Cerritos Weekly Crime Recap: Dec. 5 to Dec. 11

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

There were 32 Part I felony investigations conducted by personnel last week, up from 28 the week before. Robberies and residential burglaries increased, vehicle theft remained the same, and commercial burglaries along with vehicle burglaries dropped. The current shopping month always generates additional theft cases as suspects are more frequently taken into custody by retail loss prevention. Calls for service last week also rose to 302 compared to 300 the previous reporting period. As we near the end of the year, the 2011 weekly average in that category is 272.

ROBBERIES

There were two robberies reported during this period. Two male suspects robbed two male victims at gunpoint on Wednesday, Dec. 7 at 7:55 p.m. in the 17600 block of Palo Verde Avenue. The victims had advertised electronic items for sale via a website and had arranged to sell them to the suspects. Cash and iPhones were taken. On Sunday, Dec. 11 at 9:10 p.m. two gun-wielding suspects entered a retail store in the Towne Center and demanded that multiple cashiers relinquish the contents of their cash registers. When the employees were unable to open them, the suspects fled without any money.

RESIDENTIAL BURGLARIES

Residential burglaries increased from three to seven last week.  Open/unlocked doors or windows were involved in five of the crimes.  One window was shattered, and a front door kicked in. TVs, laptop computers, clothing, cameras, cell phones, and cash were stolen. The 2011 weekly average in residential burglaries is 4.0.  

Sheriff's safety tip: Many people like to display their Christmas tree in a front window where it can be shared with neighbors, and anyone walking by. Keep in mind that potential thieves can also be walking or driving by, and taking note of anything placed under the tree that is highly visible. Protect these items by not advertising that they are available when you leave the home.

COMMERCIAL/OTHER STRUCTURE BURGLARIES

Commercial/“other structure” burglaries were down from two to one last week. A fitness center locker was targeted and gym bag, keys, ID, and a purse were missing. The 2011 weekly average in commercial/“other structure” burglaries is 2.9. 

VEHICLE BURGLARIES

Vehicle burglaries declined from 12 to 11. Only two of the vehicles last week were located in high-volume commercial parking lots. The others were in residential neighborhoods, and most of those vehicles were in driveways. Nine of the total last week involved Hondas. One was an SUV. Wallets, cash, CDs, make-up, laptop computers, dental tools, Postal Service uniforms, and an ash tray were some of the items taken. Two GPS units and a third-row seat (from an SUV) were also stolen. The 2011 weekly average in vehicle burglaries remained at 6.9. 

Sheriff's safety tip: Storing property in a car’s passenger compartment, especially leaving it in plain sight, is exactly what the vehicle burglar will be looking for. Vehicle burglars rarely enter your vehicle to just look around, but are instead attracted to an item that they can see from outside. And please keep in mind that a thin sheet of automobile glass is really very little protection. 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 seldom observe and stop a car burglary in progress, but you can stop every car burglar who targets your car by practicing “safe living strategies."

VEHICLE THEFTS

Vehicle thefts remained the same at four last week. Three were taken from high-volume commercial parking lots. Two were Hondas, one a Toyota, and the fourth a commercial truck. The 2011 weekly average in vehicle thefts is now 3.3. 

Sheriff's safety tip: Using a steering wheel locking device will offer a good visible deterrent to the would-be thief. While there have been cases reported where the steering wheel is cut to allow the theft, these are very few in numbers. These devices are inexpensive and let the car thief know that more work will be required to take your vehicle. There are many more in a parking lot for the criminal to target that are not equipped with a locking device. 

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

OPPORTUNITIES

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.