Editor's Note: The information below comes from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Cerritos Station's weekly crime summary.
The reports that Part I felony crime investigations were down by one case last week after 25 were reported. Residential and commercial burglaries increased, vehicle burglaries and vehicle thefts remained the same and robberies declined. There were 263 calls for service handled by patrol deputies, down from 273 the week before. The 2012 weekly average in calls for service is currently 270.
ROBBERIES
There were no robberies reported last week.
RESIDENTIAL BURGLARIES
Residential burglaries were up from five to nine last week. All nine occurred in the northeast section of the city. Four cases were attributed to open/unlocked doors or windows, three windows were pried open, one was shattered and a door was kicked in. Purses, cash, gold coins, jewelry, electronics and a handgun were among the items taken. The 2012 weekly average in residential burglaries is now 4.7.
Sheriff's safety tip: We tend to experience more windows and doors left open during the summer months as residents attempt to keep their homes cool. As mentioned, four of the cases last week were attributed to unsecured portals. The harder you make it for a burglar to enter your house, the less likely that he or she will. Take the time to make sure that everything is closed and locked up before leaving. The brief amount of time spent doing this could save much more in the long run.
COMMERCIAL/OTHER STRUCTURE BURGLARIES
Four commercial burglaries were reported last week. There were three the week before. Two closed businesses, a storage unit and a retail store were targeted. Jewelry, copper wiring and fixtures were stolen. The 2012 weekly average in “other structure”/commercial burglaries is 2.0.
VEHICLE BURGLARIES
Vehicle burglaries remained the same at five last week. All five took place in high-volume commercial parking lots. Four were SUVs. A stereo, a GPS unit, clothing, purses, wallets and a laptop computer were missing. The 2012 weekly average in vehicle burglaries is 7.5.
Sheriff's safety tip: Window smashes continue to be the most frequent means of entering the vehicles in these thefts. Remember that only a very thin layer of glass separates the thief from your valuable property. Your visible property can be seen, the window smashed, and the items stolen in five seconds or less. Don’t leave these items in your vehicle. Leave them at home, or lock them in the trunk if you absolutely must have them in the car.
VEHICLE THEFTS
Vehicle thefts also remained the same at two last week. Two Toyotas were taken from high-volume commercial parking lots. The new 2012 weekly average in vehicle thefts is now 3.2.
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. 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.
