Cerritos Weekly Crime Recap: Feb. 13 to 19

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

Part I felony investigations conducted by  personnel dropped from 30 to 25 last week. Commercial burglaries were up, robberies and vehicle burglaries remained the same, while residential burglaries and vehicle thefts declined. Patrol deputies handled 275 calls for service, up from 243 the week before. The new 2012 weekly average in calls for service is now 255. 

ROBBERIES

For the second consecutive week, there were two robberies reported.

• On Thursday, Feb. 16 at 4:30 p.m. a male shoplifting suspect struggled with store employees in the 17200 block of Norwalk Boulevard, but was eventually detained for the arrival of deputies.  
• At 10:30 p.m. that same night a male pedestrian was confronted by three suspects in the 17100 block of Pires Avenue where an iPhone and jacket were taken from the victim. 

RESIDENTIAL BURGLARIES

Residential burglaries dropped from nine to five last week. Four of those crimes were attributed to open/unlocked doors or windows. A window was pried in the fifth break-in. Laptop computers, electronic games, keys, jewelry, bicycles, and a handgun were reported missing. The 2012 weekly average in residential burglaries is now 5.0. 

Sheriff's safety tip: We have previously mentioned that the residential burglar will try to enter the home with the least amount of effort. Leaving doors and windows open creates that effortless opportunity. Regardless of where the door or window is located, make sure that you check and secure them prior to leaving the residence. 

COMMERCIAL/OTHER STRUCTURE BURGLARIES

Three commercial burglaries were reported last week. Two occurrred at closed businesses and the third took place at a fitness center locker. Menus, candle holders, and cell phones were taken from the businesses, and a wallet, cell phone, and watch were removed from the locker. The 2012 weekly average in commercial/“other structure” burglaries is now 1.4 

VEHICLE BURGLARIES

Nine vehicle burglaries were investigated last week, the same as the previous week. Eight of the recent cases occurred in high-volume commercial parking lots. Seven involved SUVs, and two stereos were taken. Briefcases, laptop computers, cell phones, ID, purses, a wallet, and credit cards were among the items reported stolen. The 2012 weekly average in vehicle burglaries is 5.9. 

Sheriff's safety tip: Vehicle burglary is the most frequently reported felony crime in the City of Cerritos. Last week, window smashes, (the most common entry method), were responsible in six of the cases. Are you willing to leave valuables in the passenger compartment that are visible and only protected by less than a quarter inch of glass? Why take a chance? If your property is valuable and important to you, consider leaving it at home or taking it with you when you exit the vehicle.

VEHICLE THEFTS

Vehicle thefts dropped from five to two. A high-volume commercial parking lot was the crime scene in one case. Both vehicles stolen last week were SUVs. The new 2012 weekly average in vehicle thefts is 5.1. 

Sheriff's safety tip: The best method to immediately display that your vehicle is protected from theft is the use of a visible deterrent such as a steering wheel lock. This inexpensive “insurance policy” can cost between $30-$50, and tells the commonly pressed for time thief that another target would be more appealing. 

* 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.