During the City Council meeting on August 28, 2025, in Cerritos, California, public safety emerged as a central theme, particularly concerning residential burglaries and overall crime rates. Council members expressed their commitment to maintaining safety in the community, highlighting a significant decline in residential burglaries since the current council took office in March.
In January, Cerritos recorded 28 residential burglaries, which decreased to 19 in February and further dropped to 12 in March. The trend continued with single-digit burglaries reported in April (7), May (8), and June (7). This consistent decline was attributed to the council's proactive measures and collaboration with local law enforcement, specifically the Cerritos Sheriff's Station. Year-to-date statistics revealed a 15-16% decrease in residential burglaries compared to the previous year, while Part 1 crimes, which include violent and property crimes, saw a notable 26.4% reduction.
However, concerns were raised regarding the lack of updated crime statistics on the city’s public safety website, safercerritos.com. The last update was noted to be from July 3, prompting questions about the transparency of crime reporting. City officials assured that the July data, which indicated 6 residential burglaries, would be updated on the website promptly.
Captain Strong of the Cerritos Sheriff's Station reported that since the implementation of new crime prevention programs in November 2024, burglaries have decreased by 26.7% year-to-date. He emphasized the importance of community vigilance and cooperation with law enforcement in sustaining this positive trend.
The meeting concluded with a transition to closed session discussions, which included labor negotiations and potential litigation matters. The council's focus on public safety and crime reduction reflects a broader commitment to enhancing community well-being and transparency in governance. As the city prepares for the upcoming months, residents can expect continued efforts to keep crime rates low and ensure a safe environment for all.