Text your tip Mario County

Marion County Sheriff’s kick off text to tip app

Marion County residents can now report crime tips via text message.

The new text-to-tip program, tip411, allows Marion County Sheriff’s Office to help connect with the community.

The program lets users report crime tips and suspicious activities by sending an anonymous text message from their cellphone or through a free app called MCSO In The Know.

“We believe an informed community is a safer community,” said Lt. Chris Baldridge,  Marion County Sheriff’s public information officer.

MCSO In The Know gives officers the ability respond back by creating an anonymous two-way conversation.

The technology utilized in the app removes identifying information from users before messages reach police.

In addition to the two-way text conversations, the sheriff’s office will inform registered app users of public safety alerts by sending emails, text messages and app alerts.

Anonymous crime tips can also be shared by sending by texting “TipMCSO” and their message to 847411, or tip411.

Read the full story from the Statesman Journal.

Reminder local police department

Hide, Lock and Take: the shopping season is here

Start today! Remind yourself and others when you leave the car to Hide Lock Take. If you see a person displaying items in their car or leave without locking it, remind them too. You can keep your car safe by reminding everyone else, so that criminals won’t be successful in your area. Hide your belongings, Lock your car, and Take your keys! 

Park your car in well-lit areas and lots that have security. Don’t leave your windows rolled down or cracked as this only makes it easier to break in to. Try to park nearest to street or entrances so that it is viewable to passersby. Do not display decals or signs that upgrades have been made to your car. If you’re just not sure, always go with the safest most protected choice.

See the full alert from Lewisville Police with more helpful information and tips.

police city of Hopkins cruiser

U.S. Humane Society brings reward to $6,000 for tips on Hopkins dog poisonings

The reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the possible poisonings of three dogs in Hopkins climbed to $6,000 with the addition of $5,000 from the Humane Society of the United States.

Hopkins Police announced last week a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of those responsible for the death of Bruno, a golden retriever, and the liver damage to his housemate Fred. Both dogs are believed to have eaten food left under the porch of their home that had been soaked in antifreeze. Rat poisoning also was found in the yard, Hopkins Police Sgt. Michael Glassberg said.

A third dog in the same neighborhood also became ill and suffered similar permanent liver damage. No source of poison was found in that dog’s yard but the symptoms and condition were similar to the poisoned animals, Glassberg said. “People unfortunately need to be vigilant when their dogs are outside,” the sergeant added.

Bruno died in early October. Police don’t believe his death is related to the owner’s behavior. “We have no evidence or any information of him being targeted. He’s not involved in any feuds,” Glassberg said. He requested that owners who believe a pet has eaten poison, mention that to their veterinarians so police can follow-up.

The incidents thus far have occurred in the 200-300 blocks of 9th and 10th avenues N. in Hopkins. Police would like information about recent potential poisonings or connected activity. Unfortunately, they cannot investigate older dog poisonings. To report a possible tip, use the Tip 411 app to send an anonymous text, photo or video. Tipsters can also call 952-938-8885 and ask for Investigator Denny during regular business hours.

Read the story from the Star Tribune.

Halloween safety tips

Poughkeepsie, NY Police Use tip411 to Share Halloween Safety Tips

Helping residents prepare for Halloween this weekend is important, and the Poughkeepsie, NY Police Department used their tip411 system to send community alerts to residents via email and text message with helpful tips to keep safe.

Halloween 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.

Halloween Tips for Homeowners

  • Clear your yard and sidewalk of any obstacles or decorations that may be hard to see in the dark. Check around your property for flower pots, low tree limbs, garden hoses or anything that may be hazardous to young children rushing through the neighborhood.
  • Keep your home well lit, inside and out.

To see the full alerts, click here for Halloween Tips for Parents and here for Halloween Tips for Homeowners.

Join the anonymous tip team

tip411 Program Assists in Theft Arrest

A 36-year-old Deerwood man was arrested Saturday for receiving stolen property following the recovery of a stolen all-terrain vehicle on the 22000 block of Cottontail Drive in Cuyuna.

Crow Wing County Sheriff’s Office was called at 12:39 p.m. about a recovery of a stolen 2013 Polaris Razor ATV from the Cottontail Drive residence, which was originally stolen a few days prior at a residence on Placid Lake Drive in rural Deerwood. While deputies were at the residence, they also located additional stolen property from other residences including four-wheeler, and a boat and trailer that had not been reported stolen yet as the owner didn’t know it was missing until deputies contacted them.

The 36-year-old Deerwood man, who was arrested for having the stolen property and is in jail awaiting formal charges, also is on probation for third-degree sale of a controlled substance and has a lengthy criminal history, the sheriff’s office reported.

Sheriff Todd Dahl reports the recovery was the direct result of the TIP411 program which was implemented about four months ago.

“The program works exactly as it was designed to do,” Dahl stated in a news release. “It allows people to submit anonymous tips through their phones or computers directly to our investigators. It’s a great tool.”

Read the full story from the Brainerd Dispatch