Cerritos Weekly Crime Recap: April 2 to April 8

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

There were 26 Part I felony investigations conducted by deputies last week, up from 18 the week before. Increases were noted in commercial burglaries and vehicle burglaries, while robberies and residential burglaries remained the same. Vehicle thefts declined. 260 calls for service were handled by patrol personnel, up from 246 the previous week. The 2012 weekly average in calls for service is 259.

ROBBERIES

One robbery was investigated during this period when a male suspect entered a bank in the 11800 block of South Street on Saturday, April 7 at 11:05 a.m. and presented a teller with a “demand note”. The suspect placed the money in his jacket and fled on foot.   

RESIDENTIAL BURGLARIES

For the second consecutive week, four residential burglaries were reported.   Two of the cases last week involved open/unlocked doors or windows. One window was pried open and another was shattered. Jewelry, cell phones, cash, a backpack, and video games were taken. The 2012 weekly average in residential burglaries is now 4.4. 

Sheriff's safety tip: Side garage doors are a common entry point in residential burglaries. They are usually less fortified than front doors because they are not always solid core and many do not have strong deadbolt locks. Thieves frequently kick these doors in after entering a side yard that is concealed from the street. When inside the garage, an undetected entry can be made into the home often by kicking the inner door, or using the victim’s own tools. Check your side garage door and make sure that your home will not be an easy target.   

COMMERCIAL/OTHER STRUCTURE BURGLARIES

Commercial burglaries rose from one to three last week. Two closed businesses and a school were targeted. The businesses were entered through a hole cut in a wall and a shattered window. A DVR system was taken and an attempt to take a vending machine was unsuccessful. There was no loss determined at the school. The 2012 weekly average in commercial burglaries is now 1.3.

VEHICLE BURGLARIES

Vehicle burglaries rose from three to eight last week. High-volume commercial parking lots were the crime scenes in all eight. Five of the vehicles were SUVs. Stolen items included vitamins, wallets, credit cards, checkbooks, cell phones, sunglasses, ID, cash, purses, jackets, and cameras. The 2012 weekly average in vehicle burglaries is 6.1.

Sheriff's safety tip: As you can see, five of the eight vehicles targeted last week were SUVs. Think twice about the property you leave in your vehicle, and especially an SUV. If it is valuable and important to you, consider leaving it at home or taking it with you when you exit the vehicle. Valuable items left within the passenger compartment make it just too easy for the thief. 

VEHICLE THEFTS

Vehicle thefts dropped from seven to three. High-volume commercial parking lots were the crime scenes in all three. Two Hondas and a Toyota were taken. The 2012 weekly average in vehicle thefts is now 4.6. 

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. These are important especially of you own one of the two most stolen makes in California, which are Honda and Toyota.  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.