Often we'll need to pass along informative crime prevention tips. This area will be continuously updated with helpful crime prevention information, neighborhood watch meetings, and links to resources to help keep you, your family, and neighborhood safe.
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One of the most prolific crimes we're facing today is that of identity theft. Computers make it easy for criminals to steal a victim's identify from far away, even a foreign country. Once the thief has your personal identification, he has a sellable commodity which can be worth from $10 - $50 dependant on how much information the thief has gathered on you and what the buyer wants to use it for. Catching these thieves is very difficult for local law enforcement agencies who generally do no have the resources to travel across America or to a foreign country to investigate the theft.
The best way to prevent becoming a victim of identity theft is to closely guard your personal information, especially you date of birth and social security number. Do not place this information on checks or other documents that are readily available to store clerks, merchants, or shoulder surfers, people who look over your shoulder and memorize your personal information dispalyed on a check. Purchase a shredder from an office supply store and destroy old documents such as bank statements, credit card statements, and credit applications.
If you become a victim of identity theft contact this office and file a report. We will assist you further in proctecting yourself and begin a criminal investigation into the theft.
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Lately we've been getting information from surrounding counties concerning a ruse being utilized to gain entry into people's homes. The suspect(s) approaches a home and asks the resident to use their phone. They tell the resident that their car has broken down or has run out of gas. Once the resident allows the suspect entry into the home the suspect commits a strong arm or forced robbery. In some cases once the resident opens the door, the suspect forces his way in and commits the robbery.
If someone approaches you with a similar story or uses any other ploy to gain entry into you home, call the sheriff's office immediately. If the person is legitimate they will welcome assistance from us. If not, they will probably leave the area. Try to get a good description of the person and any vehicle they may be in. This will assist us in locating them and possibly linking them to other crimes.
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