Crime & Safety

Cerritos Weekly Crime Recap: May 21 to May 27

Vehicle burglary is the most frequently reported felony crime in the city of Cerritos, according to the Cerritos Sheriff's Station.

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 reported last week rose from 15 the previous week to 24, according to the . This increase was mainly attributed to more vehicle burglaries logged. Commercial burglaries and robberies also increased. Residential burglary and vehicle theft declined. Patrol deputies handled 291 calls for service last week, up from 271. The 2012 weekly average in calls for service is 265. 

ROBBERIES

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One robbery was reported after a cell phone was forcefully taken by a male suspect from his estranged spouse on Thursday, May 24 at 4 p.m. in .  The suspect was arrested, the phone recovered, and the crime was reclassified from a robbery to a domestic matter by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office

RESIDENTIAL BURGLARIES

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Residential burglaries dropped from four to three last week. One entry was made via an open window, a front door was kicked in, and another window was pried open. Costume jewelry, MP3 players, laptop computers, and flat screen TVs were taken. The 2012 weekly average in residential burglaries is now 4.0. 

Sheriff's safety tip: We always recommend the installation of a monitored alarm system. With window stickers or alarm company signs, your home will not be attractive to a potential burglar surveying (or casing) your neighborhood for targets. If entry is attempted, an audible alarm tells the suspect(s) to flee while alerting the alarm company, who in turn will call the Cerritos Sheriff’s Station.  

COMMERCIAL/OTHER STRUCTURE BURGLARIES

Two commercial burglaries were logged last week, up from one the week before. A fitness center locker was burglarized where a wallet, cash, and credit cards were taken. A closed business was involved in the second case. After a hole was cut in a door, surveillance cameras were removed. The 2012 weekly average in “other structure”/commercial burglaries is 1.6. 

VEHICLE BURGLARIES

Vehicle burglaries rose from nine to 13. High-volume commercial parking lots were the crime scenes in all 13 last week. Nine of the break-ins involved SUVs. Briefcases, tools, tote bags, CDs, a roll of tape, purses, ID, credit cards, sunglasses, MP3 players, clothing, laptop computers, cash, jewelry, and cases of drinking water were among the items reported stolen. The 2012 weekly average in vehicle burglaries is 7.7.

Sheriff's safety tip: Vehicle burglary is the most frequently reported felony crime in the City of Cerritos. During this period, window smashes, (the most common entry method), was used in nine cases. Are you willing to leave valuables in the passenger compartment that are visible and only protected by less than a quarter inch of glass? Why take a chance? If your property is valuable and important to you, consider leaving it at home or taking it with you when you exit the vehicle. 

VEHICLE THEFTS

No vehicle thefts were reported last week. The 2012 weekly average in this category is now 3.7.    

* 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.


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