Report from Sherrie Carhart-Catalytic Converter Theft

Catalytic Converter Theft is an expensive loss and repair – During December thieves were targeting exclusively Sequoia’s and Tundras and one Tacoma. 

Thieves work a certain area, hit several vehicles a night and then move to another area. In the month of December thieves are striking in the dark of night and the wee hours of the morning.

95864  ** Most recent

20xx Medusa Wy, 39xx Lusk Dr, 41xx Lusk Dr, 46xx Ashton Dr

95843 and the county portion of 95621

Nandina Way, Lilly Hill, Palmerson, Windflower, Tawny Meadow, Adagio Wy, Krisee Ct, Andante Dr.

95842

Gold Run

95673

Sun Acer Wy, Jubilee Wy

95841

54xx Date Ave

95660

La Cienega Dr

95662

91xx and 93xx blocks of Greenback, Skyview Dr, Saint Edgewood Ct, Heather Cross, Briarbrook, Biruta, 72xx Kenneth, Cordoniz Ct,  

95628

3 on Kifisia Way,

95825, 95821

25xx Fair Oaks Blvd., 35xx Marconi Ave

95626, 95834, 95835, 95836, 95668, 95605, 95837, 95652, 95608 – No loss

Protect your vehicle:

1.       Park your vehicle in the garage or park in well-lighted areas.

2.       At shopping centers and other similar parking lots, park close to the entrance of the building, or near the access road where there’s a lot of traffic.

3.       If you own or work at a business or factory, park within a fenced area that’s busy during the day and secured at night.

4.       Engrave your license plate number or driver’s license on the converter to make it traceable. This can act as a catalytic converter theft deterrent and help with local police investigations.

5.       Purchase a vehicle security system, and make sure its set to trigger with just the slightest motion.

6.       Visit a local muffler shop and have the converter secured to the vehicle’s frame with a couple of pieces of hardened steel welded to the frame.

7.       Check out the different types of catalytic converter theft deterrent systems at your local auto parts store or on the Internet.

8.       If you see suspicious activity on a driveway, next to a vehicle immediately call for a deputy to respond.  Non emergency 874-5115 or emergency 874-5111.

Sherrie Carhart, Crime Prevention Specialist

Sacramento County Sheriff

North Division

2500 Marconi Avenue, Sacramento, CA  95821

(916) 876-5700  scarhart@sacsheriff.com

Dangerous dog off leash reported

We have had a report from local neighborhood watch groups that a neighbor walking near Marble and Rampart was attacked by an off-leash loose black and brown pit pull at about 4:00 p.m. Although the dog attempted to bite the neighbor, she was thankfully rescued by a passerby in a car. This has been reported to the Sheriff's Dept., but it's extremely important that we determine who this dog belongs to so that action may be taken. If you have any information about who this dog might belong to, please contact your neighborhood watch coordinator, Olivia Magana, or Carmen Hirkala ASAP.

How to Protect Yourself in a Dog Attack

Taken from the Good Morning America website, referenced through the Humane Society of America:

What Not to Do

 Take flight. Don't run away from the dog, because it triggers the dog's prey drive. Once that happens, the dog will want to turn and chase you.

 If the dog catches you and starts attacking, don't hit it. The more you fight back, the more the struggle feeds into the dog's defensive drives and the more he wants to kill that prey and take it home.

5 Million Bites: When Dogs AttackWatch Video

What to Do

 If you are approached by a vicious dog, relax and be as still as possible.

 Drop your head so you don't make eye contact, but maintain an upright position.

 Cover you ears and press your elbows to your sides. This way, if the dog bites you, your ears, eyes, rib cage and vital organs are protected.

 If the dog grabs your arm or your leg, try to remain motionless. If the dog thinks you're dead, it should let go of you.

Stay safe out there everyone, and again, please do share any information you have on where this dog might have come from. 

Local Neighborhood Reports

Neighbor's Reports

12/26/2012 from Jan Drive

FYI A truck just pulled up in front of our house and dropped off a man and his shopping cart full of belongings.  The man pushed his cart into Jan Park.  Not sure if the man will be taking up camp in the park tonight, but I would assume so.  The man was white in his 30s wearing jeans and a black sweatshirt.  It is not the same man that I believe was living in the restroom a few weeks back.

Action taken: Jerry Epler at the Maintenance Shop at Carmichael Park District contacted requesting a check of the park for a camper. Will also refer this to POP Officer Peyton.


12/27/2012 from Jan Drive

I wanted to let you know someone attempted to break into our house last night. I was home alone with the kids and very thankful our dog started barking going crazy and scared the person off. Whoever it was used a step stool to jump over our fence to access our house from the back yard. They must have left in a hurry when they realized I was home because they left the foot stool in our front yard up aginst our fence. We took the stool and put it in our back yard, I doubt they will return. Please let the neighbors know this has happened so we can all watch over eachother. Thank you! 

12/28/12

Package found in park opened belonging to local address. 

Action taken:

Box returned to addressee and left for them to decide to report to Sheriff.

12/28/12

Graffiti on sidewalk in park near Jan and Slate entrance. 

Action taken:

Reported to Jerry Epler from Carmichael Parks and Recreation District.

What Can You Do?

• Be vigilant! 
• Pay attention to your surroundings and be sure to report to the Sheriff's Dept. any suspicious activity, no matter how "insignificant" it might seem. 
• Check all entryways and windows to be sure they are locked and secure when not in use, whether you are home or not.
• Use motion sensor lighting throughout your front and backyard to illuminate any areas where criminals might look to hide their activity.
• Keep in contact with your neighbors, and share your experiences with others-we're all here to help each other! 

We are sharing these incidents to keep you informed, but also to emphasize clearly that Neighborhood Watch does work. Thank you for reporting what you see and hear about the neighborhood and being part of the resolution to keep our streets safe. Knowledge is power!

Have a wonderful New Year everyone!

Newsletter #2 Page 1

Crime Report 12/19/2012

Put It On Your Calendar and Sheriff Dept Alert!

Greetings all!

Important Date
Just wanted to give you a heads up that the next Sacramento Sheriff Neighborhood Meeting will be January 15th at Del Campo High's Library at 6 p.m. Come out, meet your POP officer, and let em know you're part of the Lincoln Barrett Hills Neighborhood Watch group.

Street Coordinators
I'd also like to encourage street coordinators to get in touch with their streets in the new year and decide how often you plan to meet to keep your local members informed, active, and ready to help eachother out. If you'd like to let us know your next scheduled meeting or just a general plan of your meeting intervals (every 3 months, every 6 months, etc), I'd love to post it on your street group's page for others to find.

Sheriff Alert

From the Desk of Scott Jones from Sac Sheriff Dept.

The holidays are rapidly approaching and I know we all have some good tips for how to stay safe and protect ourselves, our families, our homes, and our neighbors during this time of giving and sharing, but I just wanted to take a quick minute to encourage us to think of how we can all give to those who are in need. The BHNA (Barrett Hills Neighborhood Association) recently held a small get together for kids and dogs at Jan Park as a canned food drive for St John's Women and Children Services. I know so many came out and gave heartily, and I'm so glad it turned out once again to be a success. We all have our own ways of sharing something we can during this time of year, I just wanted to thank you all for thinking of others, helping those in need (through the Sacramento Food Bank, Loaves and Fishes, your local church, Heifer International, whatever suits your nature and desires), and giving back this season, even as we talk about all the tactics we take to arm ourselves against criminals. I'm so glad I live in a great neighborhood that is active in so many ways!

If you have any tips for safety this holiday season, or just want to share your favorite recipe, just comment here or email me so I can share with others.

Have a wonderful week everyone!

Jan Park Watch Information from Carmichael Park District

Jan Park Watch Information

Your Safety is the Priority!

Never put yourself or others at risk—Do not intercede!
Park Watch only asks people to be alert, observant and caring. Contact the appropriate agency so action may be taken by the authorities to address the problem. The park closes at
 dusk.

How Do I Report What I See?

Please report activities as follows:

• To report a fire, medical emergency, or a crime in progress, call 911
• To report a suspicious person, vehicle or activity that concerns you, or to report a crime that has already been committed, call the Sacramento County Sheriff's non-emergency number at (916) 874-5115.
• To report maintenance emergencies that require immediate attention (water leaks, broken windows, broken or unsafe equipment), call the Carmichael Recreation and Park District Maintenance Division at (916) 481-0603 or (916) 487-6234 (Monday-Friday 6:30am-2:30pm and leave message). The After-Hours Emergency number at (916) 875-5000.
• For all other concerns, call the Carmichael Recreation and Park District Office at (916) 485-5322. (Monday-Friday 8:30-5pm)

Suspicious activities to watch for and report to the Sheriff's Department

Types of activities to watch for and report could include:

• Fighting or harassment
• Alcohol or illegal drug use
• Camping or park use after closing
• Motorized vehicles on park grounds
• Individuals vandalizing or defacing facilities or equipment
• Destruction of natural resources
• Selling, peddling or soliciting – prohibited, except during approved special events
• Amplified sound or loud music – except during approved special events
• Suspicious activity such as people peering in car windows, trying door handles, sitting in cars talking to passing children, or business transactions being conducted from a vehicle
• Any type of crime in progress or a crime that has already been committed, such as vehicle or building break-in

Activities to watch for and report to Maintenance Division

If immediate attention is necessary to address a maintenance issue, (water leaks, broken windows, broken or unsafe equipment), call the Carmichael Recreation and Park District Maintenance Division at (916) 481-0603 or (916) 487-6234 (Monday-Friday 6:30am-2:30pm and leave message). The After-Hours Emergency number at (916) 875-5000.

• Water leaks or running water - in public restrooms, fountains or broken sprinklers
• Broken or unsafe equipment
• Exterior lights not working
• Vandalism, such as graffiti (already occurred, please note location)
• If you see something that doesn't seem right, but it's not at the level you would contact the Sheriff's Department for, please call and leave a message at the district office (916) 485-5322. If necessary, staff will direct resources to address the issue or concern.

When You Call

A few things to keep in mind when you report information to the Sheriff's Department:

• Stay on the line and answer any questions from the 911 dispatcher
• Provide as much detail about the activity, individuals or vehicles (persons description, license plate numbers) involved if they can be safely determined
• Provide the name and address of the park you are calling from. Provide a detailed description of where the problem is located within the park using landmarks such as "near the playground" or "on Jan Drive"

Please Remember

All calls to the Sheriff's are prioritized. Priority is determined by the Sheriff's Department based on the availability of officers in proximity to the location and the number of other emergent calls received. Please do not expect an immediate response for non-emergency calls. All calls to the maintenance will be reviewed and addressed by staff during normal business hours, Mon. –  Friday.

Division Managers

Keith Maddison, Maintenance Services Manager - (916) 485-5322 x30

Tracy Kerth, Recreation Services Manager - (916) 485-5322 x23

Message through the Barrett Hills Neighborhood Association Re: Lost Dog

Hi all,

Just relaying a message from the BHNA in hopes of getting the message spread out to a broader group of people.



A lost dog needs your help in finding his home.... A small young black
Chihuahua was found on the edge of Jan park near Jan drive close to the
"main entrance. No tags.  Do you recognize him?

Contact us here, or the BHNA at http://barretthillsneighborhood.org if you know where this little guy belongs, and spread the word please?

Crime Report 12/3/12

Pretty quiet here on the Western front, eh? Remember to keep us up to date with anything you have concerns about in your area, and be sure to report any safety issues you have with the park here on the Jan Park Incidence Report or contact Olivia or Carmen with the Jan Park Watch program so we can pass the information on to the Carmichael Park District.

Street Coordinators:  contact Olivia or myself with any information about your groups progress, meetings, important dates, etc-we're here to make sharing information as easy as possible!

Hoping everyone stayed dry this weekend in spite of all the rain, and are ready for another small storm coming our way tomorrow. Stay safe and warm this week!

Sheriff's Dept. Press Release Regarding Social Media

Holiday Safety Tips

This list is borrowed from the Baltimore County Sheriff's Dept's website in Maryland. These are excellent tips to share with family and friends so that everyone is safe this holiday season.

http://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/Agencies/police/media/holiday_crimeprev.html

other great links for staying safe this holiday season are:

From the Elk Grove Police Dept. a handy little foldout:

http://www.elkgrovepd.org/prevention/printables/holiday.pdf

From the Los Angeles PD:

http://www.lapdonline.org/crime_prevention/content_basic_view/1376

“Be Aware,” Says Police Chief Johnson

Shopping takes up a lot of time during the holidays. Shoppers are so busy thinking about all the things that need to be done, they fail to be aware of their surroundings. It can also make people careless when they are out and about. This makes them easy pickings for purse snatchers and street robbers.

“It doesn’t have to be this way,” says Chief Jim Johnson. He says that people are not reading their environment and in too much of a hurry to add safety to their list of things to do. He says to scan your immediate area. Don’t assume that because there are people around you are safe and secure.

The Chief advises everyone, “Focus on your personal safety and the safety of those with you. Every good police officer is trained to read the environment. Likewise, you should ask yourself questions when you are out and about.”

When you are in a parking lot or garage, be alert to someone who appears to be standing around for no good reason. He or she might be waiting for someone or that person could be an opportunist waiting to grab your shopping bags or your purse.

Here are some things to think about when shopping:

• Always park in well-lit areas and park close to the entrance of the store or mall.
• Don’t talk on a cell phone when walking to and from your vehicle. Keep your full attention on your surroundings.
• Don’t electronically unlock your vehicle until you are within door opening distance. This helps stop a thief from getting into the car and waiting to strike when you least expect it.
• If you are ready to leave the mall and feel uneasy about entering the parking lot or garage by yourself, stay in the mall and ask for a security escort.
• Do not open your car door to anyone in a parking lot or garage. If you believe you are in danger, call 911 immediately.

Enjoy The Holiday Bustle - But Be Aware

The end-of-year holiday season - with all its hustle and bustle - is fast approaching. With all the distractions and activity, we sometimes forget the basics about safety on the streets and at home. Opportunity is the criminal's key to crime. By staying alert and following a few crime prevention tips, you can ensure a holiday season that is happy and safe. Crime prevention involves being aware of our surroundings and potential areas of danger, thereby closing the criminal's window of opportunity.

Busy shoppers can be targeted for purse snatching and other forms of street robbery. The malls are full of folks with money to spend. As we speed along, focused on getting through our treasure hunt, a criminal can size up a potential victim.

• Outside of the mall, stick to well-lit, well-traveled streets, walkways and parking areas for both walking and parking.
• Stay off the cell phone as you walk through parking lots and streets. It is a distraction that makes you vulnerable to robbers, and your cell phone itself is a tempting target.
• Don't flash large amounts of cash or offer tempting targets for theft such as expensive jewelry or clothing.
• Carry a purse or shoulder bag close to your body, not dangling by straps. Put a wallet in an inside pocket of your coat or front pants pocket.
• Don't fumble for house or car keys. Have them in your hand, ready to use when you reach the door.

Here are some additional tips regarding the car or house you've left behind while on your travels.

• ALWAYS lock your car and residence, even if you are away for only a few moments.
• Do NOT leave valuables - gifts, cell phones, purse or clothing - in open view in your car. Take valuables with you, lock them in your trunk, or cover them in an unobtrusive way. 
• Leave lights turned on both inside and outside your residence after dark. Criminals don't like bright places.
• If you will be away from home for several days, make arrangements for someone to pick up your mail and newspapers. An overstuffed mailbox is a sure sign that no one is home, and burglars are tempted to check those envelopes for holiday gifts.

'Tis The Season: Beware Of Purse Snatchers

The holidays are swiftly approaching. The stores are putting up decorations, and purse snatchers are practicing their skills. The Baltimore County Police Department wants everyone to be aware that thieves look forward to holidays as much as everyone else - maybe more so! The department asks women to beware of purse snatchers; women carrying pocketbooks are easy prey. The thieves know that during the holidays, shoppers are distracted and are not as careful as they should be when out. 

Here are some things that can be done to thwart the would-be thief.

• Keep your purse close to your body.
• If the pocketbook has long straps, shorten them.
• If possible, avoid carrying a large purse when shopping.  A fanny pack is compact and more difficult for a thief to grab and run.
• Carry only the credit cards you intend to use, leave the others behind.
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Use checks or check cards.
• Use ATMs wisely. Have the card ready before approaching the machine, and use ATMs in high traffic areas.
• Be aware of the environment. Don't walk or park in poorly lit areas. Don't take shortcuts through wooded areas. Don't be distracted by a cell phone conversation.
• Have car keys ready before leaving the office, store or mall.
• If you believe someone is following you, cross the street, switch directions, walk into a store or restaurant. If you are really scared, yell. Don't be embarrassed. Your safety is more important.

Have a safe and happy holiday season!

A Holiday Shopping Reminder

As you do your holiday shopping, don't give a thief an opportunity.

Do NOT leave valuables in open view in your car. Put them in the trunk, or take them along with you. This is the time of the year when thieves do their own form of "window shopping." They look in parked cars for gifts and other merchandise, and they will break through car windows to get at such valuables.

It takes only a few seconds for a criminal to break into your car. So remember: when you leave your car, leave it empty.

Do Your Homework Before Donating To Charity

The holiday season is in full swing. Shoppers are out and about and the signs of the season are everywhere. The familiar red kettle and bell ringers are on street corners and in front of various stores. Charitable organizations are in need of funding to keep programs for the needy operating as the country struggles financially.

For example, the American Red Cross of Central Maryland solicits contributions via e-mail. However, the solicitation is only sent to those companies or individuals who are on the books as donors. The groups have also given permission to the ARC-Central MD to contact them in this way. This is a good use of today’s technology, but it can also open the door to criminal activity. These conveniences can bring pitfalls and fraud. Be wary of any organization that sends unsolicited e-mail asking for donations.

Do your homework when you donate to any charity. Chief Johnson says, “Give to organizations that have a history of service and commitment to the community.”

If you still have doubts about a group, there are other ways to access information on charitable organizations. Donors can check the groups at http://www2.guidestar.org/

It is wonderful to be generous, but think before you contribute your hard earned money.

Extend The Life Of Your Holiday Gifts: Get Them Engraved

Why not set aside some time right after the holidays to get your bike and gifts engraved with your ID number or driver's license number. Never use your social security number.

Easy-to-use engraving equipment and instructions are available free of charge to Baltimore County residents at County police stations, public library branches, and through many Citizens on Patrol chapters.

With the tool, you can engrave a driver's license number or Maryland ID number on your property - and that can pay dividends in the future. If the item is stolen, and later recovered by police, the engraved number will allow investigators to get that property back to you.

The engraved number might even deter a thief from taking your property in the first place, since the ID number makes it harder for criminals to dispose of valuables through underworld channels.

You don't need to limit engraving to your holiday gifts. You can engrave all of your precious possessions so they will be with you for many years to come.

Crime Report 11/25/12

Good morning and Happy Monday!

I hope everyone had a chance to enjoy the beautiful sunshine while enjoying their Thanksgiving holiday with family and friends, it's been beautiful lately! Just getting out the weekly update for the crimereports.com page (you can check this out anytime at www.crimereports.com) and wanted to let you all know that if you have a smart phone, there are even easier ways to stay up to date with what is going on in the area as well as send in an anonymous tip to local law enforcement for graffiti, vandalism, and other non-violent crimes not in progress.

The crime reports iPhone app can be found within the App Store at Apple.com for free or you can download it from this link https://www.crimereports.com/home/iphone_app

The tip submit app is available for Androids and iPhones at this link http://www.tipsoft.com/index.asp?P=TipSubmitMobile

This information was shared with the crowd at the recent Sheriff's meeting at Del Campo High along with a lot more information about the goings on in the area. Come out for the next meetings after the new year to meet your POP officer and interact with fellow neighbors :)

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED BY SHERIFF'S DEPT FOR SERVICE CENTER

The Sheriff's Dept. also recognizes the great need in our area to reopen the Sheriff's Service Center that was located in the Raley's Shopping Center on Manzanita, and are still working to find ways to make it work within their extremely restricted budget. Location has not been determined (they may have another nearby business spot that would offer them cheaper rent for a space), but in order for the Service Center to be able to reopen, they will need to rely very heavily on public volunteers to help answer phones, handle paperwork, and direct people who use the Center to the proper source of information to help their needs. If you are interested in volunteering (I believe there may be a minimum hours/week you can volunteer for) please contact Sherrie Carhart at 876-5700 or by email at scarhart@sacsheriff.com.

Newsletter Update

Olivia has been hard at work putting together an informative newsletter to get out to the neighborhood and I must admit, I think I'm the lagging end of this string :) We will do our best to get a newsletter completed and printed in the next few weeks, well before Christmas, and would appreciate help in distributing newsletters to streets where there we don't yet have Neighborhood Watch groups in effect. Please contact either one of us if you can help out.

Wishing you all an excellent and safe week!

Crime Report 11/19/2012

How to Keep Informed!

Just wanted to point out to those of you who visit our little blog that you can sign up on the right sidebar at the top to receive updates via your email or an RSS news feed, depending on your preference. This way you can keep track of what's going on here without having to remember to constantly check back with us.
***Just for piece of mind about your privacy, If you choose to follow this blog using RSS feed or email, I do not have access to your email address, IP address, etc.and cannot tell who is following the blog or not from these methods.***

I also wanted to point out two very helpful apps if you have a smartphone that was shared during the recent Sheriff's meeting at Del Campo High School. If you have a smartphone or tablet, check out CrimeReports app and the TipSubmit app that will allow you to check the local crime statistics anytime and even submit an anonymous tip to local law enforcement right from your phone without having to talk to anyone! Definitely do not use the Tip Submit service when reporting crimes in progress, but it's an excellent resource if you see graffiti or drug oriented behavior while out and about.

Wishing you all a dry, warm, and safe rest of your evening.

Good news on the SMUD solicitor

Greetings,

We have good news about the solicitor reported previously by a neighbor, suggesting he was from SMUD. Another neighbor called SMUD for more clarification and it turns out the young man was from a legitimate business that has an association with SMUD, however he should not have characterized himself as an employee of SMUD. I think it's a great sign that we are alert, aware, and cautious about who comes into our neighborhood-thank you all for being good community members!

Neighborhood Watch Report from a Neighbor-Watch For Solicitors!

Greetings all,

This is a report from one of our local  NW members who wanted to share this with other neighbors to remind everyone that people are out there who will misrepresent themselves to try and gain access and information about your house. Please remember to:

1.  Never let anyone in your home without checking to make sure they work for the company they say they are from (SMUD, PG&E, AT&T, etc) f you experience any suspicious behavior from a solicitor at your door.
2. Never give private information about yourself or your neighbors to others at your door or over the phone unless you know them well.
3. Call the Sheriff's Dept. if you witness any suspicious behavior within your neighborhood.
4. Always trust your instincts and don't be afraid to be communicate in a direct and commanding method to strangers you do not trust. 

Reported November 14, 2012

This afternoon we had a young man come to our door (first rang doorbell then pounded on door).  He wanted to basically do an energy audit.  He is young, wearing a laminated badge that has the BBB symbol on it with a SMUD lanyard. He said that SMUD had sent him.   I told him no thank you and he made some small talk and moved on to the next house.  My neighbor across the street just came over and told me that the same guy came to her house and during his talk with her he said that all the people are so friendly in the neighborhood, offering him water etc.  He then asked if he could use her bathroom.  She said no and closed the door.

After he left she called SMUD and talked to their security supervisor Michael Boggs, he said that they had not sent anyone out to do energy audits.  If we ever have someone show up at our door claiming SMUD sent them, we should call him to report it.  He suggested that we send the number to our neighborhood watch people and let them know to call him if they have someone claiming to be sent by SMUD and we suspect they are not from SMUD.  Michael Boggs number is 916-732-5900.

Our concern is that this young man may have been casing the neighborhood.

News to Share

Good morning all!

Just wanted to quickly share with you all that the Stoney/Slate NW group is now active and are ready to put their signs up very soon. Congrats to another group in our area getting organized and getting active! You can keep up to date on a specific street groups status by checking their page on the left sidebar of this blog. Which leads to...

Attention Coordinators!!

Please share with me anything you would like posted to your NW groups individual page or as a general blog post anytime. I would love to have coordinators contact information (at least names) available on each street groups page, and post any important dates for meetings, etc on the blog for easier access. If you would like to be an editor of the blog, have suggestions for our upcoming newsletter, or have any questions, please contact Carmen Hirkala at ecobatt@att.net

Sheriff's Meeting Tonight!

Come out to Del Campo High School's library this evening at 6:30 p.m. and meet our local POP (Problem Oriented Policing) officer, and share your concerns with the local community. Call Sherrie Carhart, Crime Prevention Specialist (876-5700) with any questions.

Holiday Reminders

Last, but not least, please remember if you are going out of town this holiday season to have a plan in place to keep your house safe. Share your whereabouts with your NW street group coordinator and neighbors, have neighbors check on your house for you, have your mail/newspaper held for you or picked up by family/friends/neighbors, timer your indoor and outdoor lighting, secure all your entryways, and take care when packing to be aware of your surroundings for suspicious behavior.

Here are a few links to websites that will give you further tips to keep you and your family safe and help prevent crime during the hustle and bustle of the holidays:

http://www.baltimorecountymd.gov/Agencies/police/media/holiday_crimeprev.html

http://www.elkgrovepd.org/prevention/printables/holiday.pdf

http://www.lapdonline.org/crime_prevention/content_basic_view/1376



Veterans Day

Finally, thank you so much to the men and women in our neighborhood who are veterans of the United States Armed Forces. Your sacrifices are so appreciated by all those you protect and serve. We honor your bravery and hope you had a great Veteran's Day.

Crime Report 11/9/12 and Newsletter and Park Watch

Greetings all! Remember you can access the crime report for our area at crimereports.com or follow the link on the left side of this blog anytime to see the latest reports to the Sacramento County Sheriff's office, Sacramento Police Department, and Highway Patrol.

Newsletter Contributions 
We are also looking to coordinators to give us any information they would like to share on the next newsletter, and asking if there is anything anyone would like to see more of, or learn more about, so that we can provide the information you all care about most! If you would like to be a contributor or help volunteer with the editing and dispersement of newsletters, please do let Olivia or Carmen know-we'd love your help! Please leave a comment here or email Carmen at ecobatt att att dot net to let us know any concerns or questions you may have, and tell us what you want to read about!

Park Watch
Also a good reminder to please keep us up to date on any disturbances or violations you report in Jan Park. We are continuing to keep notes on suspicious behavior, calls made to the Sheriff's Dept., and other concerns on our Jan Park Incidence Report page, you can find a link to here on the left sidebar of the blog.

Rangers were out to enforce the "No Entry After Dark" rule on the park on 10/27/2012, thanks to Keith Maddison of the Carmichael Parks and Recreation District. Thank you Keith!

Remember- Dog Leash Laws are in effect throughout the park, so please keep your dogs and your neighbors safe by always having your dog on a leash.


One more reminder that there is a Sheriff's meeting where you can meet your POP officer in charge of this area, and learn more about what the Sheriff's Dept. is doing on November 13th at 6;30 p.m. at Del Campo High School. Contact Sherrie Carhart 2500 Marconi Avenue, Sacramento , CA   95821

(916) 876-5700  scarhart@sacsheriff.com with any questions you may have.

Wishing everyone a safe and happy weekend and an excellent Veteran's Day!

Important Date for Sheriff Meeting and Halloween Safety

  Sheriff’s Community Meeting Series

Meetings are scheduled for January, March, May, September and November. 

The POP Team facilitates the meetings in your neighborhoods. The purpose of these meetings is to open the channels of communications

between The Sheriff’s Department and the entire community and to hear the concerns you have in your neighborhood.

Carmichael       

2nd Tuesday, 6:30pm

Del Campo High School Library                     

4925 Dewey Drive , Carmichael                                                November 13

HALLOWEEN SAFETY

From The National Safety Council

10/18/2011 - ITASCA, Ill.  -- Halloween is an exciting time for children, but it can also be a dangerous time. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, children are four times more likely to be in fatal pedestrian accidents on Halloween than on any other night of the year. This statistic isn't meant to scare you - it's meant to help you prepare your children for a safe Halloween. 

There are seven basic reasons why children are more likely to be hurt in pedestrian accidents: 
1. They often choose to take the shortest route, which may mean darting out between parked cars rather than take the safer route of crossing at corners. 
2. They're poor at evaluating potential traffic threats. 
3. They're more likely to disregard their peripheral vision and are less attentive of their street surroundings. 
4. They have a tendency to believe they're indestructible and are more likely to take risks. 
5. They need to be told that some people driving cars will not slow down for them. 
6. They can't cross streets as rapidly as adults. 
7. They may be distracted by other children's costumes, behaviors, and home decorations. 

Here are some important Halloween safety tips that every parent should know: 
· Purchase or make Halloween costumes from flame-resistant materials. 
· Pick brightly colored costumes or add your own reflective tape so motorists can see them. 
· Attach your child's name, address, and phone number somewhere inside the costume. · An adult should always accompany children under age 12. 
· To avoid tripping, make sure your child's costume is not too long, and that shoes are the proper size. 
· Use washable face paint instead of masks so your child's vision isn't compromised. 
· Plan the route your children are going to take, especially if they're going out unsupervised. They should go in a group. 
· Teach your children never to respond to a driver or pedestrian that calls out to them. 
· Provide your children with a healthy meal ahead of time, so they don't get hungry before returning home. 
· Make sure your children don't eat any candy or food without checking with you first. 
· Keep your walkway free of debris so that children coming to your house won't trip or fall. · Keep your pets away from the front door so they won't scare trick-or-treaters. 
· Tell your children not to go to homes with barking, jumping dogs and not to approach any stray animals. 
· Make sure your children have flashlights, especially if they're staying out after dark. 
· Establish an appropriate curfew for children to return home. 
· Make sure your children have change for a phone call and know their phone number. 
· Don't let young children carve pumpkins. Get them involved by drawing the outlines before you cut them out as well as helping with other decorations. 
· Don't hand out candy that could be a possible choking hazard to younger children. 
· Teach your children to stay on the sidewalks and cross only at corners. 
· Teach your children to look, listen and be aware of cars not stopping at corners. 
· Teach your children to only go to houses with porch lights on and to never enter anyone's house.

**This information came from Sherrie Carhart at the North Division of the Sacramento Sheriff's Dept.

You can contact her with any questions at 

2500 Marconi Avenue, Sacramento , CA   95821

(916) 876-5700  scarhart@sacsheriff.com