Weekly Tip - Host or Join Neighborhood Watch

Neighborhood Watch is one of the oldest and most effective crime prevention programs in the country, bringing citizens together with law enforcement to deter crime and make communities safer. Neighborhood Watch can trace its roots back to the days of colonial settlements, when night watchmen patrolled the streets. The modern version of Neighborhood Watch was developed in response to requests from sheriffs and police chiefs who were looking for a crime prevention program that would involve citizens and address an increasing number of burglaries. 

 

Launched in 1972, Neighborhood Watch counts on citizens to organize themselves and work with law enforcement to keep a trained eye and ear on their communities, while demonstrating their presence at all times of day and night.

Give Community Service Officer Mike Vercillo a call and ask about joining your local neighborhood watch. Or, consider hosting a neighborhood meeting if there is not an established group near you. CSO Vercillo can be reached at 626.821.2648. 

Robbery Suppression Patrols in Arcadia This Weekend

This past Wednesday, we posted about recent area robberies occurring in Arcadia and surrounding communities. Most of the robberies have occurred in the evening hours with some unsuspecting victims possibly being followed home. Always be aware of your surroundings, including while driving. If you believe your are being followed by a vehicle, don't drive to your home. Instead, make your way to your local police station if possible, or at minimum, a well-lighted, busy business where there are other people. Remain in your locked vehicle and call the police. Awareness and Avoidance are two of your best tools in personal safety.

The Arcadia Police Department will be deploying suppression patrols this weekend during evening hours. Both additional officers in marked units, along with members of our Investigations Section in unmarked units will be on the streets. Please remember to be a good witness and if you See Something suspicious, Say Something!

Weekly Tip - Watch for Card Skimming

Card skimming involves the unauthorized copying of electronic data from your debit card or credit card. Thieves will use hidden equipment, such as pin-hole cameras and card reading devices to obtain your PIN and card data. The stolen data is then encoded onto a counterfeit card, which is used to withdraw funds or make purchases without your knowledge.

This type of crime can occur anywhere, but most commonly occurs at gas stations, ATM machines, or restaurants. Gas pump and ATM machines can be tampered with and thieves will place devices that resemble the actual equipment on the machine in order to read your card as it is used. Restaurants are used by suspects who carry handheld skimming devices to trap credit and debit card magnetic information. The suspect may be the server of your table. Some restaurants have actually gone to use of portable card readers so that the transaction can be performed at your table, directly in front of you. This type of device helps to secure the transaction for your protection.

There are many resources on the web that give you information on this type of theft and fraud. Read the Wikipedia entry on the topic and it will give you some insight and topics to query. Here is another link to a helpful website, "Bustathief", where they actually have photos of modified ATM machines and what to look for to prevent your information from being taken.

Some quick prevention tips:

• Keep your cards in sight. If the sales clerk moves to a different register, accompany them. This may be difficult at a restaurant but you may consider asking to pay at the register.
• Pay attention to the number of times your card is swiped and make sure that any transaction that is not the actual sale is voided.
• Use the credit option as opposed to entering your PIN.
• Check the machine for any loose or unusual "reader" or equipment. Immediately report any tampered machine or out of order machine to the bank or business.
• Do not accept "assistance" from a good Samaritan at an ATM. If the machine does not properly work, move on!
• Use ATM machines inside the bank or business, visible and open to the public.
• Check your bank records and statements often. Look for unusual or unauthorized activity.
• Report any lost or stolen cards immediately.
• If you see anything or anyone suspicious near an ATM machine, call the local police!

Weekly Tip - Lock It, Hide It, Keep It!

We can't express the practice of Lock It, Hide It, Keep It enough!

With the holidays upon us, the likelihood of folks leaving items in their vehicles increases and thieves know this. Please remember to remove items of value from your cars, roll up the windows, lock the doors, and set the alarm if you have one. Taking the opportunity and target away are great ways to help prevent the crimes from happening! Spread the word and pass this along to family and friends!