Drug Bust

tip411 Program Leads To Drug Bust and Two Arrests

On 11/08/2019 the North Dakota Parole and Probation, Barnes County Sheriff’s Office and Valley City Police Department conducted a search of a residence in the 100 Block of 6th Street Northwest in Valley City.

A variety of narcotics, narcotic paraphernalia along with two firearms were located and seized from the residence. Two individuals were taken into custody and criminal charges are pending. This incident is currently under investigation so if you have any additional information please contact the Barnes County Sheriff’s Office.

Attention was drawn to the residence through the anonymous Barnes County Tip411 program. Sheriff McClaflin would like to thank the public for their vigilance and assistance in this and other matters.

Read the full story from the Valley City Times-Record

Halloween Safety Tips

Poughkeepsie PD Shares Halloween Tips for Parents

In advance of Halloween, the City of Poughkeepsie Police Department in New York used their tip411 alerting capability to send an email and text message directly to residents with Halloween Safety Tips for Parents:

Halloween Tips for Parents

Thursday, Oct. 31, is Halloween! Here are some safety tips for parents:

  • Make sure costumes fit well and that they are short enough to prevent tripping.
  • Consider using hypoallergenic make-up instead of masks, which can obstruct your child’s vision.
  • Add reflective tape to costumes and trick-or-treat bags for greater visibility.
  • Make certain costumes are flame-retardant.
  • Trick-or-treaters should have a flashlight with fresh batteries.
  • A parent or responsible adult should always accompany young children; older kids should trick-or-treat in groups.
  • Set a time when your children should be home and know what route they plan to take.
  • Remind your children not to enter strange houses or cars. Children should not approach homes where the front lights are not turned on.
  • Remind your children to stay on the sidewalk and not cut across yards or through alleys; remind them to cross streets only at corners and never from between parked cars.
  • Do not allow your children to consume their treats until they have checked by an adult at home. Throw away any unwrapped or spoiled items. Give any candy that could be a choking hazard (such as hard candies) to older children.

See the alert from Poughkeepsie PD

Police Cruiser

Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Uses Alert to Share Home Safety Tips

 

Security Tips for Securing Your Home

 

Home security is always a priority. Here are some good Home Security Tips we found at Howstuffworks.com

1. Lock up your home, even if you go out only for a short time. Many burglars just walk in through an unlocked door or window.

2. Change all the locks and tumblers when you move into a new house.

3. For the most effective alarm system, conceal all wiring. A professional burglar looks for places where he or she can disconnect the security system.

4. Your house should appear occupied at all times. Use timers to switch lights and radios on and off when you’re not at home.

5. If you have a faulty alarm that frequently goes off, get it fixed immediately and tell your neighbors that it’s been repaired. Many people ignore an alarm that goes off periodically.

See the alert and full set of safety tips here.

Package Theft

Blaine, MN Police Share Package Theft Prevention Tips

If you have ever ordered clothing, jewelry, gifts, or any other merchandise by phone, computer, or mail chances are those items were delivered straight to your home. Most deliveries DO NOT require a signature and are generally left at your front door even if no one is home to accept them.

These packages, which quickly catch the eye of potential thieves, offer criminals that ‘Crime of Opportunity” they are looking for. Thieves looking to steal your packages will follow or watch for UPS, Fed Ex, US Mail, and other delivery service trucks so they can target your home after the parcels are delivered.

While this type of crime can occur at any time throughout the year it usually increases around the holidays due to increased shopping practices of residents.

Below are some “Package Theft Prevention Tips” for you to use which will help reduce your chances of becoming a victim of this crime.

  • If Possible ask for a tracking number.  Most major shipping companies offerthis service at no charge. This number allows you to track your packages and notifies you  when they will be delivered. Request a “Signature Delivery Option”. This requires a signature when the packages are delivered and ensures they will not be left at the front door
  • Request a specific drop off time and date when you will be home to accept your packages
  • Arrange to have your packages held at the shipping service so you can pick them up
  • Ask the delivery service to leave your packages at a side or back door. An enclosed porch where packages are out of sight is also a good option
  • Have your packages delivered to your workplace
  • Have your packages delivered to the home of a relative or neighbor who will be there to accept them
  • Ask to have your packages delivered to a retail store so you can pick them up at your convenience
  • Ask a trustworthy neighbor to keep a “Watchful Eye” out for you packages. If they’re willing, ask them to safeguard your packages until you return home
  • Leave a note for the carrier instructing them where to leave your packages (Ex: backdoor)

What Should You Do If You See Packages Being Stolen In Your Neighborhood?

  • Call 911 immediately! Tell the call taker you are reporting a “Crime In Progress”
  • Supply 911 and the Blaine Police Department with an accurate description of the suspect(s) and any vehicles that may be used

Click here to see the full alert from Blaine PD

Atlantic City Cruiser

Atlantic City Uses Alerts to Share Event Info & Safety Tips

tip411 Bundle and Pro customers can send community alerts to residents who subscribe to receive information via email and/or text message.

The Atlantic City, NJ Police Department takes advantage of their alerting capability to send updates about crimes in their community and solicit tips, but they know it can also be useful to share event information and safety reminders.  Take this alert about the city’s upcoming St. Patrick’s Day Parade as an example:

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You can view their alert online here.