Cerritos Weekly Crime Recap: April 4-10

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

The  logged 20 Part I felony crimes during this period, an increase of three from the previous 17. Commercial burglaries were on the rise, while residential and vehicle burglaries remained the same, and robberies and vehicle thefts dropped. Field deputies handled 268 calls for service, and the 2011 weekly average in calls for service is now 257. 

ROBBERIES

There was one robbery investigated during this period.  A shoplifting incident in the Towne Center occurred on Saturday, April 9 at 1:30 p.m. and turned into a robbery when the female suspect fought with loss prevention personnel in an attempt to escape.  She ultimately fled the scene, but the merchandise was recovered and detectives have sound leads on the suspect’s identity.

RESIDENTIAL BURGLARIES

There were three residential burglaries during this week. One of these crimes was “distraction burglary” where the male suspects gained entry to the residence while posing as City water employees by claiming they needed to check the quality of the tap water for sand contamination.  One of the two slipped away and removed jewelry from the bedroom.  

The second case was due to an open/unlocked door, and the third was made possible by a pried window.  TVs, jewelry, and cash were taken in these incidents. The 2011 weekly average in residential burglaries remains at 3.5. 

Sheriff's safety tip: As we previously warned, any employee of the City or utility serving Cerritos will wear ID that identifies them as employees.  If you are not satisfied that they are who they represent themselves to be, contact the City to verify and do not grant them access to your home or yard until you are sure.   

COMMERCIAL/OTHER STRUCTURE BURGLARIES

There were three commercial burglaries reported during this period -- a school, an apartment complex office, and a closed business were targeted.  Audio/video equipment, laptop computers, personal checks, and a projector were stolen in the crimes.  The 2011 weekly average in “other structure”/commercial burglaries is now 2.6.  

VEHICLE BURGLARIES

There were four vehicle burglaries during this period. Three occurred in high-volume commercial parking lots. Three of the vehicles were SUVs. Stereo items were stolen in two cases and a GPS unit in one. An MP3 player was taken in the break-in that occurred in a residential area.  The new 2011 weekly average in vehicle burglaries is 5.1. 

Sheriff's safety tip: Vehicle burglars rarely enter your vehicle to just look around, but are instead attracted to an item that they can see from outside.  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 dropped from two to one during this week. An SUV was stolen from a high-volume commercial parking lot. The current 2011 weekly average in this category is 2.1. 

Sheriff's safety tip: Vehicles are generally taken for two purposes; transportation and parts.  While most involve the former, we see many Honda and Toyotas taken for replacement parts. SUVs are frequently targeted for DVD players, wheels, and third-row seats. This has become more prevalent in Cerritos as of late. Make a small investment and purchase a steering wheel locking device.  This visible deterrent may be just what you need to avoid being victimized as it could send the thief to find another vehicle that is not so well equipped.