Cerritos Weekly Crime Recap: May 27 to June 2

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

Part I felony investigations conducted by members of the Cerritos Sheriff’s Station increased by one case last week after 33 were reported. Residential burglaries, vehicle burglaries and vehicle thefts increased. Robberies remained the same while commercial burglaries declined. There were 331 calls for service handled by patrol deputies, down from 355 the week before. The current 2013 weekly average in calls for service is 295.

ROBBERIES

One robbery was reported on Tuesday, May 28 at 10:06 a.m. A male suspect approached a female victim on a lot near Palo Verde Avenue and South Street and grabbed a bag that she had been carrying. The suspect fled with the property to an awaiting vehicle that was driven by a second suspect.

RESIDENTIAL BURGLARIES

There were 11 residential burglaries logged last week, up from six the previous one. Six of the cases last week were attributed to pried windows or sliding glass doors. Three windows were shattered, one door was kicked in and one entry was made via an unlocked kitchen window. Computers, jewelry and cash were stolen. Two suspects were in custody in separate incidents. The 2013 weekly average in residential burglaries remained at 5.4.

COMMERCIAL/OTHER STRUCTURE BURGLARIES

“Other structure”/commercial burglaries dropped from six to four last week. Two sheds were targeted but the only reported loss was a leather bag. A garage door opener was used for entry into a detached garage, but no loss could be determined. The fourth case involved a male suspect that entered a store to sell stolen property. He was arrested and the items were returned to their rightful owner. The 2013 weekly average in “other structure”/commercial burglaries is 3.0.

VEHICLE BURGLARIES

Vehicle burglaries increased from five to six. High-volume commercial parking lots were the locations in three. Three of the vehicles were SUVs. Sunglasses, GPS units, laptop computers, shoes and a heating pad were among the items taken. The new 2013 weekly average in vehicle burglaries is 7.9.

VEHICLE THEFTS

Vehicle thefts were also up from four to eight last week. All eight Four were Hondas, and one was a Pontiac. Others taken were a trailer, a motorcycle and an off-road vehicle (quad). The 2013 weekly average in this category is now 3.9.

 * Visit www.safercerritos.com for an extensive library of crime prevention tips, disaster preparedness information, and a variety of links to other pertinent sites.

Crime Map Color Key

• Days is from 6 a.m. until 2 p.m. (blue)
• PMs is from 2 p.m. until 10 p.m. (orange)
• EMs is from 10 p.m. until 6 a.m. (black)
• Unknown indicates a timeframe that overlaps with hours or possibly days from a vacation, a weekend, etc. (red)

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.