Tips for December 2008

Our Area Patrol Officer Dan Bowman (Welcome back!) wants to pass along these reminders:
  • Don't allow valuables, electronic equipment or gifts to be seen through windows or doors. Close curtains, drapes or shutters if possible in rooms where they can be seen.
  • Keep all doors on all buildings secure. Dead bolt locks requiring a key are the best protection against a door being unlocked from the outside. Windows should be bolted on the inside.
  • Keep cars locked and any valuables out of sight, especially electronic gear and computers.
  • Keep our eyes out for people going door to door soliciting work. They may be looking for who is not at home. Report a suspicious person immediately through 252-2911.
  • Call the Police Front Desk at 545-3500 when you will be out of town and request a "Watch" on your home.  They will require that you give them a neighbor or friend's number to call in case they find something in your absence.

Consult the Police Department tips on how to "Prevent Home Burglaries" and "Halt! Auto Break-Ins" here on our Forest Hills Web site.

Be Careful About How Debit Card Numbers Are Recorded

Officer Bowman also suggests we keep close watch on how debit card numbers are recorded during transactions. A Forest Hills resident recently received several strange debit charges and found that their card number had been copied and used.

It appears that not every retailer records only the last four numbers as is the custom in most establishments. Should a transaction record an entire number, request that only the last four numbers show and make sure your copy does that as well.