Home: Crime Prevention

CRIME PREVENTION

MAIL SCAM ARTISTS:

The Liberal Police Department would like to take a minute to remind residents that the season for mail and internet scams never ends. Scam artists are very good at what they do, and unfortunately are very convincing, which is the reason they keep doing what they do. People have lost thousands of dollars to scam artists, and local residents are again being solicited. Following a few simple guidelines, being aware that scam artists are active and being watchful of your money and account information should keep you on the B list of scam artist.

If you receive a check through the mail, and it seems too good to be true, IT IS! People don't send checks to people for no reason. Never follow through on anything asked of you through the mail, EVER! Keep in mind these scam artists are very good at making people think that they will be OK. Throw things in the trash that seem too good to be true, or contact the Liberal Police Department for specific information.

Ordering through the internet is typically very safe. Make sure that before you provide any credit card information over the internet, the address bar shows "HTTPS" as the first 5 letters. That S, added to they HTTP, ensures a "SECURE" network connection and makes hacking virtually impossible.

It is suggested never to provide you credit card information over the phone. We all have cordless and cell phones and have heard our neighbors by accident. Imagine how easy it is to listen to someone if you really want to. If you have to provide financial information over the phone, use a phone with a cord if possible.

Be aware of where your receipts go! One of the most common methods that thieves use to obtain credit card numbers and account info is to dig in the trash. Be aware of what you throw out. With one cancelled check, a thief can take you for thousands!

Check you balance and bank information regularly. Know what you spent and where you spent it. If anything doesn't look right, have the bank look into it. Check your credit yearly at least. You can get a copy of your credit report annually free of charge. Know what accounts you have opened and what the balances are.

 

VEHICLE SAFETY:

Lock your vehicle at all times.

Before you enter your vehicle, always check the inside for your safety.

Never leave your vehicle running unattended.

Keep all valuables hidden or out of unattended vehicles, place them in the trunk.

Secure your remote garage door opener in the vehicle console or in the glove box.

Do not leave a hidden key attached to the outside of your vehicle.

Always keep your vehicle in good running order, including a full tank of gas.

If you suspect that someone is following you, drive to a public place, park in a well-lit area where people inside can see you.

Never pick up hitchhikers. If you see a motorist is stranded, help them by calling the Police.

HOME SECURITY:

Did you know that if it takes more than 60 seconds to break into a home, a burglar will usually give up and move on?

· Install bright lights outside, preferably motion sensing ones.
· Prune all shrubs and trees, keep your yard clean.
· If you travel or are away frequently, install light timers.
· Don't let your mail pile up, contact the Post Office to hold it.
· Make sure your house number is clearly displayed so emergency vehicles can quickly find your home.
· Keep a list of valuables (TV's, stereos, jewelry, computers) and list their serial numbers and descriptions. It's also a good idea to photograph your items.
· External doors should have a sturdy dead bolt lock. Use metal or solid wood exterior doors with a wide-angle viewer.
· Sliding glass doors should be properly secured with extra commercially installed locks.
· Never hide keys around the outside of your home. Give your extra key to a trusted neighbor or family member.
· Install a security alarm, especially if you live in an isolated area.
· -or-install a sound-detecting socket, which plugs into a light fixture and flashes when it detects certain a noise.
· -or-install photocells that light up when it's dark and go off when it becomes daylight around key areas in your yard.
· When taking your car in for repairs, never leave your house keys on the ring.
· Answering machine messages should never say that you are not home. Say, "I'm not available," instead.
· Always re-key your locks whenever you move into a new home or apartment.
· When you arrive home and things look or feel questionable, like a broken window or open door-don't go in, go to a safe place and contact Police.

GET INVOLVED in protecting our community. To report suspicious activity in your neighborhood, call the Crime Hot Line, 624-4000 or contact the Liberal Police Department/Seward County Emergency Communication Center at (620) 626-0150 / 0151.

WINTER WEATHER CAR TIPS:

Winterize your car before winter arrives by checking the following:
· Antifreeze - Keep engine coolant at the proper levels as this protects against freezing and corrosion. Change the coolant as recommended by the car's manufacturer.
· Battery - Test to make sure it is in good working condition to provide ample power for cold winter starts. Inspect the cables, tighten and clean any acid buildup.
· Brakes - Worn brakes require longer stopping distances and can pull the car to one side when stopping. A mechanic can check your brakes and make necessary repairs.
· Emergency Supplies - At a minimum, your car should be equipped with a flashlight, blanket, sand or salt and a snow/ice scraper.
· Exhaust System - Fumes from a leaky exhaust system can quickly become fatal. Remember, never run the motor in your garage.
· Heater and Defroster - In proper working condition, these will keep passengers comfortable and the windshield free of ice and condensation.
· Oil - Change your oil using a winter grade oil for easier starting.
· Tires - Worn tires lose their grip on slippery roads. Make sure your tires are properly inflated and have sufficient tread. All-weather tires or snow tires are recommended for most areas.
· Wipers and Windshield Fluid - Ensure good visibility by replacing worn wiper blades or installing winter blades. Keep washer reservoir filled with specially formulated antifreeze solution for windshields.

Keep in mind that bridges and overpasses freeze before road surfaces. Freezing air circulating above and below the bridge causes ice to form more rapidly than on a surface that has freezing air above and warmer ground below.

Most importantly - remember to SLOW DOWN, our first blast of winter is just around the corner and on the first snow fall, law enforcement always experiences a large number of traffic accidents. Prepare NOW to allow yourself more time to get where you're going and do it slower. Perhaps this will help on the morning or afternoon of our first snowfall and there won't be as many accidents.

YOU CAN PREVENT AUTO THEFT:

Most cars are taken by amateurs who can be stopped fairly easily. You can increase your protection against this type of crime by taking the following precautions:

:LOCKUP:

· An unlocked car is an open invitation. Lock up when you leave your car, take the keys with you.
· Lock the trunk or tailgate.
· Close all windows-professional thieves have tools that unlock cars through the smallest openings.
· Be sure vent or wind-wing windows are shut tight.
· When you park the car, remove cellular phones, cassette players and other valuable possessions. Do not leave gift-wrapped packages or cameras lying on the seat. lock all valuable in your trunk or take them with you.
· Lock your car even if you are making a quick stop at the gas station, convenience store, or mini-mall.

CAR JACKING:

This violent, random form of auto theft is on the rise. A driver of any vehicle can be a target of someone with a weapon. It can happen anywhere, day or night. Here are some precautions:
· Keep your doors locked.
· Park in well-lit, busy areas.
· Be alert of your surroundings, of people approaching your vehicle.
· Keep car and house keys on separate key chains.
· Keep the garage door opener in your purse or briefcase.
· When stopped in traffic, always leave enough room to make an emergency getaway.
· If someone is threatening you with a weapon, give up the vehicle-it is not worth your life.

PREVENT THEFT OF OTHER MOTOR VEHICLES:

Thefts of snowmobiles, motorcycles, boats, and trail-bikes are also increasing. Many of the same precautions that apply to cars also apply to recreational vehicles.
LOCK IT:
· Make sure all easy-to-carry items like motors, water skis, and camping gear are locked up before leaving your vehicle.
CHAIN IT:
· Vehicles carried on trailers should be secured with a strong chain and padlock.
· When the trailer is not attached to your car, secure it with a heavy chain and lock it to a stationary object.
· Chain your motorcycle or snowmobile to a stationary object such as a lamp post or sewer grating. Even when your vehicle is in the garage, use a heavy chain and padlock that resists conventional steel hacksaw blades.
USE ANTI-THEFT DEVICES:
Consider the purchase and installation of security devices, such as:
· Alarm device to activate a siren, horn or lights -- or all three -- to frighten the thief away.
· Device that attaches to the steering wheel or brake pedal.

GUN SAFETY TIPS:

Did you know that in 1996, Japan reported that handguns killed 15 people? In that same year Germany reported that 211 people were killed, Canada reported 106 deaths and Britain reported 30 deaths associated with handguns. Did you also know that in that same year 9,396 people were reported killed by handguns in the United States? The number of people killed in the US by handguns is alarming to say the least.

Many variables come into the figures as indicated above. One could also say that there are differences in the reporting standards and procedures between the different countries, there is the Second Amendment to the Constitution in regard to the right to bear arms, and there are the differences in criminal behavior and how the countries deal with such behavior. You can argue the figures and reasons, but hopefully at least you will remember the number of deaths associated with handguns. Now think to yourself, what if one of those figures was one of your family or close friends.

Everyone should be reminded of the following:

· A real gun is not a toy and life is not a video game. Accept the fact that a firearm is a deadly weapon.
· A careless second will forever change or take away a life.
· Parents need to communicate with their children. Explain to them that if they ever see a gun to Stop! Don't Touch! Leave the area and tell an adult.
· Firearms and ammunition need to be stored separately. If a child ever finds it, it will not be deadly.
· Never store a firearm where children or irresponsible adults can find it. A gunlock is a very wise investment. It is always better to be safe than sorry.
· Never store a loaded gun next to your bed. Family members have been killed believing they are intruders. You may not be fully awake when you reach for that gun.
· Learn how to properly use a firearm. Practice on an established firing range. If you are going to own a firearm, take the responsibility in knowing how to use it and when you can legally use it.
· Always treat a firearm as if it were always loaded. Accidents can kill!
· Always point the firearm in a safe direction. Accidents can kill!
· Never put your finger on the trigger until you have absolutely decided that it is safe to fire.
Think about what you are doing. You will have to live with what you decide and what you will do. Is it worth it? Firearms have killed more people during non-war times than in wartime. If you have decided to buy or own a firearm, you have the tremendous responsibility for keeping it safe and legal at all times