Crime & Safety

Cerritos Weekly Crime Recap: Aug. 27 to Sept. 2

The Cerritos Sheriff's Station reminds residents that crime prevention is a partnership with the community and law enforcement. So neighbors helping neighbors by calling to report unusual activities is instrumental in leading deputies to crimes in

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

There were 21 Part I felony crimes were investigated by personnel last week, down from 25 the previousreporting period. Robberies and vehicle burglaries increased while residential and commercial burglaries dropped. Vehicle thefts remained the same. Field deputies responded to 265 calls for service last week up slightly from 263 the week before. The 2012 weekly average in calls for service remains at 270.

ROBBERIES

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Two robberies were reported last week.

On Monday, Aug. 27 at 10:48 a.m. a male suspect entered a fast-food establishment in the 11800 block of South Street and simulated a weapon. When told that the employees did not have any money, the suspect fled.

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Later that day at 2:35 p.m. a woman pulled into a driveway in the 11000 block of Bingham Street. A male suspect wielding a handgun pointed it at the victim and demanded her cash. She began to sound the horn of the vehicle and the suspect fled.

RESIDENTIAL BURGLARIES

Residential burglaries were down from nine to three last week. A sliding glass door and a window were pried open and another window was shattered. Jewelry was the only reported loss. The 2012 weekly average in residential burglaries is now 4.7.

Sheriff's safety tip: If you see something, say something! Call the Cerritos Sheriff’s Station to report any suspicious persons or vehicles that you see in your neighborhood. Neighbors helping neighbors by calling to report unusual activities are instrumental inleading deputies to crimes in progress. Crime prevention is a partnership with the community and law enforcement.

COMMERCIAL/OTHER STRUCTURE BURGLARIES

Three commercial burglaries were logged compared to four the week before. All three last week occurred at closed businesses where windows were shattered and a key was taken from a lock box to gain entry. Computers, wiring and an All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) were taken. The 2012 weekly average in “other structure”/commercial burglaries is 2.0.

VEHICLE BURGLARIES

Vehicle burglaries were up to eight last week after two weeks with five reported. All eight last week were in high-volume commercial parking lots. Six were SUVs. Three stereos, a GPS unit, tools, purses and a third-row seat (from anSUV) were stolen. The 2012 weekly average in vehicle burglaries is 7.5.

Sheriff's safety tip: Vehicle burglars rarely enter your vehicle to just look around, but are instead attracted to an item that they can see from outside. If your property is valuable and important to you, consider leaving it at home or taking it with you when you exit the vehicle. Remember, law enforcement officers cannot protect you from vehicle burglars. Only you can prevent your own vehicle burglary.

VEHICLE THEFTS

Vehicle thefts also remained the same for the third consecutive week at two. An SUV and a commercial truck were taken from high-volume commercial parking lots. The new 2012 weekly average in vehicle thefts remained at 3.2.  

Sheriff's safety tip: Even though we see more SUVs, Hondas and Toyotas stolen compared to others, car thieves are not always as selective as you think and are most often just looking for transportation. 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.

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.


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