Crime Prevention
admin Agency Spotlight, In The News

tip411 Helps Prevent Bank Robbery, Recover Assault Rifle & Ammunition

At about 8:20pm on 01/31/2018, Wylie, Texas Police received several anonymous tips via tip411 about someone who was planning to rob a bank in Wylie.

The anonymous tipster provided identifying information and enough credibility that police immediately began working the tip.  Wylie Police were able to put information out to local banks in the area and developed a plan to have officers stationed at every bank in town until they could verify the validity of the information.

“This made our banking community feel safe, but also developed a higher level of trust of our organization,” said Wylie Police Lieutenant TJ Walters.

Within 24 hours of the tip, Wylie Police were able to take a male suspect into custody.  They also recovered an AR-15 with multiple 30 round magazines, a pellet gun that looked like a real gun, ammunition, and body armor.  The tip included information that these were the tools the suspect would use to follow through on his plan.

“We have had a couple of other success stories, but this one was certainly worth the share,” said Lieutenant Walters.

Want to learn more about tip411 and how it can help prevent crime in your community? Click here for a free demo of our products.

Atlantic city tip411 anonymous tip
admin In The News

Tip leads to Atlantic City heroin, cocaine arrest, cops say

A city man was arrested Wednesday after officers followed an anonymous tip and found him in possession of 285 bags of heroin and five grams of cocaine, police said.

Farod Chapman, 22, was arrested with 35 bags of heroin and 5 grams of cocaine just after 1 p.m. by Special Investigation Section detectives, police said in a statement.

Detectives recovered 250 more bags of heroin in a search of Chapman’s vehicle after Detective Brian Hambrecht’s K-9 partner Nikki, a narcotic detection dog, indicated the presence of drugs.

Chapman is charged with two counts each of possession of a controlled dangerous substance, possession of CDS with intent to distribute, possession of CDS with intent to distribute within 1,000 feet of a school zone and possession of CDS with intent to distribute within 500 feet of a public zone.

He was released on a summons with a future court date.

Sgt. Richard Andrews and Detective Nick Berardis led the investigation. Detectives received information about Chapman distributing narcotics from tip411, an anonymous text service provider.

Tips can be shared with the Atlantic City Police Department Special Investigations Section to by texting tip411 (847411) or calling 609-347-5858. All texts are anonymous.

Read the full story from the Press of Atlantic City and see the tip411 Alert ACPD sent to residents announcing the arrest.

Package Theft
admin In The News

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

Get administrators trained
admin Admin Resources

Get Administrators Trained!

Nothing is worse than having your agency receive tips that aren’t being monitored and responded to in a timely manner. Make sure your staff is adequately trained and that tips are going to personnel who will be responsible for logging in, checking on tips, and starting a 2-way conversation with the tipster.

“At first, the Crime Analysis Unit and I were the main administrators of the program. When tips came in we would farm them out to patrol, narcotics, etc. As the popularity of the system grew, we realized there was a need for 24/7 coverage because we wanted to make sure people weren’t texting us tips and then waiting for a response to come during normal business hours.” – Major David Dalton, Clearwater, Florida Police