Cerritos Weekly Crime Recap: Oct. 22-28

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

There were 32 Part I felony crimes reported to the Cerritos Sheriff’s Station last week, up by three cases from the previous week. Robberies, vehicle burglaries and vehicle thefts increased this week while residential and commercial burglaries declined. There were 265 calls for service handled, down from 283 the week before. The new 2012 weekly average in calls for service is now 291.

ROBBERIES

There were three robberies reported during this period compared to one robbery the previous week.

On October 22, a male suspect allegedly used pepper spray and took a bag containing phone cards in the 11400 block of Beach Street. Some of the cards were recovered nearby.

On that same day, two male juveniles were allegedly assaulted by three other male juveniles and had their skateboards stolen in the 19800 block of Bloomfield Avenue.

Finally, on October 26 at around 4:55 p.m., a shoplifter in the 17500 block of Bloomfield Avenue fought with store employees as they tried to detain him.

RESIDENTIAL BURGLARIES

There were six residential burglaries during this period compared to ten in the previous reporting period bringing the weekly average to five.

Five of these burglaries were attributed to open or unlocked doors or windows and one sliding glass door was pried open.Coins, jewelry, cash, liquor, boots and a safe went missing during these incidents.

Sheriff's safety tip: Deputies remind residents that burglars always look for the easiest way to gain entry to a home. Make sure all doors and windows are locked before leaving the house. A good home alarm system or even a suggestion that one is installed has been statistically proven to make a home less of a target for burglary, deputies said.

COMMERCIAL BURGLARIES

There were four commercial burglaries during this period compared to five the week before. This brings the weekly average to 2.2.

Three closed businesses and one open one were the target of the burglaries. Copper wire was taken from the closed locations and a computer was allegedly taken from the open business by a suspect who allegedly posed as a store employee.

VEHICLE BURGLARIES

Eight vehicle burglaries were reported during this period compared to three the previous week. This brings the average amount of vehicle burglaries to seven.

Seven of the burglaries happened in what deputies called "high-volume" commercial parking lots. Purses, wallets, and ID, MP3 player, cash and a GPS unit were stolen during these crimes.

Sheriff's safety tip: Deputies said that anything left inside a vehicle can be targeted and taken in a matter of seconds. SUVs are prime targets, according to deputies, as they do not have a secured trunk space. Remove all valuables from your car before leaving it unattended.

VEHICLE THEFTS

Vehicle thefts rose from three the previous week to six this reporting period, bringing the weekly average to 3.9.

Four Hondas, a Lexus and a motorcycle were all stolen during these thefts.

Sheriff's safety tip: Deputies urge drivers to use some type of anti-theft device to keep a vehicle safe. Steering wheel locking devices and tracking devices are some of the most effective devices, deputies said.

* 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.