Cerritos Weekly Crime Recap: Feb. 25 to March 3

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 members of the Cerritos Sheriff’s Station rose from 20 the previous week to 25 last week. Commercial burglaries and vehicle burglaries increased while robberies remained the same. Declines were noted in residential burglaries and vehicle thefts. There were 267 calls for service handled by patrol personnel, up from 262 the week before. The 2013 weekly average in calls for service is 268. 

ROBBERIES

There were no reported robberies for the third consecutive week.

RESIDENTIAL BURGLARIES

Residential burglaries dropped from five to two last week. One window was pried open and the other forced. At the time of this report, losses in the crimes had not yet been determined. The new 2013 weekly average in residential burglaries is 5.6.

Sheriff's safety tip: Remember to report ANY suspicious person(s) or vehicle(s) to the Cerritos Sheriff’s Station.

COMMERCIAL/OTHER STRUCTURE BURGLARIES

Commercial burglaries increased from one case to five last week. Two fitness center lockers were targeted for cell phones, cash and credit cards. Three closed businesses were burglarized after two office windows were shattered and a key box was pried open in the third. Laptop computers and copper cable were stolen. The 2013 weekly average in “other structure”/commercial burglaries is 2.7.

VEHICLE BURGLARIES

Vehicle burglaries increased from seven to 15 last week. Nine of the crimes took plaec in in high-volume commercial parking lots. Thirteen of the break-ins involved SUVs. Property reported stolen included purses, wallets, clothing, briefcases, checkbooks, laptop computers, shoes, cell phones, stereo units, CDs, third-row seats (from SUVs), credit cards, cosmetics, garage door openers, textbooks and a bowl. The new 2013 weekly average in vehicle burglaries is 8.4.

Sheriff's safety tip: As you can see by the items stolen during this period, thieves will take just about anything they perceive to be of any value. If you leave ANYTHING inside the passenger compartment of your vehicle, please be reminded that it may not be there when you return.

VEHICLE THEFTS

Vehicle thefts were down from two to one last week. A Toyota was taken from a residential neighborhood. The 2013 weekly average in vehicle thefts is now 2.7.  

Sheriff's safety tip: The vehicle stolen last week was not equipped with a steering wheel locking device. A common complaint among motorists is that these devices are too cumbersome and take time to engage and remove. If you own one of the most commonly reported stolen vehicles in Cerritos, such as an 80’s or 90’s Honda, Toyota, or an SUV, we would suggest that one of these devices become part of your auto accessories.

 * 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.