Thieves Help Themselves to Something Other Than Candy; Cerritos Records Seven Vehicle Burglaries on Halloween

While the city of Cerritos remained free of any serious accidents or incidents involving trick-or-treaters or children on Halloween, the  did record a rash of vehicle burglaries within a 12-hour period on Monday, Oct. 31.

According to data provided in the weekly crime report issued by the Cerritos Sheriff’s Station, the city is averaging 6.6 vehicle burglaries per week in 2011 as of Oct. 30. However, that number was surpassed as sheriff’s personnel recorded seven vehicles burglaries before noon on Halloween.

The following break-ins were reported:

• Theft from vehicle in the 18000 block of Holmes Avenue at 1 a.m.
• Theft from vehicle in the 12900 block of Park Plaza Drive at 6:30 a.m.
• Theft from vehicle in the 12900 block of Park Plaza Drive at 8 a.m.
• Theft from vehicle in the 12900 block of Park Plaza Drive at 8 a.m.
• Theft from vehicle at Los Cerritos Shopping Center at 9:30 a.m.
• Theft from vehicle in the 12900 block of Park Plaza Drive at 10:50 a.m.
• Theft from vehicle in the Los Cerritos Shopping Center at 11:50 a.m.

(The times posted reflect when the burglary was reported, not necessarily when the crime occurred. This information was provided by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department and posted on the Los Angeles Times' Online Crime Mapping Report.)

While sheriff's detectives continue to investigate the circumstances behind this unusual spike, Lt. J. Deedrick told Patch that the spate of thefts should serve as a reminder to all residents and motorists that most vehicle burglaries are a “crime of opportunity.”

“They're going after something they see -- property that's left in the car, so it’s important that people are diligent in not leaving things in plain view,” Deedrick said.

According to the Cerritos Sheriff’s Station/Community Safety Division, far too many people are guilty of leaving items such as purses, wallets, laptop computers, cell phones, and MP3 players on seats, in center consoles, or on floorboards – all of which can easily be seen when someone looks into the vehicle. GPS units that are usually mounted on the dashboard or windshield also draw the attention of a would-be-thief looking for an easy opportunity.

Deedrick said taking the time to properly secure your personal property by taking it with you, securely locking it in the trunk or leaving it at home, is especially “important going into the holiday season.”

For additional crime prevention tips, visit the city’s Safer Cerritos website at safercerritos.com.