Cerritos Weekly Crime Recap: July 2 to July 8

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

There were 27 Part I felony crimes investigated by the  during this period, up from 22 the week before. Vehicle burglaries increased, robberies remained the same, while residential and commercial burglaries along with vehicle thefts dropped.  281 calls for service were handled by patrol personnel, up from 263.  The current 2012 weekly average in calls for service is 267.

ROBBERIES

There were no robberies investigated during this period. 

RESIDENTIAL BURGLARIES

Residential burglaries were down from three to one last week. An open window was the point of entry in the lone case where a loss could not be initially determined. The 2012 weekly average in residential burglaries is now 4.3. 

Sheriff's safety tip: Open windows equal easy access for the burglar. Don’t make anything easy on the criminal. Make sure that your residence is secured prior to leaving. 

COMMERCIAL/OTHER STRUCTURE BURGLARIES

FCommercial burglaries were down from four to one last week. A closed business was targeted and a security camera was taken. The 2012 weekly average in “other structure”/commercial burglaries is 1.8. 

VEHICLE BURGLARIES

Vehicle burglaries increased from seven to nine. Six of the crimes last week occurred in high-volume commercial parking lots. Eight involved SUVs. Purses, wallets, ID, cell phones, plumbing tools, cash, a garage remote control and a DMV disabled placard were taken. In addition to those items, third-row seats were removed from SUVs. The 2012 weekly average in vehicle burglaries is 7.6. 

Sheriff's safety tip: Garage door remote control devices are of valuable use to a residential burglar. It is almost like giving the thief a key to your home. Think about locking it in the trunk if you must park outside, or take it with you. 

VEHICLE THEFTS

Vehicle thefts were down from five to four last week. Three of the cases were from lots. Two Hondas and two Toyotas were stolen. The new 2012 weekly average in vehicle thefts is now 3.4. 

Sheriff's safety tip: ANY form of an anti-theft device is better than nothing at all. A wide range exists from simple steering wheel locks to global positioning satellite tracking (GPS). Steering wheel locking devices can cost as little as $30.00 and are a visual deterrent. Use of these devices tells the would-be thief to find an easier target. 

 * 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.