Crime & Safety

Cerritos Weekly Crime Recap: June 27-July 3

Felony I crimes take a spike along with calls for service -- something the Sheriff's Department says is a general trend during summer months and holiday periods.

The  investigated 30 Part I felony crimes during this week. All categories with the exception of residential burglaries showed increases. Calls for service by patrol deputies also went up from 295 to 322 -- calls for service generally take a spike during the summer months and the holiday season. The 2011 weekly average in calls for service is now 269.    

ROBBERIES

Two robberies were investigated during this period. The first occurred on Wednesday, June 29 at 9:30 p.m. when two male suspects approached a male victim on foot near Gridley Road at Eckelson Circle and demanded his gold necklace. In fear of his safety, the victim complied and the suspects fled on foot with the jewelry. One of the robbers was arrested by deputies a short time later and the necklace was recovered.  

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On Thursday, June 30 at 6:15 a.m. a male juvenile was riding his bicycle on Artesia Boulevard near the San Gabriel Riverbed when a vehicle carrying four suspects pulled up beside him. The victim was pushed off the bike and one of the suspects mounted it and fled as did the vehicle.

RESIDENTIAL BURGLARIES

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Residential burglaries dropped from five to three this week. All three of the burglaries involved entry from open/unlocked doors or windows. Tools, a bike, laptop computers, and jewelry were taken. The 2011 weekly average in residential burglaries is 3.7. 

Sheriff's safety tip: As we reminded you last week, the hot weather is here and residents are known to leave doors and windows open for ventilation. This was the case last week as temperatures have risen.

COMMERCIAL/OTHER STRUCTURE BURGLARIES

Seven commercial burglaries were recorded during this period, an increase from just two the previous week. All of the crimes involved closed businesses where two windows were shattered, two locks were cut, a door was pried, and two points of entry could not be determined. Copper wiring, computers, cash, a coffee maker, and a food processor were stolen. The 2011 weekly average in commercial /“other structure” burglaries is 3.1.  

VEHICLE BURGLARIES

Eleven vehicle burglaries were logged, up from eight the previous period. All eleven occurred in high-volume commercial parking lots, where nine SUVs were targeted. Three GPS units and one stereo were listed as stolen. Other property taken included purses, wallets, flashlights, cameras, cell phones, laptop computers, and a wallet. The new 2011 weekly average in vehicle burglaries is 5.9.

Sheriff's safety tip: Keep your windows rolled up, doors locked, and all valuable items out of sight. If they must be stored in the vehicle, keep them in the trunk. Remember, leaving windows partially down to keep the vehicle cool can give the vehicle burglar an easy head start to get in.

VEHICLE THEFTS

Four vehicle thefts were investigated this week, three from high-volume commercial parking lots. Three of the thefts involved SUVs, and one a motorcycle. One vehicle theft was reported the previous week. The 2011 weekly average in this crime is now 2.7.

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 good visual deterrent. Use of these devices tells the would-be thief to find an easier target. 

 

Neighborhood Watch Town Hall Meeting Scheduled for August 17, 2011

The next Neighborhood Watch Town Hall Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday August 17, 2011 at 7 p.m. at the  located at 12340 South St. near Ely Avenue. Members of the sheriff's  will offer an in-depth presentation on crime in the city. Attendees are encouraged to bring any questions they might have on safety concerns and issues.


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