Burglaries Remain Primary Concern When it Comes to Cerritos Safety

Although year-to-date statistics show that overall crime in the City of Cerritos is down, residential and vehicle burglaries are on the rise and remain of primary concern when it comes to public safety in the city. 

During last month’s Community Safety meeting, Capt. Joe Gonzales of the emphasized the importance of tackling the growing burglary problem, which has seen a nearly 30% increase compared to reported incidents in September of 2010. 

“I want to zero this out,” the captain said during the Sept. 21 meeting. “I don’t want anyone to be a victim.” 

According to data shared during the meeting, there have already been 264 burglaries reported as of Sept. 21, compared to 206 incidents reported during the same time period in 2010. This is a glaring spike that Gonzales says he and his deputies are determined to take control of. 

“We’re working to get this down, from the lieutenants and sergeants and deputies on each shift,” he said. 

One of the area’s most recent residential burglary victims includes a well-known city resident, who asked that his identity remain undisclosed. In this particular break-in, the thief gained entry into the victim’s home by shattering a window. 

There were no reports of a suspicious vehicle, noise or any sounds of breaking glass when the burglary occurred, according to Lt. G. Deedrick of the Cerritos Sheriff's Station. 

“Deputies canvassed the entire street  (following the burglary) and found nothing,” the lieutenant said, adding that part of the challenge in fighting residential burglaries is the failure of neighbors to report any suspicious activity.

“If people that lived there saw something and took action with simple phone call, you could probably knock out 50% of burglaries,” Deedrick said.

The lieutenant encouraged residents to also take a proactive role in thwarting burglars by investing in a home alarm system.

“If you don’t have an alarm and you’re sitting here tonight, you are foolish,” the lieutenant said during the meeting, adding that those who typically commit residential burglaries don’t want to hurt you, “they want to take your stuff.”

By having an alarm system, you are no longer an easy target and a would-be burglar will move onto the next home, he added.

Other advice shared to prevent residential burglaries include:

1. Having a dog, especially if your house is empty during the work day
2. Posting a “Beware of Dog” sign
3. Organizing a Neighborhood Watch group in your area so that neighbors can look out for each other and any suspicious activity when you’re not home
4. Avoid leaving windows or doors open for ventilation when you leave your home
5. Reinforcing gates, fences and side garage doors
6. Putting valuable things inside a safe, BUT make sure to bolt the safe to the floor because safes can easily be carried out of the residence
7. If you have valuable things, make sure to take photos of the items so you can bring these images into a pawn shops should they ever be stolen (And, don’t leave the images in your camera in case that too gets stolen.)

Tips shared to prevent vehicle burglaries include:

1. Avoid leaving your purse unattended inside the car
2. Keeping valuable items out of plain sight
3. Avoid leaving windows open for ventilation when your car is parked and unattended.

“These simple steps will help reduce the risk,”  Gregory R. Berg, Director of Community and Safety Services, said at the meeting. “Burglars are looking for an easy opportunity, not something that takes effort."