There were 25 Part I felony crimes reported in Cerritos this past reporting period, an increase of three from the previous week. The following is a breakdown of crimes by category: one robbery, six residential burglaries, two commercial/other structure burglaries, six grand thefts, five vehicle burglaries, and five vehicle thefts. Cerritos Station deputies made one felony arrest, three misdemeanor arrests, three warrant arrests, and issued 59 citations. The Sheriff’s dispatch center also received a total of 215 calls, a decrease from the 2015 weekly average of 249.
Robbery:
Artesia Boulevard & Barnhill Avenue (11/22 – Evening): The victim was walking down the street, talking on his cell phone, when a vehicle drove up next to him and stopped. Three unknown suspects exited the vehicle and approached the victim. One suspect produced a knife and held it to the victim’s waist as he grabbed the cell phone the victim was holding in his hand. The suspects ran back to the awaiting vehicle and fled the area.
Residential Burglary:
12300 block of Andy Street (11/19 – Evening): The unknown suspect(s) entered the home by shattering a sliding glass door. Nothing was stolen from the home as the home alarm sounded when entry was made.
17100 block of Maria Avenue (11/19 – Evening): The unknown suspect(s) entered the home by unknown means. It is currently unknown if anything was stolen from the home. The home alarm sounded as soon as entry was made.
12700 block of Charlwood Street (11/17 – Evening): The unknown suspect(s) entered the home by shattering a rear sliding glass door. It is currently unknown if anything was stolen from the home.
13500 block of Acoro Place (11/17-18 – Unknown): The unknown suspect(s) entered the home by prying open a rear window. A gas stove was stolen. The home was vacant at the time of the burglary.
12100 block of Bertha Street (11/17 –Day): The unknown suspect(s) entered the home by shattering a rear glass door. Nothing was stolen as the home alarm sounded as soon as entry was made.
20100 block of Bader Circle (11/18 – Evening): The unknown suspect(s) entered the home by shattering a rear sliding glass door. A safe, valuables, and handbags were stolen.
Commercial/Other Structure Burglary:
13300 block of Artesia Blvd (11/14-16 – Overnight): The unknown suspect(s) entered the business by shattering the front glass doors. An electronic device and U.S. currency was stolen.
16000 block of Piuma Avenue (03/08-11/19): The unknown suspect(s) entered the storage unit by removing the lock on the roll up door. An electronic device, watch, and CDs were stolen.
Grand Theft:
12800 block of Towne Center Drive (11/22 – Afternoon): The unknown suspects entered the store, while it was open for business, and stole several clothing items that were on display. The suspects fled in a dark vehicle sedan.
238 Los Cerritos Center (11/10 – Evening): The unknown suspects entered the store, while it was open for business, and stole several clothing items that were on display. The suspects fled on foot in an unknown direction.
342 Los Cerritos Center (10/20 – Afternoon): The unknown suspect(s) entered the store, while it was open for business, and stole several clothing items that were on display.
13100 block of Hedda Drive (11/18 – Morning): The unknown suspect(s) stole a car stereo and a jacket from an unlocked vehicle parked in the driveway.
12800 block of Towne Center Drive (11/19 – Afternoon): The unknown suspect(s) stole a wallet from a store patron while she was shopping. The suspect(s) then made a large purchase with the victim’s debit card at an electronics store.
13100 block of Caravel Street (11/16-17 – Overnight): The unknown suspect(s) stole a watch from the residence.
Vehicle Burglary:
16500 block of Littleriver Lane (11/21 – Afternoon): The unknown suspect(s) entered a 2000 GMC Sierra by prying open a door. The car stereo was stolen.
18500 block of Parkvalle Avenue (11/2-21 – Overnight): The unknown suspect(s) entered a 2007 GMC pickup truck and stole the stereo. It is unknown how entry was made into the vehicle.
11800 block of Del Amo Boulevard (11/20 – Afternoon): The unknown suspect(s) entered a 2007 Hyundai Elantra by shattering a window. A gym bag and a cell phone were stolen.
18800 block of Godinho Avenue (11/20-21 – Overnight): The unknown suspect(s) entered a 2012 Dodge Charger by punching the door lock. An electronic device and pocket watches were stolen.
13700 block of Darvalle Street (11/20-21 – Overnight): The unknown suspect(s) entered a 2004 Cadillac Escalade. It is unknown how entry was made into the vehicle and if anything was stolen.
Grand Theft Auto:
13800 block of Struikman Road (11/10 – Afternoon): The unknown suspect(s) stole a 1997 Hyundai trailer from the parking lot.
18400 block of Studebaker Road (11/10 – Day): The unknown suspect(s) stole a 2010 Chevrolet Camaro from the parking lot.
11400 block of South Street (11/09-10 – Overnight): The unknown suspect(s) stole a 1991 Toyota Camry from the parking lot.
12900 block of Glenda Drive (11/11 – Evening): The unknown suspect(s) attempted to steal a 1995 Mercedes 650 from the driveway. The vehicle had damage consistent with an attempted theft.
17100 block of Norwalk Boulevard (11/13-14 – Evening): The unknown suspect(s) stole a 1989 Toyota SR5 from the parking lot.
Simple Prevention Tips
Robberies are a quick way for criminals to make money. The definition of robbery is when someone steals or takes anything of value from you, against your will, by using force, intimidation or violence. Robberies are commonly classified by the means employed, such as armed robbery, or the place of offense, such as bank robbery.
How Can I Protect Myself?
Be aware of your surroundings! Walk with a purpose, head up, and looking around. Stay in lighted areas at night. A robber doesn’t want to be seen. Stay with the crowd — there is safety in numbers. Women should carry their wallet in their pocket, not their purse. If you carry a purse, carry it close to your body, like a football player carries a football. Do not place the strap across your body or over your shoulder. When the robber grabs your purse, you may be pulled along with the robber until the strap breaks and you are injured. Be cautious when wearing “flashy” jewelry. Be conscious of people just “hanging around” anywhere, public rest rooms, building entrances, and garages. If you are walking and a vehicle is following you, reverse directions or cross the street. If someone acts suspiciously, looks at you closely or follows you, head for bright lights and people and call the police.
Things a burglar looks for when “shopping” for a home: A home that looks unoccupied. Are there newspapers piling up on the lawn? Is the mailbox overflowing? Are the lights always on or always off? Are vehicles that are usually in the driveway not there, or vehicles in the driveway not being used for days on end? Can a burglar’s access to the home be easily hidden? Are there high hedges that block windows? On the rear of the home, does a fence block sightlines of doors and windows? At night, does a lack of outside lighting make it hard to see what’s going on around the perimeter of the home? Is there an alarm on the home? If a burglar eyes an alarm company sign or stickers, he’ll usually think twice about striking that home.
Most residential burglaries take place during work hours, because often homes are unoccupied during these hours. When do the residents leave for work? When do they return from work? Do they come home for lunch? What’s in the trash? Is the box from the new 60” HD TV prominently displayed on the curb awaiting trash pickup? Open garage doors? Burglars not only look for property to steal, but tools to use for this and future burglaries.
Burglars don’t like dogs. Even small dogs with a big bark make a home a little less attractive to burglars. Remember – criminals don’t like witnesses, and they don’t like noise. Most homes have a least one window that the owner has forgotten to lock. An open door or window makes a lot less noise than breaking glass. Where is the spare key? Burglars know all the usual hiding spots.
Cerritos Sheriff’s Station would like to remind the public about some safety tips with all the entertainment and activities associated with the holiday season. It is easy to overlook some personal safety practices when enjoying the holiday’s throughout the county. Below are some helpful tips to keep in mind during the holiday season:
CAR SAFETY
Do not leave packages or valuables visible within your car. Always lock your doors and windows and don’t forget to set your alarm or use an anti-theft device.
SHOPPING TRIPS
Always be aware of your surroundings. If shopping at night, go with a friend or family member.
SHOPPING WITH LITTLE ONES
Teach children to stay close to you at all times while shopping and never allow children to make unaccompanied trips to the restroom.
PACKAGE DELIVERY
With the online shopping trend, more people are having packages stolen right off their front porch. If you are expecting a package, request signature confirmation or have a trusted neighbor hold the package for you.
GIFT PACKAGE DISPOSAL
Dispose of big gift boxes discreetly. Packaging for items such as TV’s, computers etc., should be broken down before disposing, do not let everyone see the wonderful gifts your family received during the holidays.
ANSWERING THE DOOR
Criminals can often try and scope out your home posing as a sales person or someone looking for charitable donations. Be cautious when talking to people whom you are unfamiliar with and do not let them in your home.
LEAVE THE LIGHTS ON
Leave outside lights on at night or set them on a timer. During the day, leave the radio or television on so the house looks and sounds occupied.
TRAVELING
If you are going away for the holidays, have a neighbor or family member watch your house and pick up your newspapers and mail.
The Cerritos Sheriff’s Station is committed to public safety and wishes everyone joy and happiness during this holiday season. Citizens are encouraged to telephone Cerritos Station to report any suspicious activities, vehicles or persons.
Non-emergency concerns may be reported to the Cerritos Sheriff’s Station by calling (562) 860-0044 or, in an emergency, by calling 9-1-1.