Cerritos Weekly Crime Recap: April 9 to April 15

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

Part I felony crimes reported to the  dropped by three last week after 23 were reported. All categories in this report were down with the exception of vehicle burglaries. Calls for service increased from 260 to 292. The 2012 weekly average in calls for service is 261. 

ROBBERIES

There were no robberies reported last week.  

RESIDENTIAL BURGLARIES

Residential burglaries dropped from four the past two consecutive weeks to one last week. A rear door was pried open in the most recent crime and jewelry, laptop computers, and a camera were taken. The 2012 weekly average in residential burglaries is now 4.2. 

Sheriff's safety tip: Just taking a moment to make sure that all windows and doors are secure before leaving the residence takes away an easy entry point for a burglar. Let’s face it, if a burglar is determined to gain entry, he or she generally will find a way in, but the harder you make it on them, the better your chances of avoiding victimization.   

COMMERCIAL/OTHER STRUCTURE BURGLARIES

Commercial burglaries dropped from three to two last week. A storage facility and a fitness center locker were the targets. Miscellaneous items were taken from the storage unit, and clothes, a wallet and credit cards were removed from the locker. The 2012 weekly average in commercial burglaries is now 1.3. 

VEHICLE BURGLARIES

Vehicle burglaries increased from eight to nine last week. Eight of the break-ins occurred in high-volume commercial parking lots. SUVs were burglarized in five. Stereo equipment, cameras, passports, an iPod, cash, wallets, credit cards, sunglasses, a briefcase, and a saxophone were reported as loss items. The 2012 weekly average in vehicle burglaries is 6.3. 

Sheriff's safety tip: Vehicle burglary is the most frequently reported felony crime in the city of Cerritos. Thieves will look into your vehicle to see if there is anything worth stealing.  If your property is valuable and important to you, consider leaving it at home or taking it with you when you exit the vehicle.  

VEHICLE THEFTS

Vehicle thefts were down again from three to one last week, which occurred in a high-volume commercial parking lot. The stolen vehicle was a Honda. The 2012 weekly average in vehicle thefts is now 4.3. 

Sheriff's safety tip: If you own one of the most commonly reported stolen vehicles in Cerritos, such as an 80’s or 90’s Honda or Toyota, we would urge that you use a steering wheel locking device. Based on the variety of vehicles taken each week in addition to Hondas and Toyotas, a sound approach would be to equip your vehicle regardless of what type it is. 

* 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.