Cerritos Weekly Crime Recap: Aug. 1-Aug. 7

The  recorded 16 Part I felony crimes during this period. All categories in this report decreased with the exception of robberies, which remained the same. Calls for service were also lower after 267 were handled by patrol personnel. The 2011 weekly average in calls for service is now 273. 

ROBBERIES

There was one robbery reported during this period. On Wednesday, Aug. 3 at approximately 10:35 p.m. a male juvenile suspect confronted a group of male juveniles in the 13600 block of Acoro Street, pulled up his shirt that showed he had a firearm in his waistband, and demanded property. After obtaining a wallet, the suspect fled on foot. The suspect's mother later accompanied him to the Cerritos Sheriff’s Station where he turned himself in.

RESIDENTIAL BURGLARIES

Residential burglaries dropped from three to one during this week. A front door was kicked to gain entry into the home, and a TV, laptops, and handguns were taken. The 2011 weekly average in residential burglaries remains at 3.6. 

Sheriff's safety tip: Good neighbors watch out for each other. NEVER hesitate to call Cerritos Sheriff’s Station to report any suspicious persons or vehicles.

COMMERCIAL/OTHER STRUCTURE BURGLARIES

There were three commercial burglaries and one “other structure” burglary investigated. There were seven cases the previous week. Three closed businesses were targeted where glass doors were shattered and a hole cut in a door. Computer towers, laptop computers, keyboards, cash, and MP3 players were stolen in those cases. The fourth case involved a fitness center locker where a wallet, cash, keys, and ID were stolen. The 2011 weekly average in commercial/“other structure” burglaries is 3.3.  

VEHICLE BURGLARIES

Vehicle burglaries dropped from ten to five during this period. Four were from high-volume commercial parking lots, and two SUVs were targeted. A GPS unit was taken in one crime. Tools, ladders, duffle bags, cash, a briefcase, a helmet, and a gas mask were among the items reported to be missing. The 2011 weekly average in vehicle burglaries remained at 5.1. 

Sheriff's safety tip: Would you rely on less than a quarter inch of glass to protect your valuable property? Unfortunately, too many people do by leaving items in the passenger compartment of their vehicles. Thieves will gladly make you a victim without a second thought. Don’t provide them the opportunity to do so. Take your property with you or at the very least, lock it in the trunk.

VEHICLE THEFTS

Vehicle thefts were down from four to three this week. All three break-ins occurred in high-volume commercial parking lots. Two were Nissans and one was an SUV. The 2011 weekly average in this crime is now 2.9. 

Sheriff's safety tip: Steering wheel locking devices can cost as little as $30.00 and are a visual deterrent. This is a very small added “insurance policy” to make sure that your vehicle is available when you return to it.