Niagara County Sheriff's Department Crime Prevention

"Street Sense is Common Sense"
"Never Give a Con Artist an Even Break"
"At Home Alone - A Parents Guide"
"Can Your Home Pass the 4 Minute Test?"
"Crime & The Elderly"
"Neighborhood Watch Program"
"How to Organize Your Block Club"

"Street Sense is Common Sense"

Test Your Street Smarts IQ

Do you:
1. Jog or walk by yourself early in the morning or late at night when the streets are quiet and deserted?
2. Stuff your purse with cash, keys, credit cards, checkbook - and then leave it wide open on a counter, a desk, the floor? Put your wallet in a jacket, which you then hang up or throw over a chair?
3. Let your mind wander - thinking about your job, or all the things you have to do -- when walking or driving?
4. Think it's a waste of time to lock your car when you'll be back in a few minutes?

IF you answered YES to any question, you need to change a few habits. Even if you answered NO and made a perfect score, read on. Spend a few minutes now to prevent trouble later.

 

Basic Street Sense:

• Wherever you are - on the street, in an office building or shopping mall, driving, waiting for a bus or subway - stay alert and tuned in to your surroundings.

• Send the message that you're calm, confident, and know where you're going.

• Trust your instincts. If something or someone makes you uneasy, avoid the person or leave.

• Know the neighborhoods where you live and work. Check out the locations of police and fire stations, public telephones, hospitals, restaurants or stores that are open late.

On Foot - Day & Night:

• Stick to well-lighted, well-traveled streets. Avoid shortcuts through wooded areas, parking lots or alleys.

• Don't flash large amounts of cash or other tempting targets like jewelry or expensive clothing.

• Carry a purse close to your body, not dangling by the straps. Put a wallet in an inside coat or front pants pocket.

• Try to use automated teller machines in the daylight. Have your card in hand.

• Don't wear shoes or clothing that restrict your movements.

• Have you car or house key in hand before you reach the door.

• If you think someone is following you, switch direction or cross the street. Walk toward an open store, restaurant or lighted house. If you're scared, YELL for help.

• Have to work late? Make sure there are others in the building, and ask someone - a colleague or security guard - to walk you to your car or transit stop.

On Wheels:

• Keep your car in good running condition. Make sure there's enough gas to get where you're going and back.

• Always roll up the windows and lock your car, even if you're coming right back. Check inside and out before getting in.

• Avoid parking in isolated areas with little foot or auto traffic. Be especially alert in lots and underground parking garages.

• If you think someone is following you, don't head home. Drive to the nearest police or fire station, gas station or other business to get help.

• Don't pick up hitchhikers. Don't hitchhike yourself.

On Buses and Subways:

• Use well-lighted, busy stops.

• Stay alert! Don't doze or daydream.

• If someone harasses you, don't be embarrassed. Loudly say "Leave me alone!" If that doesn't work, hit the emergency device.

• Watch who gets off with you. If you feel uneasy, walk directly to a place where there are other people.

If Someone Tries to Rob You:

• Don't resist. Give up your property, don't give up your life!

• Report the crime to the police. Try to describe the attacker accurately. Your actions can help prevent others from being victims.

Take a Stand!

• Make your neighborhood and workplace safer by reporting broken street lights, cleaning up parks and vacant lots, and lobbying local government for better lighting in public places.

• Join a Neighborhood, Apartment or Office Watch to look out for each other and help the police.

• Help out a friend or co-worker who's been a victim of a crime. Cook a meal, babysit, find the number for victim services or a crisis hotline. Listen, sympathize, and don't blame.

• Look at the root causes. Work for better drug treatment services, crime and drug abuse prevention education, and job and recreational opportunities for young people in your community.

"Never Give a Con Artist an Even Break"

"You are a guaranteed sweepstakes winner!"

"Dial 900-GET-AJOB and our experts will help you find employment"

"Melt that cellulite away in days!"

"Buy strategic metals and double your investment with no risk!"

IF IT SOUNDS TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE....
.....IT PROBABLY IS!

IT'S UP TO YOU TO SAY NO!

It's not always easy to spot con artists. They're smart, extremely persuasive, and aggressive. They invade your home through the telephone and the mails, advertise in reputable newspapers and magazines, and come to your door.

Most people think they're too smart to fall for a scam. But con artists rob all kinds of people - from investment counselors and doctors to teenagers and elderly widows - of billions every year.

It's up to you to say no. Use common sense, and learn about new and old scams.

CALLING FOR YOUR MONEY

Anyone with a phone has probably talked to a con artist - someone promoting no-risk investments, offering contest prizes, or asking for donations to a familiar-sounding charity. These swindlers steal credit and phone numbers, promote bogus services such as job searches and loans, and sell all types of investments - land, gold, stocks, oil and gas leases, rare coins and stamps.

• If a caller asks for your credit card number to verify a free vacation or other gift, hang up. They'll use your number to charge purchases by phone.

• Make sure you know the charges before calling a 900 number. 800 numbers are free, 900 numbers aren't.

• Be very suspicious if you receive a collect phone call from someone who says he's a law enforcement officer with emergency information about a family member and requests your phone card number to charge the call. Variations include a telephone company investigator checking a system failure or a Federal Communication Commission official investigating a complaint.

• Ask for a financial report if a caller requests a charitable donation. Reputable charities will always send this information if you ask.

• Never make an investment with a stranger over the telephone.

SORTING THROUGH THE JUNK MAIL

Most mail order companies are honest and stand behind their products. But many con artists use the mails to sell worthless products, medical quackery, and get-rich-quick schemes. Watch out for official-looking forms or postcards that say you can win a prize or vacation by calling a 900 number.

Other scams send items that were never ordered - a good luck charm, key chain, or greeting cards. You don't have to pay for merchandise you didn't order - return it, throw it away or keep it.

If you think you've been cheated in a mail fraud scheme, keep all the letters and envelopes and contact your nearest postal inspector (U.S. Postal Service), district or state attorney's office.

SELLING HOPE, MIRACLES AND YOUTH

Quackery, or health fraud, taps everyone's desire to find shortcuts to good health and good looks. Common scams promise cures for arthritis, cancer and AIDS. They sell baldness remedies, aphrodisiacs, and quick ways to lose weight. Be wary of exaggerated claims, testimonials, secret ingredients, attacks on traditional medicine or nutrition, and promises of quick cures.

These scams can be deadly. They can have harmful side effects and prevent people from getting proper medical treatment.

DON'T GET HOOKED BY THE CLASSICS:

The Bank Examiner: someone posing as a bank official or Internal Revenue Service agent asks for your help (in person or via the telephone) to catch a dishonest teller. You are to withdraw money from your account and turn it over to him or her so the serial numbers can be checked or the money marked. You do, and you never see your money again!

The Pigeon Drop: a couple of strangers tell you they've found a large sum of money or other valuables. They say they'll split their good fortune with you if everyone involved will put up some "good faith" money. You turn over your cash, and you never see your money or the strangers again.

Home Repairs: every homeowner looks for good deals in repairs and improvements. But bargain repairs usually aren't bargains. Free inspections that reveal problems, workers who "just happened to be in the neighborhood," and usually low prices for normally expensive jobs signal fraud.

IF SOMEONE RIPS YOU OFF

Don't feel foolish or stupid. Tell the police, your city or state consumer protection office, or a consumer advocacy group. Very few frauds are reported, which leaves the con artist free to rob more victims.

TAKE A STAND!

• Alert your neighbors, co-workers, and Neighborhood Watch to con artists working the area.

• Senior citizens, teens, and civic groups can collect junk mail or log telemarketing calls, analyze the results, and pass the findings on to the state or district attorney or attorney general.

• If your community has a growing immigrant population, get this information translated into the appropriate foreign languages.

"At Home Alone - A Parents Guide"

Your 10 year old comes home from school at three and takes care of himself - gets a snack, talks on the phone, does homework, watches TV - until you get home at six.

He's too old for day care, but far from grown up. You worry, but what can you do?

Working parents - and that's the majority of American families today - share the anxiety, frustration, and even fear involved in leaving children "on their own" when school lets out, child care arrangements with neighbors and relatives break down, or there simply aren't any alternatives.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

• Make sure your children are ready to care for themselves.

• Teach them basic safety rules.

• Know where your kids are, what they are doing, and who they are with.

Are they ready? Can your children......

• Be trusted to go straight home after school?

• Easily use the telephone, locks, and kitchen appliances?

• Follow rules and instructions well?

• Handle unexpected situations without panicking?

• Stay alone without being afraid?

Talk it over with them, and listen to their worries and ideas. Work out rules on having friends over, household chores, homework, and television. Remember, staying at home alone can build a child's self-esteem, sense of responsibility, and practical skills.

Teach Your "Home Alone" Children

• How to call 9-1-1 or your area's emergency number, or call the operator.

• How to give directions to your home in case of an emergency.

• To check in with you or a neighbor immediately after arriving home.

• To never accept gifts or rides from people they don't know well.

• To never let anyone into the home without asking your permission.

• To never let a caller at the door or on the phone know that they're alone (say "Mom can't come to the phone right now")

• To carry a house key with them in a safe place (inside a shirt pocket or sock) - don't leave it under a mat or on a ledge.

• How to escape in case of a fire.

• To not go into an empty house or apartment if things don't look right - a broken window, ripped screen or opened door.

• To let you know about anything that frightens them or makes them feel uncomfortable.

Are they ready? Can your children......

• Work with schools, religious institutions, libraries, recreational and community centers, and local youth organizations to create programs that give children ages 10 and older a place to go and something to do after school - a "homework" haven, sports, craft classes, tutoring. Or what about a community improvement project that young people can design and carry out?

• Ask your workplace to sponsor a Survival Skills class for employees' children. Kick it off with a parent-child breakfast or luncheon.

• Does your community have a crisis hotline service? Ask it to experiment with a "warmline" that latchkey kids can call for help with homework or cooking, or just to talk.

• Work with the phone company to distribute 9-1-1 cards with space for a child to write directions to his or her home and parents' work numbers.

• Join (or start) a McGruff House* or other block parent program in your community to offer children help in emergencies or frightening situations.

*McGruff House is a reliable source of help for children in emergency or frightening situations. Volunteers must meet specific standards, including a law enforcement records check. Programs are established locally as a partnership among law enforcement, schools, and community organizations. For information, call 801-486-8768.

" Can Your Home Pass the 4 Minute Test? "

This test has only one question. However, the wrong answer can cost you and your family thousands of dollars, hours of frustration and the loss of precious family treasures!

CAN A BURGLAR BREAK INTO YOUR HOME WITHIN FOUR MINUTES?

Did you answer No? If so, congratulations! When a burglar can't enter your home in 4 minutes, he most often will go away. However, if he can, you could become one of over 5,000 American families whose homes will be burglarized within the next 24 hours. Seventeen burglaries will take place while you are reading this article.

Unfortunately, most American homes don't pass the 4 minute test. If yours can't, don't despair. This article, developed by your Sheriff, contains several easy, inexpensive ways to help secure your home and property from burglars. Also included are tips on what to do if your home is burglarized and ideas to improve the recovery of stolen property.

Keep a burglar out of your home for four minutes and the next burglary you hear about will probably be someone else's.

OUTSIDE YOUR HOME:

A burglar often avoids any home where he can be easily observed. Take a stroll around your house and look for good hiding places. Shrubbery next to basement windows and large branches near windows should be trimmed. Install a low wattage lighting system under the eaves. An inexpensive timer will automatically illuminate the shadows and hiding places. If you have a dog or an alarm system, put up signs that say so.

IF YOU ARE AWAY:

When away from home, it is important to give your home a lived-in look. Leave your car in the driveway, or ask a neighbor to park there. This not only gives the appearance of an occupied house, but prevents burglars from backing in a van and loading your possessions. Ask a neighbor to use your garbage cans. Leave drapes and shades open. Have someone take care of your lawn and shovel your driveway. Cancel the newspaper, but have a neighbor pick up the mail. Bulging mailboxes, closed drapes, dry uncut lawns and unplowed driveways say nobody's home.

If you're going to be away, ash the Sheriff or local law enforcement agency to drive by periodically and check your property.

NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH:

Join friends to prevent crime in your neighborhood. The Neighborhood Watch Program is an organized effort by concerned residents to look out for each other's safety and help law enforcement officers protect their neighborhood against criminals. Working together, neighbors learn to become more alert to unusual or suspicious individuals or vehicles. When these situations arise, they immediately call their local law enforcement agency.

If there is no Neighborhood Watch in your area, consider organizing one. Call your Sheriff for all the information and help you need to establish a successful Neighborhood Watch Program. Whatever the circumstance, whenever you notice unusual occurrences, call the Sheriff's Office. They will welcome your calls day or night.

TIPS TO SECURE YOUR HOME

SECURE PATIO AND GARAGE DOORS:

Sliding glass patio doors are a favorite entry point. Secure these doors by placing a steel bar in the door channel and a wooden wedge, secured by two or three screws, in the overhead track. This reduces the chance of someone lifting the door out of the channel.

Keep the garage door closed and locked when away from your home for an extended period. Disconnect electric doors and, if practical, consider installing padlocks on garage door tracks. These steps help protect valuable property stored in the garage and prevents easy access to interior doors.

INSTALL SOLID DOORS AND LOCKS:

Most burglars enter a home through a door. They also need to exit through a door when carrying your stolen items. It is easy to see why secure doors are a major burglary deterrent.

Install high quality solid core doors. A few well placed kicks can destroy some hollow core doors in less than five seconds. Upgrade your locks. Most homes are protected by an inexpensive and easy to use "spring latched lock." This lock provides no security. A dead bolt lock with a one inch bolt offers excellent protection. Insist on steel locks with a cylinder guard that will prevent the lock from turning if attacked with a pipe wrench or similar tool. Visit a reliable Locksmith. His advice can be invaluable.

LOCK ALL WINDOWS:

The noise and possible injury from broken glass will keep most burglars from breaking your windows. However, windows can be jimmied if a few simple precautions aren't taken. Inexpensive key latches can be purchased and easily installed to lock sash windows. If you own double sash windows, drill a small hole in both sashes. Placing a solid pin or nail into the hole will prevent the window from being opened.

PLAN INTERIOR LIGHTING:

Proper use of interior lighting can fool a burglar into thinking your house is occupied when empty or someone is awake when everyone is asleep. Install electric timers. Plug two or three lamps in different rooms into electric timers. Adjust the timers so lights turn on and off in different rooms at different times. When away from home, plug a timer into a television or radio. This gives the impression the house is occupied and someone is moving around.

FOR ADDITIONAL PROTECTION...... IDENTIFY YOUR VALUABLES!

It's almost impossible to recreate a list and condition of your valuables after the fact. Most burglary victims never receive full insurance reimbursement simply because they don't have enough information to submit an accurate claim.

TAKE AN INVENTORY. List valuable items and current condition and, if possible, dates of purchase and original prices. Use a camera (standard or VCR) to visually record your valuables. Record serial numbers of major appliances and electronic equipment. Store the inventory, pictures or video tape in your safe deposit box. Give a copy to your insurance agent. If you have a loss, proof of value can be established and an accurate claim can be filed. Do NOT keep cash in your home! There is no way to trace currency, so many insurance companies will not pay on cash claims.

If all else fails... What to do IF your home is burglarized.....

Immediately call the Sheriff and, if possible, leave the house. Don't wait a few hours or until the next day, CALL NOW! Waiting reduces the chance to recover your valuables. Do not move around the house and do not touch anything. Fingerprints and other important evidence might be disturbed. Cooperation will be very helpful.

*** See also "Operation Identification" and "Security Surveys" included with Neighborhood Watch Programs

Remember, you can be the burglar's best friend or worst enemy!

" TRIAD - Crime & The Elderly "
AARP - IACP - NSA
AARP Criminal Justice Services - International Associations of Chiefs of Police - National Sheriffs' Association

What is TRIAD?

A local Triad consists of the sheriff, police chiefs and older or retired leaders in the community who agree to work together to reduce criminal victimization of the elderly. Important to each Triad is an advisory council of law enforcement leaders and older persons which serves as a sounding board, information channel and catalyst for renewing emphasis on reducing crimes against the elderly - together.

What do Triads do?

1. Educate: sponsor crime and victim/witness programs for older persons.

2. Assist: recruit and train volunteers to assist the police and sheriff's departments.

3. Empathize: staff reassurance programs for older persons to reduce fear and provide moral support.

4. Communicate: provide a forum for law enforcement and the community to share needs and concerns - and develop solutions.

5. Involve: bring seniors and law enforcement together to develop community-wide solutions.

What can result?

1. Reduced criminal victimization of older persons.

2. Improved quality of life for older residents of the community.

3. Greater involvement of the community in implementing solutions.

4. Focused attention to the crime-related needs and concerns of older persons.

5. Enhanced delivery of law enforcement services to the elderly.

Each Triad responds to the unique needs of its community and population. Triads in place on the state and local level are already making a difference. You can be part of this initiative now!

" Neighborhood Watch Program "

In an effort to restore neighborhood safety and security, the National Sheriffs' Association launched a Neighborhood Watch program in 1972. Burglary was chosen as the target crime because of its prevalence - New York State has more than one burglary every two minutes - and because police can combat burglary effectively with public cooperation.

Neighborhood Watch, which gets police and citizens working together for neighborhood safety, is a self-help anti-crime program. Residents make a community effort, in cooperation with their law enforcement agencies, to protect each other and their property. Local law enforcement personnel show citizens how to report crimes or suspicious persons to police. Residents of a community know, better than area patrol officers, who belongs in the neighborhood and who doesn't. They accept deliveries, mow lawns, shovel snow, and pick up mail and newspapers while neighbors are away, to give their homes a "lived-in" look. Neighbors help neighbors, turning streets and apartment complexes into communities again. Citizens take the initiative for their own safety.

Neighborhood Watch does not require that people reveal family secrets. It offers attentive concern without loss of privacy. It is not snooping; it is not binocular-wielding busybodies; it is not vigilante groups. One person is NOT responsible for an entire apartment complex or block of houses. It costs members no money.

The program is built on cooperation and reciprocity on a small scale, multiplied many times as more and more groups of neighbors participate. People help each other for the protection of "their" neighborhood. They watch only the homes or apartments immediately around them. Police and neighbors agree that each group needs the other to ensure safe places to live. Police need timely information, neighbors need trained law enforcement - and Neighborhood Watch builds a two-way bridge between them.

Need Materials?

Funding is not a problem. Neighborhood Watch materials are provided by the New York State Office of Crime Prevention. If a group needs money for stationery, supplies, postage, or refreshments, community events like raffles, bake sales, or yard (garage) sales can be held. Block parties are effective if members bring their own specialties. Merchants can be approached for donations, their contributions should be publicized and they should be thanked publicly at the block party or next neighborhood meeting. However, it must be emphasized the Neighborhood Watch endorses no products. It is a community program, dependent on citizen participation and cooperation. It is essential to make everyone involved feel that even the smallest contribution toward the program helps ensure its success.

The State Office of Crime Prevention has the following materials available in reasonable quantities:

1. Neighborhood Watch Invitations

2. Neighborhood Watch Membership Cards

3. Neighborhood Watch Brochures

4. Neighborhood Watch Outdoor Road Signs (these must be purchased)

5. Neighborhood Watch Vinyl Window Stickers

6. Emergency Telephone Number Stickers

These materials may be obtained free of charge on written request, accompanied by a brief explanation of where and how the program is to be launched. The Office of Crime Prevention reserves the right to limit quantities sent.

New York State Neighborhood Watch, a community crime prevention program, involves concerned residents as extra "eyes and ears" of the police. The State Office of Crime Prevention invites interested law enforcement agencies to initiate Neighborhood Watch Programs, and urges all state residents to join Neighborhood Watch in cooperation with their local law enforcement agencies. Information and program materials are available from local law enforcement agencies. 

" Organizing a Block Club "

A block club is a group of citizens who work together to improve the quality of life in their neighborhood. Primarily, a block club should be a SOCIAL organization, and the needs be organized with by-laws only by choice. Block clubs are designed to bring neighbors together so they may get to know each other and discuss items of mutual concern.

In order to maintain a friendly atmosphere and break down some of the social barriers which may exist between neighbors, it is helpful to meet in a block member's home. If it is not possible to hold a meeting in someone's home due to the group's size or some other extenuating circumstance, a community center, church, or other public-oriented meeting area may be utilized.

Meetings should be scheduled on an as-needed basis. In the beginning stages, a block club may need to meet as frequently as every two weeks for the first two or three meetings. Once the foundation has been set, members may want to meet monthly, bi-monthly or quarterly. At any time the block club may set new meeting standards that best meet the activities and goals the group is working upon.

Starting a Block Club:

A community Police Officer may be contacted by any individual regarding the formation of a block club, and will assist in its creation.

Notifications - no one in the particular neighborhood should be left out when notification about the meeting is being made. Businesses should also be invited since they are part of the neighborhood. The community Police Officer may assist in the notification process by copying meeting notices for distribution by the potential club members. Notification of meetings can be accomplished by (1) personal visits, (2) telephone or (3) invitations by mail.

Set a Date! A date for the meeting should ideally be any weekday with the exception of Friday, preferably in the evening. Weekends should be avoided if possible. It should be emphasized that there are usually no "quick fixes" for neighborhood problems. A list of community problems should be created with the input from the members of the club. Find out the most pressing problems of your block..... housing? litter? rubbish or garbage? abandoned eyesores? rats or roaming dogs? building code violations? general appearance? zoning violations? What about the city/town services you are receiving... can they be improved? Police/Fire protection? Streets (paving, cleaning)? Abandoned Cars? Street Lighting? Speeding? Rubbish Pickup? Traffic Signs? Play Areas? Parking? All of these issues can be addressed at your Block Club meetings.

List the most pressing problems.....

Vote to work together to do something about them.....

Assign people to get all the facts and report at the next Block meeting.....

Discuss possible solutions.....

Draw up a plan of action - give everyone a job to do.....

Get busy and take action to solve the problem!

What can Block Clubs Do?

1. Clean up vacant lots and get permission to use them as playgrounds.

2. Meet with local officials to discuss neighborhood problems - police, fire, trash pick up, streets, improvements, lighting...

3. Beautify streets by arranging for the planting of trees, flowerbeds, etc.

4. Help paint a needy neighbor's house - get everyone to help!

5. War on Rats - remove their food and shelter, make buildings rat proof.

6. Fight for better housing - obtain legal advice on laws relating to code enforcement, rent withholding, zoning violations, etc.

7. Get together with other clubs for joint action on common projects - paving, parks, etc.

8. Arrange building inspections for the neighborhood. Study landlord-tenant responsibilities

9. Hold a party for the whole block! Inform people, raise money for projects and make friends!

A booklet is available from the office of Senator Anthony R. Nanula - (716) 282-8829 or (716) 854-8705.

Niagara County Sheriff's Department
5526 Niagara Street Ext., P.O. Box 496
Lockport, New York 14095-0496
(716) 438-3393, Fax (716) 438-3302

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