Crime & Safety

Cerritos Weekly Crime Recap: Sept. 17 to Sept. 23

The Cerritos Sheriff's Station reminds everyone that law enforcement officers cannot protect you from vehicle burglars; only you can prevent your own vehicle burglary.

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

There were 27 Part I felony cases reported to the Cerritos Sheriff’s Station last week, up by five from the week before. Residential burglaries, commercial burglaries and vehicle burglaries increased, robberies remained the same andvehicle thefts dropped. Patrol deputies handled 280 calls for service last week up from 324 the previous one. The new 2012 weekly average in calls for service stands at 271.

ROBBERIES

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For the second consecutive week there were no robberies reported.

RESIDENTIAL BURGLARIES

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Six residential burglaries were investigated last week up by one from the last reporting period. Two of the crimes were attributed to open or unlocked windows. The prying of windows or doors accounted for four entries. Checks, jewelry, cash and laptop computers were taken. The 2012 weekly average in residential burglaries is now 4.7. 

Sheriff's safety tip: Other than open/unlocked doors or windows, prying a sliding glass door or window is the most common means of entry to a residence. It is very difficult to pry open a window that is equipped with security devices, such as locking pins or secured with a track slide lock. Hardware that holds the windows tightly against the frame will inhibit the lateral andvertical movement necessary to force the window open.

COMMERCIAL/OTHER STRUCTURE BURGLARIES

Commercial burglaries increased from two to four last week. Three were closed businesses where windows were shattered and doors were pried open. One retail store was open during the crime. Laptop computers, backpacks, a cash register, cell phones and cash were among the loss items. The 2012 weekly average in “other structure”/commercial burglaries is 2.1.

VEHICLE BURGLARIES

Vehicle burglaries rose from one to four last week. High-volume commercial parking lots were involved in three of thecrimes. Three were SUVs. Third-row seats (from SUVs), GPS units, wallets, tools ID and a purse were stolen. The 2012 weekly average in vehicle burglaries is 7.1.

Sheriff's safety tip: Remember, generally speaking you cannot become a car burglar’s victim unless you choose to become one. Storing property in the passenger compartment, especially leaving it in plain sight, is exactly what the vehicle burglar will be looking for. Vehicle burglars rarely enter your vehicle to just look around, but are instead attracted to an item that they can see from outside. (For third-row seats, go to www.safercerritos.com and click on the banner under “Breaking News” for information on a cable lock). If your property is valuable and important to you, consider leaving it at home or taking it with you when you exit the vehicle. Remember, law enforcement officers cannot protect you from vehicle burglars; only you can prevent your own vehicle burglary.  

VEHICLE THEFTS

Vehicle thefts were down from eight to seven. Five were from high-volume commercial parking lots. Two SUVs, a Honda, an Acura, a Mini Cooper and two commercial trailers were taken. The new 2012 weekly average in vehicle thefts remained at 3.2.

Sheriff's safety tip: Even though we see more Hondas, Toyotas and SUVs stolen compared to others, car thieves are not always as selective as you think and are most often just looking for transportation. Consider a steering wheel locking device that serves as a good visual deterrent. 

 * 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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