Cerritos Weekly Crime Recap: May 30-June 5

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

The  saw a decline in Part I felony investigations during this period with a total of 18 crimes recorded -- all categories in this report decreased with the exception of commercial burglaries. Field deputies handled 291 calls for service, and the 2011 weekly average in calls for service is now 262.

ROBBERIES

There were no robberies reported during this summary period. 

RESIDENTIAL BURGLARIES

Residential burglaries dropped from six to three during this week.  All three break-ins involved an open or unlocked door or window. Losses in the crimes were not immediately reported. The 2011 weekly average in residential burglaries is 3.7. 

Sheriff's safety tip: Remember that it takes a few short minutes to make sure that the residence is secured prior to leaving. As three victims last week know, this is a very important procedure to follow.  

COMMERCIAL/OTHER STRUCTURE BURGLARIES

Four commercial burglaries were investigated this week, up from two the week before. Windows were shattered and doors were pried on the closed businesses where computers, copper wire, TVs, and cash were stolen. The 2011 weekly average in “other structure”/commercial burglaries is 3.0.  

VEHICLE BURGLARIES

Vehicle burglaries decreased from eight to five. Four of the break-ins occurred in high-volume commercial parking lots, and three involved SUVs. The suspects stole laptop computers and wallets. The new 2011 weekly average in vehicle burglaries is 5.6. 

Sheriff's safety tip: Any item left inside of a vehicle becomes “fair game” to the would-be thief.  Items that are left in plain view are even more vulnerable and account for the majority of the cases. Vehicle burglary is the most frequently reported crime in the City of Cerritos. 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

Vehicle thefts were down from four to three during this period. Three cases occurred in high-volume commercial parking lots. Two SUVs and a Toyota were stolen. The current 2011 weekly average in this category is 2.7. 

Sheriff's safety tip: Consider a steering wheel locking device that serves as a good visual deterrent regardless of what you drive. Honda and Toyota owners are more statistically prone to vehicle theft, as are SUV owners, but virtually any vehicle can be a 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.