Cerritos Weekly Crime Recap: Aug. 29 to Sept. 4

 personnel recorded an increase of Part 1 felony crimes from 18 to 22 during this period. Commercial and vehicle burglaries along with vehicle thefts were up, robberies remained the same and residential burglaries were down. Calls for service by patrol personnel were down to 263 after 270 were handled the previous week.  The current 2011 weekly average in calls for service is 273. 

ROBBERIES

For the second consecutive week, there were no reported robberies.

RESIDENTIAL BURGLARIES

Residential burglaries dropped from seven cases to one during this period, which was the result of an open bedroom window. The loss could not be determined. The 2011 weekly average in residential burglaries remains at 3.7. 

Sheriff's safety tip: As we saw again last week, leaving a window or door open for ventilation can be a terrible mistake.  While it may offer temporary relief from the heat, the longstanding consequences of being a victim of a residential burglary are not worth it! 

COMMERCIAL/OTHER STRUCTURE BURGLARIES

Commercial burglaries rose from two to four during this week. Windows were smashed in two closed businesses, a lock was cut in a third, and a vehicle was used to unsuccessfully ram a front door in the fourth. Laptop computers, copper wire, currency, and monitors were stolen. The 2011 weekly average in commercial/“other structure” burglaries is 3.2.

VEHICLE BURGLARIES

Vehicle burglaries were up from seven to nine during this period. Seven of the break-ins occurred in high-volume commercial parking lots, and six involved SUVs. In-dash stereos and third-row seats were taken from four vehicles (all GMC SUVs). Other property reported stolen included cash, purses, ID, credit cards, cell phones, and MP3 players. The 2011 weekly average in vehicle burglaries remained at 6.4. 

Sheriff's safety tip: Leaving vehicle windows “cracked” for ventilation can also result in a vehicle burglary.  Make sure that your vehicle is completely secured. 

VEHICLE THEFTS

Vehicle thefts rose to two after only one had been reported the three previous weeks. An SUV and a Honda were taken from high-volume commercial parking lots. The 2011 weekly average in vehicle thefts is 2.7. 

Sheriff's safety tip: We always promote the use of steering wheel locking devices as great visible deterrents, but also endorse the use of tracking devices that can lead to the speedy recovery of your stolen vehicle. 

* Go to www.safercerritos.com for an extensive library of crime prevention tips,disaster preparedness information, and a variety of links to other pertinent sites.