Cerritos Weekly Crime Report: May 2-May 8

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

The  logged 28 Part I felony investigations during this period, up from 21 the week before. Robberies, residential burglaries, and vehicle burglaries took a climb while vehicle thefts decreased. Field deputies handled 287 calls for service, and the 2011 weekly average in calls for service is now 258. 

ROBBERIES

Three robberies were reported during this period. One of the hold-ups occurred at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 3, when a male suspect grabbed a necklace worn by an employee of a fast-food restaurant in the 11800 block of Del Amo Boulevard. He struggled with another employees in an attempt to flee but was successfully detained and arrested by deputies.  

The second case occurred at 7:20 p.m. the same evening in the 20200 block of Bloomfield Avenue after a male shoplifting suspect got into a scuffle with loss prevention personnel who were attempting to detain him.  He was also arrested by deputies.  

RESIDENTIAL BURGLARIES

Residential burglaries rose from three to six during this week with another one attempted.  Three of the completed crimes were attributed to open/unlocked doors or windows, and two windows and a door were pried open.  Cameras, laptop computers, jewelry, cash, DVDs, TVs, and boots were taken in the break-ins.  The 2011 weekly average in residential burglaries remains at 3.5. 

Sheriff's safety tip: Unfortunately, most jurisdictions report that a leading cause of residential burglaries is that an occupant leaves a door or window open or unlocked.  This provides the burglar(s) with an effortless entry into the home. Avoid becoming a victim and take the brief moments needed to make sure that all doors and windows are secured before you leave.

COMMERCIAL/OTHER STRUCTURE BURGLARIES

Three commercial burglaries were reported during this week.  Two occurred at closed business where thieves cut a door and pried another.  A fitness center locker was also burglarized. The theives took debit cards, credit cards, and cash. The 2011 weekly average in “other structure”/commercial burglaries is now 2.8.

VEHICLE BURGLARIES

Vehicle burglaries increased from six to seven during this period. Four of the crimes occurred in high-volume commercial parking lots.  Six of the vehicles vandalized were SUVs.  Items reported stolen included laptop computers, backpacks, surfboards, DVD players, tools, cell phones, purses, GPS units, and a wallet.  The new 2011 weekly average in vehicle burglaries is 5.3. 

Sheriff's safety tip: Visible property left in the passengers compartment continues to be the number one cause of vehicle burglaries.  GPS units have become very popular among drivers and thiefs.  Don’t leave ANYTHING in your vehicle that will attract a thief.

VEHICLE THEFTS

Vehicle thefts dropped from six to four during this week.  Two Toyotas, a Honda, and an SUV were stolen from high-volume commercial parking lots.  The current 2011 weekly average in this category is 2.5. 

Sheriff's safety tip: Regardless of what you drive, consider a steering wheel locking device that serves as a good visual deterrent.  It also serves as an additional “insurance policy”.

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.