This is the CRIME REPORT provided to Los Cerritos Community Newspaper the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department for the Week of November 12-18, 2012. LCCN provides this information as a service to our community.
There were 27 Part I felony crimes investigated by members of the Cerritos Sheriff’s Station last week, up by one case from the previous week. Residential and vehicle burglaries increased while commercial burglaries remained the same. Robberies and vehicle thefts declined. There were 263 calls for service handled by patrol deputies, up by two from the week before. The new 2012 weekly average in calls for service is now 271.
No robberies were investigated during this reporting period.
There were six residential burglaries logged compared to five the week before. Three last week were due to open/ unlocked doors or windows. Two entries were made after windows were pried open and one window was shattered. Cash, jewelry, cameras, laptop computers and electronic games were taken. The 2012 weekly average in residential burglaries is now 5.1.
Remember that burglars know that the shopping season is starting and that homes will be filled with many valuable items. Protect your home with a burglar alarm system and hardware that secures sliding glass windows and doors tightly against their frames.
Commercial burglaries remained at four for the fourth consecutive week. All of the crime scenes last week were closed businesses. Two doors were pried, one glass door was shattered and one roll-up door was cut open. Cosmetics and electronics were missing. The 2012 weekly average in “other structure”/commercial burglaries is 2.3.
Vehicle burglaries rose from four to eight. Seven were in high-volume commercial parking lots and seven were SUVs. Losses reported by victims consisted of third-row seats (from SUVs), purses, knives, tools, perfume and stereo items. The 2012 weekly average in vehicle burglaries is 7.0.
We recommend locking valuable items in the trunk if you absolutely must leave them in a vehicle, but if you own an SUV, pick-up or van, this is not an option. This was again reflected in the crimes recorded last week.
Vehicle thefts dropped from seven to six. Four of the crime scenes were in high-volume commercial parking lots. Two Hondas, an SUV, a Toyota, a Mitsubishi and a Nissan were reported stolen. The 2012 weekly average in vehicle thefts remained at 3.4.
Spend $30 to $40 on a steering wheel locking device and add that extra “layer” of protection that could mean the difference of your vehicle versus that of another potential victim.
Go to 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
If you are interested in becoming a Block Captain in the Cerritos Neighborhood Watch, contact the Community Safety office at 562-916-1266. 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.
