Cerritos Weekly Crime Recap: Aug. 8-14

Part I felony investigations rose from 16 to 22 during this period. Increases were noted in residential and vehicle burglaries. Robberies and commercial burglaries remained the same, and vehicle thefts declined. Calls for service were lower again at 259 after 267 were handled by patrol personnel the previous week. The 2011 weekly average in calls for service is 272. 

ROBBERIES

A robbery was reported when a female victim was robbed at gunpoint by lone suspect on Friday, August 12 at 8:25 p.m. in a lot in the 11800 block of Del Amo Boulevard. Her purse, rings, watch, and shoes were taken.

RESIDENTIAL BURGLARIES

Residential burglaries increased from one to seven last week. Three doors were pried, and two entries were made through unlocked windows. Handguns and ceramic figures were taken, and losses could not be initially determined in the other cases. The 2011 weekly average in residential burglaries remains at 3.7. 

Sheriff's safety tip: Alarm systems and dogs are a burglar’s worst enemies. Both detect presence, and both alert others to that presence. It is an excellent idea to have at least one or the other! 

COMMERCIAL/OTHER STRUCTURE BURGLARIES

There were three commercial burglaries and one “other structure” burglary investigated -- the same total as the week before. Three closed businesses were involved where glass doors were shattered and a front door was pried. Computer towers and monitors, along with cash were taken. The fourth case involved a fitness center locker where a cell phone was stolen. The 2011 weekly average in commercial/“other structure” burglaries is 3.3.  

VEHICLE BURGLARIES

Vehicle burglaries increased from five to seven during this week. In an unusual occurrence, only three were from high-volume commercial parking lots. Four SUVs were targeted. Property stolen included third-row seats (from the SUVs), cameras, a stroller, purses, wallets, and a charger. The 2011 weekly average in vehicle burglaries remained at 6.2.

Sheriff's safety tip: Fitness center lots are frequent targets of thieves because they know that patrons will leave valuables such as those taken last week, inside the passenger compartments of vehicles instead of using lockers inside.  We have two fitness centers in Cerritos and they are no exception.  Take these items with you, leave them at home if possible, (with the exception of ID), or at the very least secure them in the trunk of the vehicle.

VEHICLE THEFTS

Vehicle thefts were down again from three to one during this period. An SUV was stolen from high-volume commercial parking lot. The 2011 weekly average in vehicle thefts is 2.9. 

Sheriff's safety tip: SUVs are commonly taken for parts such as DVD units, wheels, and third row seats. If you own one, make sure that your investment is protected by tracking devices such as GPS units, and add a steering wheel lock just for an added measure of security.