Cerritos Weekly Crime Recap: July 18-July 24

The  recorded 18 Part I felony reports of crime during this period. Robberies, commercial burglaries, and vehicle thefts declined, residential burglaries remained the same, while vehicle burglaries increased.  Patrol personnel handled 298 calls for service, up from 280 the previous week. The current 2011 weekly average in calls for service is 273.  

ROBBERIES

There were no robberies reported in this period.

RESIDENTIAL BURGLARIES

Residential burglaries remained the same at four this week.  Open/unlocked doors or windows were the points of entry for two cases, and two windows were pried open in the others. The victims reported computers, credit cards, TVs, and monitors as the stolen items. The 2011 weekly average in residential burglaries remains at 3.7. 

Sheriff's safety tip: No matter how hot it gets, it is always more difficult to replace stolen items and to know that someone was in your home than the moment it takes to secure the house and ventilate it upon your return.  

COMMERCIAL/OTHER STRUCTURE BURGLARIES

One commercial burglary was investigated after a storage room door was pried open and tools taken. The 2011 weekly average in commercial /“other structure” burglaries is 3.1.  

VEHICLE BURGLARIES

Vehicle burglaries increased from six to ten during this period. Seven break-ins occurred in high-volume commercial parking lots, and six SUVs were targeted. GPS units were removed in two crimes and a high-end stereo in one. Keys, sunglasses, purses, grocery bags, clothing and backpacks were stolen. The 2011 weekly average in vehicle burglaries remained at 6.0.

Sheriff's safety tip: The safest time to leave items inside of a vehicle is when the vehicle is parked in your locked garage. Remember that wherever you park, you become “fair game” to any thief that can look inside of your vehicle and observe valuable property. Whether you park on a street, in a parking lot, or even your own driveway, the thin window that separates your property from a thief is not any protection at all.  Window smashes are the most reported points of entry in vehicle burglaries. Don’t become a victim by giving a criminal the chance to make you one.

VEHICLE THEFTS

Vehicle thefts dropped from seven to one during this week. The sole case occurred in a high-volume commercial parking lot, and involved a trailer. The 2011 weekly average in this crime is now 2.9. 

Sheriff's safety tip: It is always a good idea to have your vehicle equipped with a steering wheel locking device. A common complaint among motorists is that these devices are too cumbersome and take time to engage and remove. Using them takes a short moment of your time for added protection. 

Neighborhood Watch Town Hall Meeting Scheduled for August 17, 2011

The next Neighborhood Watch Town Hall Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday August 17, 2011 at 7 p.m. at the  located at 12340 South St. near Ely Avenue. Members of the sheriff's  will offer an in-depth presentation on crime in the city. Attendees are encouraged to bring any questions they might have on safety concerns and issues.