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Sheriff captain reports 37% drop in residential burglaries; deputies outline school‑area enforcement plans
Summary
Cerritos sheriff Captain Strong reported a year‑to‑date 37% reduction in residential burglaries and described patrol, ALPR and drone deployments; deputies described targeted traffic enforcement near schools after recent single‑vehicle fatality and residents urged more school‑zone presence.
Captain Strong of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department told the Community Safety Committee on Nov. 19 that most Part 1 crimes are down year‑to‑date, with residential burglaries falling from 172 to 108 — a 37% reduction compared with the same period last year. He said two of four homicides are solved and the department is pursuing leads on the others.
Strong described tactics credited with reducing burglaries, including reprioritizing audible alarm calls to lower non‑urgent responses, a special problems team of deputies who patrol hot spots, three full‑time security officers, and phased automated license plate reader (ALPR) installations. "We put our best foot forward, and I think the numbers so far right now are speaking for themselves with a 37% reduction," he said.
The captain also noted partnerships with LA Impact and a contractor identified in the meeting as Monair Security for trailer‑style ALPR units, expanded drone use and AI camera deployment at pharmacies that were targeted in earlier burglaries.
Deputy Wendland reported on traffic and school‑zone safety, saying recent single‑vehicle crashes appear tied to distracted driving; he described a recent fatal single‑vehicle crash on South Norwalk that the preliminary investigation indicates may have involved a medical emergency. He said the department will continue speed and crosswalk enforcement near schools and will deploy motor units when residents identify times and locations of recurring problems.
Residents used public comment to press for more presence at school pickup and drop‑off points and to raise neighborhood nuisance concerns. Parent Richard Keith said he has observed frequent parking violations, illegal U‑turns and confrontations during school dismissal; he asked for increased patrol presence. Captain Strong and staff said units are being sent to affected schools and that citation may follow warnings if violations continue.
Committee members asked about adding speed signage and tools such as radar trailers in the civic center and asked how neighborhood watch materials and meetings will be sustained during staffing transitions. Staff said Community Safety Manager Daryl Evans retired earlier in the year, recruitment is underway and Community Safety Officer Mark Smith remains the point of contact for neighborhood watch support and materials.
The committee moved to receive and file the community safety informational reports by voice vote; Vice Chair Wilson made the motion, Member Valentine seconded it, and the motion passed.
