Cerritos reports drops in many crimes but four homicides this year; officials weigh park cameras and patrols after Aug. 31 shooting

Cerritos City officials on Wednesday reported declines in several categories of crime but warned that homicides have increased to four so far this year and that an Aug. 31 shooting near Castillo Sports Center remains an active investigation.

The city's sheriff's captain at Cerritos Station, Captain Strong, told the Community Safety Committee the department is increasing park patrols and plans to move city-contracted cameras to trouble spots. "This year, we had 4 compared to the same time last year. We had 1," he said, describing the rise in homicides and noting investigators do not believe the most recent incident involved local residents.

The rise in homicides was one of several statistics the captain presented. He said the department recorded a 69% decrease in residential burglaries from June 1 to Sept. 15, falling from 62 to 19 incidents, and that overall Part 1 crimes are down about 30% year to date. "From June 1 to September 15, we went from 62 residential burglaries to 19. That's a 69, almost a 70% decrease in residential burglaries during that period of time," Captain Strong said.

Why it matters: the data show mixed trends for public safety in Cerritos — sharp declines in some theft categories and successful narcotics enforcement, alongside a recent fatal shooting that has residents and committee members pressing for more visible deterrents in parks.

Details from the sheriff's presentation and committee discussion

- Active homicide investigation and park response: Captain Strong described the August incident near the Castillo Sports Center, said a homicide bureau is working the case and that patrols at the parks have been increased. He said there are currently no cameras at that sports-field location but that the department is "working on moving our city…