Cerritos Weekly Crime Recap: Nov. 21 to Nov. 27

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 dropped from 17 to 15 last week. Vehicle thefts were up, robberies and vehicle burglaries remained the same, and residential burglaries and commercial burglaries declined. Sheriff's deputies handled 237 calls for service last week, down from 242 the previous one. The 2011 weekly average in that category is 270.

ROBBERIES

There were no robberies reported to Cerritos Station for the second consecutive week in a row.

RESIDENTIAL BURGLARIES

Residential burglaries dropped from three to two last week. In both of the incidents, the burglar(s) made entry through open/unlocked doors or windows. A safe, jewelry, and a handgun were reported missing. The 2011 weekly average in residential burglaries is 3.9. 

Sheriff's note: Remember that burglars know that the shopping season is starting and that homes will be filled with many valuable items. Protect your home with a burglar alarm system and hardware that secures sliding glass windows and doors tightly against their frames.

COMMERCIAL/OTHER STRUCTURE BURGLARIES

Commercial burglaries declined from three to one last week. A fitness center locker was broken into and a wallet, cell phone, cash, and keys were stolen.  The 2011 weekly average in commercial/“other structure” burglaries is 2.9.  

VEHICLE BURGLARIES

Vehicle burglaries stayed at five last week, and only one case occurred in a high-volume commercial parking lot. The others took place in residential tracts. Three SUVs were among the vehicles burglarized, and the victims reported stolen CD players, wallets, keys, sunglasses, laptop computers, and clothing. The 2011 weekly average in vehicle burglaries remained at 6.8. 

Sheriff's safety tip: As we note that there has been an increase in vehicles burglarized in residential tracts, suggesting that valuable property is being left in the passenger compartments overnight. Always make sure that you remove items of value and take them inside with you at night. Most vehicle burglaries committed in residential areas occur in the early morning hours when residents are sleeping.

VEHICLE THEFTS

Vehicle thefts increased to seven after six were logged the past two consecutive weeks. All seven vehicles last week were taken from high-volume commercial parking lots. Five were Hondas, along with an Acura and VW. The 2011 weekly average in vehicle thefts is now 3.3.  

Sheriff's safety tip: Spend $35 to $40 on a steering wheel locking device and add that extra “layer” of protection that could mean the difference of your vehicle versus that of another potential victim.  

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

OPPORTUNITIES

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.