Cerritos Weekly Crime Recap: Feb. 18 to 24

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

Twenty Part I felony crimes were reported to the Cerritos Sheriff’s Station last week, up from 13 the week before. Residential burglaries and vehicle burglaries increased, robberies and vehicle thefts remained the same while commercial burglaries declined. Patrol deputies handled 262 calls for service last week, up from 254 the previous one. The 2013 weekly average in calls for service is 262.

ROBBERIES

There were no reported robberies for the second consecutive week.

RESIDENTIAL BURGLARIES

Residential burglaries rose from two to five last week. Two windows were shattered, one window was pried open, one entry was made possible from an open/unlocked door or window and a garage door opener taken from a vehicle was used to access the home. Laptop computers and cash were taken. The new 2013 weekly average in residential burglaries is 6.0.

Sheriff's safety tip: We have seen a couple of recent burglaries that were facilitated by a remote garage door opener left in a vehicle on the driveway. Consider keeping the opener with your keys and take it inside if you plan on leaving a vehicle outside and unattended.

COMMERCIAL/OTHER STRUCTURE BURGLARIES

Commercial burglaries dropped again from two incidents to one last week. The rear door of a closed business was pried open and cash was taken. The 2013 weekly average in “other structure”/commercial burglaries is 2.6.

VEHICLE BURGLARIES

Vehicle burglaries rose from six to seven last week. Four were from high-volume commercial parking lots. Three involved SUVs. Stereo items, laptop computers, wallets, ID, credit cards, batteries, a GPS unit and third-row seats (from SUVs) were the reported loss items. The new 2013 weekly average in vehicle burglaries is 7.6.

Sheriff's safety tip: We are often reminded when we look at the stolen items in vehicle burglaries that these valuable items should never be left in an unattended vehicle.

VEHICLE THEFTS

Vehicle thefts remained the same at two last week. Both crimes occurred in high-volume commercial parking lots. A Chevrolet and a truck were stolen. The 2013 weekly average in vehicle thefts is now 2.9.

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.

Crime Map Color Key

• Days is from 6 a.m. until 2 p.m. (blue)
• PMs is from 2 p.m. until 10 p.m. (orange)
• EMs is from 10 p.m. until 6 a.m. (black)
• Unknown indicates a timeframe that overlaps with hours or possibly days from a vacation, a weekend, etc. (red)

Neighborhood Watch Town Hall Meeting Scheduled for April 24

The next Neighborhood Watch Town Hall Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, April 24, 2013 at 7 p.m. at Cerritos Park East. Please note the change of venue from past meetings and join us at 13224 E. 166th St. as members of the Cerritos Sheriff’s Station/Community Safety Center will offer an in-depth presentation on crime in Cerritos. The major topics will be residential burglary prevention and neighborhood vigilance along with the current status of school safety in Cerritos. Plan on being there as we look forward to seeing you and answeringany questions you may have.

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.