Cerritos Weekly Crime Recap: Nov. 14 to Nov. 20

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

The  logged 17 Part I felony investigations last week, down from 28 the previous week. Robberies and vehicle burglaries were down, while residential and commercial burglaries, along with vehicle thefts declined. There were 242 calls for service last week, down from 255. The 2011 weekly average in that category is 271. 

ROBBERIES

There were no robberies reported to Cerritos Station last week.

RESIDENTIAL BURGLARIES

Residential burglaries remained the same at three last week. Two of the crimes were due to open/unlocked doors or windows, and the third case involved a pried window. Laptop computers, jewelry, cash, and cell phones were taken. The 2011 weekly average in residential burglaries is 4.0 

Sheriff's note: Prying a side garage door is much more difficult if it is of solid core construction (wood or metal) and equipped with a strong deadbolt lock. This deadbolt should extend well into the frame to ensure the security of the door. Most of the residences in Cerritos had a regular single cylinder knob lock installed at the time the home was constructed. Take a look at yours. If you do not have a solid core door with a good deadbolt, it is time to update.

COMMERCIAL/OTHER STRUCTURE BURGLARIES

Commercial burglaries also remained the same at three last week. A condo storage unit, a school, and a fitness center locker were targeted. Items reported stolen included computers, cell phones, ID, a TV, and a vacuum cleaner. The 2011 weekly average in commercial/“other structure” burglaries is 2.9.  

VEHICLE BURGLARIES

Vehicle burglaries dropped from 11 to five last week. Three break-ins occurred in high-volume commercial parking lots, and all five involved SUVs. Property reported stolen consisted of CDs, sunglasses, purses, wallets, clothes, and third-row seats. The 2011 weekly average in vehicle burglaries remained at 6.7. 

Sheriff's safety tip: All of the vehicles involved in the burglaries last week were SUVs. It is common knowledge that vans, pick-ups, and SUVs do not have a secure trunk space; therefore the owners will leave valuable items inside the passenger compartment. Keep this in mind if you drive one of these vehicles, and make sure that you do not leave anything of value inside.

VEHICLE THEFTS

Vehicle thefts remained unchanged at six last week. Five were taken from high-volume commercial parking lots. Two SUVs, two Hondas, a Nissan, and a commercial trailer were stolen. The 2011 weekly average in vehicle thefts is now 3.2. 

Sheriff's safety tip: It is very important that you use some form of an anti-theft device to retain your vehicle. Visible deterrents, such as a steering wheel locking device, are the most obvious and tell the would-be thief to look elsewhere. A great deal of success has been demonstrated by tracking devices that can lead law enforcement directly to the location of a stolen vehicle. These systems cost a little more and require a monthly fee, but are very effective. 

* Visit www.safercerritos.com for an extensive library of crime prevention tips, disaster preparedness information, and a variety of links to other pertinent sites.

OPPORTUNITIES

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.