLE THEFTS

Vehicle thefts were up from one to two last week, both of which occurred in high-volume commercial parking lots. A Honda and an Acura were stolen. The 2012 weekly average in vehicle thefts is now 4.2.  

Sheriff's safety tip: It is very important that you use some form of an anti-theft device to retain your vehicle. Visible deterrents, such as a steering wheel locking device, are the most obvious and tell the would-be thief to look elsewhere. A great deal of success has been demonstrated by tracking devices that can lead law enforcement directly to the location of a stolen vehicle. These systems cost a little more and require a monthly fee, but are very effective.  

* 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.