Cerritos Weekly Crime Recap: July 16 to July 22

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

There were 28 Part I felony investigations conducted last week by the , up from 19 a week ago. Robberies, vehicle burglaries and vehicle thefts increased. Residential burglaries remained unchanged and commercial burglaries dropped. Patrol deputies handled 297 calls for service last week, up from 250 the previous one. The current 2012 weekly average in calls for service is 267.

ROBBERIES

Four robberies were reported during this period.

On Monday, July 16 at 5:36 p.m. a male juvenile was riding his skateboard in the 13600 block of Park Street when three male juvenile suspects confronted the victim and took his cell phone. Detectives have the suspects identified and arrests are pending.  

At 10 a.m. the following morning a male was riding a bike in the 12100 block of 166th Street when five male suspects pushed the victim to the ground and stole his bike and cash.  

On Wednesday, July 18 at 7:34 p.m. a male shoplifting suspect struggled with loss prevention personnel at a store in in an attempt to flee with numerous watches. He was subdued and arrested.  

The last case of the week was at a park in the 12400 block of Ash Creek Road where three suspects took keys from a male victim at 9:45 p.m. and stole his vehicle. 

RESIDENTIAL BURGLARIES

Residential burglaries remained at two last week. Open windows were used in both crimes to gain entry. There was no determined loss in each incident. The 2012 weekly average in residential burglaries is now 4.2. 

Sheriff's safety tip: We cannot stress the need to ensure your residence is COMPLETELY secured prior to departing. An unfortunate part of summer is the amount of windows and sliding glass doors left open to ventilate a residence. This gives the thief easy access to your home. 

COMMERCIAL/OTHER STRUCTURE BURGLARIES

Commercial burglaries were down from three to two last week. A fitness center locker was targeted where credit cards were taken and tools were stolen from a tent in the Auto Square. The 2012 weekly average in “other structure”/commercial burglaries is 1.8. 

VEHICLE BURGLARIES

Vehicle burglaries rose from seven to 11 last week. Eight were from high-volume commercial parking lots. Five were SUVs, and one was a commercial trailer. Third-row seats (from SUVs), cameras, watches, clothing, purses, ID, tires, a jack, sunglasses and cell phones were among the items reported missing. The 2012 weekly average in vehicle burglaries is 7.7. 

Sheriff's safety tip: Think twice about the property you leave in your vehicle, especially if you have an SUV. If it is valuable and important to you, consider leaving it at home or taking it with you when you exit the vehicle. Valuable items left within the passenger compartment make it just too easy for the thief.

VEHICLE THEFTS

Vehicle thefts were up from two to four last week. All four were from lots. Two Hondas, an SUV and a tractor were stolen. Two suspects are in custody for the tractor theft. The new 2012 weekly average in vehicle thefts is now 3.4. 

Sheriff's safety tip: A great deal of success has been demonstrated by tracking devices that can lead law enforcement directly to the location of a stolen vehicle. These systems cost a little more and require a monthly fee, but are very effective. 

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

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.