Cerritos Weekly Crime Recap: Jan. 16 to Jan. 22

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

 deputies investigated 24 Part I felony investigations during this period, one less than the previous week. Residential burglaries and vehicle thefts increased, while robberies, commercial burglaries, and vehicle burglaries were down. There were 261 calls for service handled by patrol personnel, down from 270. The current 2012 weekly average in calls for service stands at 264. 

ROBBERIES

There were no robberies reported during this period.

RESIDENTIAL BURGLARIES

Residential burglaries were up from four to six last week. Three were the result of open/unlocked doors or windows. One window was shattered, one was pried, and a side garage door was kicked in. Tools, laptop computers, a TV, cell phones, and a safe were taken. The 2012 weekly average in residential burglaries is now 5.3.  

Sheriff's safety tip: By nature, burglars do not like to attract any attention. The majority of our entries in Cerritos are caused by either a door or window being left open or unlocked, and by use of a pry tool.  A good defense to prying is to make sure that it will be unsuccessful. This is best accomplished by installation of hardware that keeps the sliding window or door connected to the frame. This inhibits any lateral or vertical movement that could allow the window or door to be lifted from the tracks. Locking pins are available at many hardware stores and are a very small investment for such a vital purpose. 

COMMERCIAL/OTHER STRUCTURE BURGLARIES

There were no commercial/“other structure” burglaries reported last week. Three were logged the week before. The new 2012 weekly average in commercial/“other structure” burglaries is 1.3. 

VEHICLE BURGLARIES

Vehicle burglaries dropped from eight to three last week. All three were in high-volume commercial parking lots. Only one was an SUV. Victims reported the loss of purses, credit cards, laptop computers, cell phones, and a stereo. The new 2012 weekly average in vehicle burglaries is 5.0. 

Sheriff's safety tip: Please note the property that was stolen during this period and remember, if you leave certain items in the car, you stand a very good chance of losing them. Vehicle burglary is one of the most predominant felony crimes in Cerritos. 

VEHICLE THEFTS

Vehicle thefts increased by one crime last week as nine were investigated. Seven were removed from high-volume commercial parking lots. Two were Acuras, two were Hondas, and two commercial trailers were stolen. Others taken were a Chevrolet, a Dodge, and an SUV. The new 2012 weekly average in vehicle thefts is 6.0. 

Sheriff's safety tip: Car thieves are not always as selective as you think and are often just looking for transportation. Consider a steering wheel locking device that serves as a good visual deterrent.

* 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.