Cerritos Weekly Crime Recap: June 25 to July 1

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

Part I felony crimes investigated by the  rose by one incident last week to 22. Commercial burglaries, vehicle burglaries and vehicle thefts were higher compared to the previous week. Robberies and residential burglaries dropped. Field deputies handled 263 calls for service last week, up from 257 the week before. The current 2012 weekly average in calls for service is 266. 

ROBBERIES

There were no robberies investigated during this period. 

RESIDENTIAL BURGLARIES

Residential burglaries dropped from eight to three last week. Open/unlocked doors or windows were used to gain entry in one crime, and two windows were pried open. Laptop computers, cash, jewelry and electronics were taken. The 2012 weekly average in residential burglaries is now 4.5. 

Sheriff's safety tip: Do you know who belongs in your neighborhood? Take some time to learn by observing the day-to-day activities. This may help you detect any obvious deviation that may indicate crime. (Suspicious people, vehicles, etc.)   

COMMERCIAL/OTHER STRUCTURE BURGLARIES

Four commercial burglaries were reported. Three closed businesses and a fitness center locker were targeted. Video surveillance systems, wallets, keys, tax documents, chairs and a bed were among the loss items. The 2012 weekly average in “other structure”/commercial burglaries is 1.8.

VEHICLE BURGLARIES

Vehicle burglaries were up from five to seven last week. Five cases involved high-volume commercial parking lots. Six of the vehicles were SUVs. Laptop computers, cell phones, cameras, battery cables, purses, wallets, ID, guitars, and bowling balls were stolen. The 2012 weekly average in vehicle burglaries is 7.6. 

Sheriff's safety tip: Residents are urged to avoid leaving windows open or even “cracked” while attempting to cool an unattended vehicle. Thieves see this as a means to enter your vehicle without breaking any glass that could attract the attention of witnesses.

VEHICLE THEFTS

Vehicle thefts were up from one to five. High-volume commercial lots were the crime scenes in three. Three of the vehicles taken were Hondas and two were SUVS. The new 2012 weekly average in vehicle thefts is now 3.4. 

Sheriff's safety tip: We always promote the use of steering wheel locking devices as great visible deterrents, but also endorse the use of tracking devices that can lead to the speedy recovery of your stolen vehicle.

 * 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.