Cerritos Weekly Crime Recap: June 18 to June 24

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

There were 21 Part I felony crimes investigated by the  during this period, down by one from the previous week. Residential burglaries and commercial burglaries rose, as robberies, vehicle burglaries and vehicle thefts declined. 257 calls for service were handled by patrol deputies this week compared to 285 the previous one. The new 2012 weekly average in calls for service is 266. 

ROBBERIES

One robbery was logged after two male suspects approached two juvenile victims in the 11600 block of 195th Street on Sunday, June 24 at 8 p.m. A metal pipe was displayed and the victims relinquished their cell phones. 

RESIDENTIAL BURGLARIES

Residential burglaries increased from six to eight during this period. Open/unlocked doors or windows were the entry points in four, three windows were pried open and one window was shattered. Laptop computers, jewelry and cash were stolen. The 2012 weekly average in residential burglaries is now 4.5. 

Sheriff's safety tip: Neighbors looking out for neighbors can result in the arrest of burglars. If you see something or someone suspicious, call 911. Don’t be embarrassed or hesitant. The call you make could save a neighbor from becoming a victim or it could lead to the arrest of the burglar and the return of any property taken.   

COMMERCIAL/OTHER STRUCTURE BURGLARIES

One commercial burglary was reported. A male suspect entered a retail store after closing and stole numerous iPods. The suspect was observed by deputies and after a pursuit, the suspect was arrested and the property recovered. The suspect was driving a stolen vehicle and detectives have linked him to additional similar crimes. The 2012 weekly average in “other structure”/commercial burglaries is 1.9. 

VEHICLE BURGLARIES

Vehicle burglaries dropped from 11 to five last week. High-volume commercial parking lots were the locations in four. Four were SUVs. Purses, cash, ID, credit cards, keys and a calculator were taken. The 2012 weekly average in vehicle burglaries is 7.6. 

Sheriff's safety tip: If you own an SUV, consider purchasing a cable lock to secure your third-row seats. This inexpensive purchase can save you a substantial amount of replacement costs should you targeted in this growing theft trend.

VEHICLE THEFTS

Vehicle thefts were down from two to one during this week. A Toyota pick-up was stolen from a residential neighborhood.  

Sheriff's safety tip: Do you have the means to track your vehicle in the event it is stolen? Many devices are available for a nominal installation and monthly fee.

 * 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.