Cerritos Weekly Crime Recap: April 23 to April 29

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

Part I felony crimes logged by the  rose from 23 to 35 last week. Residential burglaries, commercial burglaries, and vehicle burglaries were up. Vehicle thefts remained the same, and robberies dropped. 269 Calls for service were handled by patrol deputies last week leaving the new 2012 weekly average in calls for service at 262.

ROBBERIES

One robbery was reported last week when a shoplifter was detained on Sunday, April 29 at 3:45 p.m. at a store in the 10700 block of South Street. The suspect pushed loss prevention personnel and attempted to escape but was ultimately taken into custody.  

RESIDENTIAL BURGLARIES

Residential burglaries increased from three to five last week. Two of the homes were entered via unlocked doors/windows, and three had sliding glass doors pried open. Jewelry was the only reported loss. The 2012 weekly average in residential burglaries is now 4.2.

Sheriff's safety tip: We remind residents to make an “exit check” each time they leave the home. Make sure that all doors and windows are secured, even if the weather is warm. Don’t present an opportunity for a burglar to enter your home with ease. When you return, you can “air out” the residence in a short period of time. This is a much safer practice than finding valuable property stolen when you get back.   

COMMERCIAL/OTHER STRUCTURE BURGLARIES

There were two “other structure”/commercial burglaries investigated last week. A fitness center locker was burglarized and cell phones, a wallet, and ID were taken. A detached garage was entered through an unlocked door and stereo, bicycle, and GPS units were stolen. The 2012 weekly average in “other structure”/commercial burglaries is 1.3.

VEHICLE BURGLARIES

Vehicle burglaries increased from 10 to 19 last week. Numerous reports were taken in the condo complex in the northeastern section of the city. High-volume commercial parking lots were involved in 18. SUVs were involved in 10. Backpacks, cameras, cell phones, books, purses, wallets, clothes, cash, credit cards, and third-row seats (from SUVs) were reported stolen. The 2012 weekly average in vehicle burglaries is 7.2. 

Sheriff's safety tip: Think twice about the property you leave in your vehicle, and especially an SUV. If it is valuable and important to you, consider leaving it at home or taking it with you when you exit the vehicle. Valuable items left within the passenger compartment make it just too easy for the thief. 

VEHICLE THEFTS

Vehicle thefts remained at two last week, both of which occurred in high-volume commercial parking lots. A Honda and an SUV were stolen. The 2012 weekly average in vehicle thefts is now 4.1. 

Sheriff's safety tip: There was no information to suggest that any of these vehicles were equipped with any type of anti-theft device. While transportation is a frequent cause of vehicle thefts, Hondas and Toyotas are often taken for parts. 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.