Burglary Prevention and Response

Your Guide to Burglary Prevention and Response in Cerritos

The City of Cerritos is committed to the safety and security of our community. As part of the City's Strategic Goals, a series of initiatives are helping to maintain, expand and create a safer, more secure community. This page provides actionable tips, resources, and updates on our community’s ongoing efforts to prevent burglaries and respond swiftly when they occur. Together, we can protect our neighborhoods.

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City Initiatives | Prevention Tips | Burglary Response | Get Involved | Updates

City Initiatives

Learn how Cerritos is addressing burglaries by clicking on the initiatives below. 

The City of Cerritos has implemented enhanced dispatch protocols for residential burglary alarms, elevating them from "routine" to "priority" status. This change reduces response times from 33 minutes to 7 minutes on average, significantly strengthening the City's ability to protect residential properties.

The City is implementing a multi-phase security camera network to help protect residential areas:

  • Thirteen ALPR cameras are now operational at key intersections near Los Cerritos Center and Cerritos Auto Square
  • Six additional high-traffic intersections will be equipped with ALPR cameras. Two of those intersections are located near Cerritos Towne Center. 
  • A portable ALPR system will be deployed near residential tracts most impacted by burglaries

The City has significantly expanded neighborhood protection through multiple patrol initiatives:

  • Redeployed a dedicated Special Assignment team of six deputies and one sergeant for residential burglary prevention
  • Added two patrol deputies for holiday season coverage, providing 40 additional hours of neighborhood surveillance per week
  • Initiated targeted operations with unmarked vehicles through the Major Crimes Bureau

These combined efforts provide comprehensive coverage of Cerritos residential areas at no additional cost to the City.

Through persistent advocacy with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, the City has secured approval for a drone program to enhance patrol operations. The program includes comprehensive staff training and will provide aerial support for neighborhood safety once final oversight approval is received.

The City is strengthening its community safety team through strategic hiring:

  • A new Community Services Officer position to enhance neighborhood patrols and gather evidence
  • Two additional Parking Enforcement Officers who will combine parking management with neighborhood patrol support

These positions are fully funded in the current budget and will increase the City's daily safety presence.

Cerritos residents will soon be able to receive financial support for home security improvements:

  • Up to $200 rebate for security cameras or home alarm systems
  • Available to 200 qualifying households annually
  • Simple application process for approved security devices

This program is still being developed and not yet available. Please revisit this section for future updates. 

The City of Cerritos has partnered with Southwest Patrol to enhance neighborhood safety:

  • Professional security guards conducting high-visibility patrols
  • Operating eight hours daily, five days per week
  • Supporting Cerritos Sheriff's Station operations
  • Providing an additional layer of residential security monitoring

This new program adds dedicated patrol presence to help monitor and reduce burglaries in Cerritos neighborhoods.

The City has authorized significant funding for enhanced security measures:

  • $40,000 for additional deputy patrol shifts focused on crime prevention
  • $68,000 for a new fully-equipped Community Services Officer patrol vehicle
  • Expanded patrol coverage throughout Cerritos neighborhoods

These investments provide immediate strengthening of the City's crime prevention capabilities.

Burglary Deterrence & Prevention Tips

Cerritos needs your help to reduce burglaries occurring in the area. Residents and business owners can take a variety of actions to "harden the target" and make their homes and businesses less appealing to burglars. 

Joining a Neighborhood Watch is one of the most effective ways to reduce burglaries in your area. It encourages community awareness and collaboration. Contact your local sheriff's department or visit cerritos.gov/neighborhood-watch to get involved and help make your neighborhood safer.

Operation Night Light promotes keeping your home well-lit at night to deter potential burglars. Use porch lights, motion-activated lights, and indoor timers to create the appearance of activity.

Always lock all doors and windows before leaving your home, even for short periods. Secure locks are a basic but powerful way to deter unauthorized entry.

Keep shrubs and trees trimmed near windows and doors to prevent them from providing cover for burglars. Good visibility makes it harder for intruders to hide while attempting a break-in.

Avoid leaving newspapers, mail, or advertisements in plain sight, as they can signal an unoccupied home. Ask a neighbor or friend to collect them if you'll be away for an extended period.

Refrain from posting travel updates or vacation photos on social media while you're away. Publicizing your absence can make your home a target for burglars.

Leave a radio playing during the day and use timers for indoor lights at night. This creates the impression that someone is home, deterring potential burglars.

Consider leaving an operable vehicle parked in your driveway when away to create the illusion of occupancy.

Post visible security signs like "Alarm System Active" or "Beware of Dog" near entry points. These can deter burglars even if you don't have a dog or alarm system installed.

Installing a monitored alarm system or security cameras can help deter break-ins and provide evidence if one occurs. Opt for systems that alert you directly or connect to local authorities.

A doorbell camera with an internet connection allows you to monitor activity at your front door in real-time, adding an extra layer of security.

Add a layer of shatter-resistant security film to first-floor windows and patio doors to make it more difficult for intruders to break the glass and enter your home.

Protect your valuables by storing them in a UL-rated "residential security container" or higher-rated safe. Choose a safe designed for burglary protection and ensure it is securely anchored.

What to Do If You Experience a Burglary

Take the following immediate actions:

  • If you encounter an apparent burglary/suspicious environment where a suspect(s) could still be present, call 911
  • Contact the Cerritos Sheriff’s Station at (562) 860-0044 for non-emergencies
  • Secure the scene for evidence collection (avoid touching items)

Get Involved

Join a Neighborhood Watch Group

Connect with law enforcement and your neighbors on crime prevention strategies.

Learn More

Sign Up for Public Safety News

Enable alerts for "Breaking News," "Neighborhood Watch," and "Crime Prevention."

Sign Up for News

Attend Public Safety Meetings

Meet with law enforcement and fellow residents on local safety issues and solutions.

View Calendar

View Crime Information and Trends

See the latest crime information, access historical data, and learn about causal factors. 

City Crime/Trends

Safety Updates

Feb. 7, 2025: Webpage — Burglary Prevention and Response page launched

Jan. 9, 2025: Report to City Council — Oral Presentation

Jan. 3, 2025: Social Post — Southwest Patrol partnership

Dec. 13, 2024: Newsletter — Notice on public safety initiatives (subscribe)

Dec. 6, 2024: Social Post — Drone Patrol Testing

Dec. 6, 2024: Social Post — Notice on public safety initiatives

Dec. 6, 2024: Mayor's Weekly 60 — Notice on public safety initiatives

Dec. 4, 2024: Press Release — Public safety initiatives

Dec. 2, 2024: Report to City Council - Presentation

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