Crime Information
Wednesday, April 19, 2006, 09:39 PM
Crime Alerts and Crime Watch updates can be reached by clicking on the "Crime Watch Corner" link in the right hand column.

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Wildfire Alert: Outdoor Burning Ban
Sunday, January 8, 2006, 09:42 AM


Wildfires have scorched thousands of acres in Texas and Oklahoma this week, and the risk of fires will remain high for the next several weeks.

Because of the dry conditions and extreme fire danger, all counties in North Texas have banned the use of all combustible materials outside. This includes fireworks, most welding and all outdoor burning.

According to reported data, this had been the driest year in the past 50 for the area.

Nick Harrison with the Texas Forest Service reminded the public that there are three more months to go and this winter may continue to be dry.

Outside of complying with Burn Bans, what can our homeowners do to help prevent disaster? Visit Firewise.org for more information.

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Identity Theft: Don't Think It Can't Happen to You
Wednesday, September 28, 2005, 08:15 PM
One of the most common crimes these days is identify theft and it is increasing. It may be one of those things you’re not very concerned about – IF it hasn’t happened to you. Criminals realize it’s the simplest scam in the world and is easy to get away with. Identity thieves rob more than 500,000 Americans each year. These tips may help you reduce your risk of identify theft.

1. Guard your Social Security number. It is THE key to your private information, credit report, and banking accounts. Don’t put it on your checks. Very few entities can legally demand your Social Security number – motor vehicle departments, tax departments, banks, brokerages, welfare agencies, and employers. Most other businesses have no legal right to demand your SS#– and you have the right to refuse to give it. For example, the utility companies, your doctor’s office, and your dentist’s office don’t need it although they often request it. Just remember, the more people who see your Social Security number, the more susceptible you are to identity theft.

Monitor your credit report. Free annual credit reports will be available in the future, but probably not until the end of the year. In the meantime, the cost is reasonable – about $9.00 each. You can request your credit report from any or all of the three credit reporting agencies as follows:

Equifax, 1-800-685-1111 , P.O. Box 740241 , Atlanta, GA 30374-0241
www.equifax.com

Experian, 1-888-397-3742, P.O. Box 2104, Allen, TX 75013
www.experian.com

TransUnion, 1-800-916-8800, P.O. Box 1000, Chester, PA 19022
www.transunion.com

3. Get a shredder and use it to shred all old bank and credit card statements as well as “junk mail” credit card offers. Shred any papers that contain any personal information. Crosscut shredders are the best.

4. To reduce the “junk mail” offers, you may remove your name from marketing lists through the Direct Marketing Association’s Mail Preference Service, P.O. Box 9008, Farmingdale, NY 11735.

5. Don’t carry your social security card or extra credit cards in your wallet. Place your credit cards on a photocopy machine and copy both sides – keep the copy in a safe place – that way you’ll have all the information you need in case your wallet is stolen or lost.

6. Mail your outgoing payments at the post office or a drop box. DO NOT place your outgoing payments on your home mailbox to be picked up by the mailman. Anyone can take them, then the thieves will not only have your name, address, bank name and account number, but they can also wash your checks in chemicals that will remove the ink, leaving them with a blank check to be written on your account.

7. Monitor your credit card statements carefully. If you have cards you aren’t using, close the accounts.

8. Never give out personal information over the phone unless you have initiated the call and trust that business.

These few simple steps will, hopefully, better the odds in your favor.

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