Crescent City Police

Neighborhood

Watch

Help Prevent Crime

 In

 Your

 Neighborhood

 

It is my pleasure to serve the citizens of Crescent City as Chief of Police and to work with our members to ensure that Crescent City remains one of the best places to live, work and raise a family.

As Chief my goal is to see that we use the resources available to us in an effective, efficient manner, as well as planning for the future policing of Crescent City.

I hope you find this Crime Prevention Newsletter informative and useful.

On behalf of the men and women of the Crescent City Police Department, We are honored for the opportunity to serve you.

George J. Penley

George J. Penley

Chief of Police

Crescent City

IDENTITY THEFT:

Theft of identity is fast becoming the most prevalent and costly financial crime in the nation. It is estimated that more than 40,000 people have their identity stolen each year costing consumers and the financial industry billions of dollars.

HOW DID THEY GET MY IDENTITY?

n  From a stolen or lost purse or wallet.

n  By removing mail from your mailbox and obtaining such things as credit card requests, etc.

n  By going through trash and finding credit card receipts or other documents with your personal information on them.

HOW DO I PROTECT MYSELF?

n  Dispose of personal information properly. For instance, shred or tear up copies of credit card receipts, loan applications, etc.

n  Don^'t carry your passport, birth certifi­cate or Social Security card with you. Be cautious about giving your Social Security number out and don't write it on your checks.

n  Don't carry all your credit cards with you. Carry only the ones you plan on using.

n  Don't give out any personal information to a phone caller unless you are certain with whom you are dealing.

n  At least once a year get a copy of your credit report and check for errors.

n  When using an ATM be aware of others who are nearby and might possibly see you enter your PIN number.

SOMEONE IS USING MY IDENTITY. NOW WHAT?

n Contact the fraud departments of each of the three major credit bureaus. Ask them to flag your file with a fraud alert including a state­ment that creditors should get your personal permission before opening any new accounts in your name. Ask how long the fraud alert will be posted in your file.

n Contact the creditors for any accounts that have been tampered with or opened fraudulently. Speak with someone in the security or fraud department and follow up your conversation in writing. Include any and all charges found that you have not made.

n File a report with the police in the community where the identity theft took place. Keep a copy in case your creditors need proof of the crime.

A presentation from the Crescent City Police is available for your group or organization that explains Identity Theft and what you should know to protect yourself.

NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH:

This nationally recognized program focuses on how neighbors and the Police can work together to decrease crime and the fear of crime in neighborhoods. Partici­pants are encouraged to increase their own personal community awareness, to cooperate with one another, to develop a communication network and to report suspicious activities, persons or vehicles to the police. Participants learn how to better protect their home using lighting (the best nighttime crime deterrent) and properly chosen and placed shrubbery plantings. Operation identification – marking and making records of your possessions – is discussed. Opportunity is made to join or to start a local neighborhood watch group. Everyone can be an extra set of eyes and ears for the police.

FRAUDS AND SCAMS:

Con artists are usually well dressed, talkative, intelligent, seductive and flattering. They invade your home by telephone, mail, the internet, email and advertise in well-known newspapers and magazines. They even come door-to-door offering their scams.

 Check the identification of all strangers. Call their company or agency to see if they are legitimate. Look up the number in the phone book rather than calling a number that they supply.

A common tactic among con artists is to make an offer sound so good that nobody in their right mind would refuse it. Just remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!

HERE ARE SOME TIPS FOR YOUR PROTECTION

n  Never give a caller your credit card, phone card, Social Security or bank account numbers over the phone. Remember, it is illegal for telemarketers to ask for these numbers to verify any prize or gift offered.

n  Beware of 900 numbers. You pay for 900 area code calls which may be priced as high as ten dollars per minute or more.

n  Listen carefully to the name of any charity requesting money. Fraudulent charities often use names that sound like a reputable, well-known organization.

n  Ask for a financial report before you donate. A reputable charity will always send one to you before you donate.

n  Investigate before you invest. Never make an investment with a stranger over the phone. Beware of promises that include the terms, "once in lifetime opportunity," or "get rich quick."

n  If you have doubts about a business, contact the Better Business Bureau.

n  Beware of cheap home repair that would otherwise be expensive, regardless of any reason given. The con artist may just do part of the work, use shoddy materials and untrained workers or simply take your deposit and never return.

n  Use common sense in dealing with auto repair shops. Get a written estimate, read it carefully and never give the shop a blank check to "fix everything you find."

n  Look closely at offers that come in the mail. Con artists often use official-looking forms and bold graphics to lure victims. If you receive items in your mail that you didn't order, you are under no obligation to pay for them, throw them out, return them or keep them.

COMMON SCAMS TO WATCH OUT FOR:

 n  HOME REPAIR OR INSPECTION: The "contractor' offers to repair, remodel or to do other work  with leftover materials for a cheap price. You pay and the work doesn't get done or gets poorly done with no recourse.

n  CONTEST WINNER: You are told you've won a prize but you must send money for postage, taxes, registration, or whatever. You may be asked to call an 800 number for details. You get nothing for your money or what you do get is worthless.

n  BANK EXAMINER: A "bank official" asks you to withdraw money for him/her to hold to lure an embezzler. You end up with nothing as the "examiner" disappears with the cash.

n  CARPET CLEANER: An ad offers very low prices to clean carpet in your home. Cleaning crew says your   carpet is too worn or soiled for the offer and charges more.

n  UNKNOWN VISITORS: A woman with a child knocks on your door and asks a favor requiring entrance into your home. You are distracted while the other steals your cash, jewelry or other valuables.

n  OBITUARY: You are recently widowed and a C.O.D. package arrives with a product your late spouse ordered before his/her death. In reality, the package contains a cheap item at an expensive price that was never ordered.

n  LOTTERY: A person offers to sell you a winning lottery ticket that he can't cash because he is an "illegal immigrant" or some other excuse. You end up out the cash because the lottery ticket is counterfeit.

n  PIGEON DROP: A person offers to share "found" money with you if you'll put up some of your own cash "to show good faith." Your cash is switched with an envelope containing plain paper while you are distracted.

 IF SOMEONE RIPS YOU OFF:

n  Report suspected fraud activity to the Crescent City Police, and the Florida Division of Consumer Services at 1 (800) HELP-FLA.

n  You can also obtain information from the National Fraud Information Center,
1 (800) 876-7060, open 9:00 A.M. to 5:30 P.M. Eastern Standard Time.

n  Don't feel foolish. Reporting is vital. Only one-third of people who are victims report the crime. Reporting fraud keeps con artists from making someone else a victim.

 HOME SECURITY SURVEY:

This involves a personal visit to your home by a Crescent City Police Officer who will check the interior and exterior of your home to identify potential security problems and recommend solutions. The officer will discuss window security, outside entrances, garage doors, door hinges, installing wide-angle peep holes for homeowner safety, planting and maintaining shrubbery (Crown-of-Thorns and Bougainvillea make very effective burglar bushes, especially under windows) as an effective crime deterrent. Contact the Crescent City Police .These surveys are completely confidential and free.

PERSONAL SAFETY & SENIOR SAFETY PROGRAMS:

These two programs discuss steps individuals can take to avoid becoming crime victims. Seniors are more likely to be victims of fraudulent crimes than violent crimes. The Senior Safety program addresses the special needs of senior citizens.

If your group would like to participate in one of these programs, please arrange by contacting the Crescent City Police.

 SAFETY TIPS:

n Stay alert!
n Go out with friends or family — not alone.
n Women should carry their purse close to their body, not dangling by the straps. Men, hold wallets in an inside coat or in a front pant pocket.
nWhether a passenger or the driver, keep car doors locked and windows up, especially at stoplights. When    stopped at intersections, keep at least a 20-foot open "buffer zone" in front of your car so that you can maneuver and escape if approached.
nBe particularly alert in parking lots and garages. Park under lights and near entrances.
nCarry only the money or credit cards that you will be using. Bring pocket change for emergency phone calls or bus fare.
nHave your house keys in hand before you get to the door.
nDon't carry so many packages that you do not have a free hand.
nIf someone drives you home, ask them to wait until you are safely inside.
nDress so that you can walk quickly or run easily to avoid attack.
nWalk near other people and avoid isolated areas or parking lots. If you must walk alone, walk with confidence.
nUse the safest, most direct route.
nIf your car breaks down, raise the hood and put on your emergency flashers. Use your cell phone (or ask anyone who stops) to contact law enforcement officials or a service station.
nBefore getting into your parked vehicle, check the back seat and around the car to see if anyone is hiding there.
nIf you think you are being followed, turn and look at the person. It shows them that
you won't be taken by surprise. Change directions and vary your pace.
nWhen you go out, let someone know where you are going and approximately when you plan to return.
nIf someone or something makes you uneasy, trust your instincts and leave the area.
nConsider carrying pepper spray to defend yourself against an attacker. Something you may want to do is   purchase two cans so you practice with one in an open area.

STRANGER DANGER:

Designed for 4 to 8 year old children, this program helps children learn to be aware of strangers and to deal safely with them– avoiding conversations, keeping a safe distance, knowing what to do when approached and identifying trusted adults to whom they can go for help. Good, bad, and uncomfortable touch can be discussed if requested. Parents are encouraged to attend and to reinforce the concepts discussed.

PARENTS, TEACH YOUR CHILDREN...

n  That a stranger is a person they do not know. Most strangers are nice, but bad strangers and good strangers look and act the same — so avoid all strangers.

n  Their full name, address and phone number — including area code.

n  Your full name, where you work and phone number.

n  A SECRET PASSWORD. A secret word known only to you and your child.

n  To never go anywhere, or with anyone — unless they have your direct permission or direction affirmed by your SECRET PASSWORD. Stress how important it is that your child has permission from you even if they are asked to go by a family member, friend of the family or someone else well known to them.

n  That a Police Officer or a Deputy is his/her friend.

n  To scream, kick, yell — especially scream "HELP!" if they are in trouble.

n  How to make a long distance call — how to get the operator — how to dial 911.

n  To take a friend along when going to playgrounds, stores, movies, etc.

n  To come home before dark.

n  To turn and run in the opposite direction if a stranger in a car bothers them. It is not easy for a car to change directions suddenly.

n  To run to the nearest person they can find when frightened. Teach them to run to a Police Officer or Deputy. A person working in the yard, or up to a store or home in the neighborhood. Teach them to stay away from strangers, but it is OK to ask an adult he/she does not know for help.

n  That if a stranger tries to follow him/her on foot or tries to grab them, to run away, scream and make lots of noise. The last thing a stranger wants is a lot of attention.

n To never play in deserted areas, such as in the woods, a parking lot, an alley, in deserted buildings or at construction sites.

n to always stick to the same safe route while traveling to and from school or a friend's_.,, house or wherever you go on a regular basis.

n To always try to play or walk with a friend. It is safer and a lot more fun.

n To never "hang out" in public areas like washrooms or elevators.

n To never walk or play alone outside at night.

n To walk confidently and stay alert. Teach them to be aware of what is going on around them at all times.

How children respond to trouble will depend on their age and the particular circum­stances encountered. More importantly, however, is whether your child knows what to do and where to go when feeling threatened or when approached by someone unfamil­iar. Even preschoolers can learn what or what not to do when confronted by a stranger.

CHILD FINGERPRINTING:

This service is available to all children to age 12. Fingerprint cards are given to parents for their records.

OFFICER FRIENDLY:

An officer will visit with children’s groups ages pre-school to 12, explaining their jobs as law enforcement officers, answering questions and giving them a close-up lights-and-siren look at a patrol car.

CHILD ID CARDS:

Are available to all children up to age 12. A driver's license size identification card is made for your child, including photo and thumbprint.

To schedule a program, contact the Crescent City Police.

The criminal's primary strategy is to use surprise to his advantage. Studies have shown that criminals are adept at choosing targets who appear to be unaware of what is going on around them.  One of the most important ways to protect yourself is to be aware of your surroundings.

 TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS:

If you think you are being followed, either on foot or in your vehicle, or if you feel at risk in any way, go to the nearest safe place or public location and ask for help.

CALL 911 in an emergency.

Credit Bureaus

Equifax         1-800-525-6285

Experian       1-888-397-3742

Trans Union 1-800-680-7289

CRIME PREVENTION TIPS:  HOME IMPROVEMENT AND REPAIR PROJECT

·        Never leave delivery people, construction workers, or repairmen alone in your home. If possible, stay in the same room with them while they complete their work.

·        If your house is left unsecured while you are having work done, make sure that all valuables are secured in a safe place. This includes silverware, collectibles, TV’s, stereos, jewelry, etc.

·        Always keep your wallet, purse, financial papers, checkbook, or credit cards secured or with you.

·        Consider keeping jewelry and other valuables in a safety deposit box at your bank.

·        Never leave a key hidden outside your home for workers.

·        Always get several estimates for a repair or home improvement project and compare prices and terms. Prior to getting an estimate, ask if there is a charge for this service.

·        Ask friends for recommendations.

·        Request references and check them prior to hiring workers.

·        Contact the Better Business Bureau to see if there are any complaints filed against the business.

·        Confirm that your contractor has a valid contractor’s license and a city business license through the City office.

·        Pay by check – never with cash. Make arrangements to make payments in installments: one-third at the beginning of the job, one-third when the work is nearly complete and the remainder when the project is done to your complete satisfaction.

·        Always get a written contract and written guarantee for any work that is done. Read these documents completely before signing them.

·        Have a friend or person who understands legalese review the contract before you sign it.

·        NEVER sign a blank contract. Make sure all spaces are completed. If they are to be left blank, draw a line through them.

Home Security Audit

No one wants to return home from work, shopping, vacation, etc. and discover that his home has been entered and the belongings he worked so hard to acquire have been stolen or destroyed. Burglars, vandals, and other lawbreakers prefer committing crimes where the risk of being caught is low. Make your home and property as uninviting as you can. Use this list and take a few minutes to check the security around your home.

1. Do trees and shrubbery obscure your doors and windows?

2. Do shrubberies or structures provide a place where an intruder could hide?

3. Does your residence's appearance give the impression no one is home?

4. Are storage sheds or buildings unlocked?

5. Is the garage door unlocked or open?

6. Do you have a privacy fence?

7. Are there basement windows or an exterior basement door which is unlocked or easily opened?

8. Are there ground floor windows which are open, unlocked, have broken glass, or are otherwise inviting to an intruder?

9. Are there ground floor doors which are unlocked, have a broken pane of glass, or show other signs of being easy to enter?

10. Are there second floor windows or doors which are open or obviously unlocked?

11. Are there any other openings to your home such as skylights, crawl spaces, or vents that are unprotected?

12. Are there entrances to your home that are unlighted at night?

13. Are there other areas around your home that are unlighted and could provide concealment for an intruder?

14. Are cars or other vehicles left outside unlocked or with keys in the ignition?

15. Are vehicles parked in poorly lighted areas?