Community Briefing

Thefts From Autos – Protect Your Valuables

Brown Deer Police Department — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 22:41:51 GMT

Many communities suffer thefts from autos. Victims of these crimes suffer not only personal loss of items that were contained within the vehicle but oftentimes there is significant damage to the automobile itself. Since thefts from autos are generally committed for the purpose of obtaining something of value, by making your vehicle appear to be less fruitful, or more difficult to attack, a criminal generally will move on to another “easier” opportunity. The process of making your property less desirable to a criminal is called “target hardening”. Owners of vehicles should consider the following target hardening tips when parking their vehicles on public lots, private lots or drives, and even in underground community parking garages. • Lock your car doors and close your windows. • Don’t leave valuables in your car. If you do, make sure they are kept out of plain sight – when possible hide items in the trunk before you get to the location you intend to park. • Don’t leave your GPS system, purses, or other items of value on your front seat or dash even when you are operating the vehicle. Stepping out of your vehicle, even briefly, could result in these items being taken by a thief who quickly enters the passenger door of your car. • If you have a garage, use it. Many thefts from vehicles occur during the night while parked right in front of your own home. • Don’t leave a garage door opener on the dashboard or front seat of you vehicle. Place it in your glove box, hide it, or take it with you. Breaking into your auto will provide a thief with access to your garage if the vehicle is parked in front of your home at the time of attack. • Always park in a well lighted area. • Use slide mounts for portable and/or add-on devices you have installed in your vehicle. Place them in the trunk or take them with you once you remove them. • Make sure electronic access buttons in the interior of your car that can provide access to your trunk are locked out or unusable with your key out of the ignition. • Mark items for identification purposes with permanent markings. Typically engravings are best for this. • GPS systems, bags, brief cases, sunglasses, clothing, bags, gym bags are all tempting to a thief. • Do not leave identification items such as your driver’s license, vehicle registration, mail, etc, in your vehicle. Should you become a victim of a theft from your auto, or any crime, contact the local police department where the crime takes place immediately.

Village of Brown Deer Curfew Ordinance

Brown Deer Police Department — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 22:40:21 GMT

As summer approaches, everyone will want to be outside enjoying the weather. We would like to remind residents under the age of 18 and their parents of the Village of Brown Deer Curfew Ordinance. Curfew hours are from 11:00PM through 6:00AM of each day and are in effect for minors under the age of 18. “It shall be unlawful for a minor, during curfew hours, to remain in or upon any public place within the village, to remain in any motor vehicle operating or parked therein or thereon, or to remain in or upon the premises of any establishment within the village, unless: • The minor is accompanied by a parent; or • The minor is involved in an emergency; or • The minor is engaged in an employment activity, or is going to or returning home from such activity, without detour or stop; or • The minor is on the sidewalk directly abutting a place where he/she resides; or • The minor is attending an activity sponsored by a school, religious or civic organization, which is supervised by adults, and/or the minor is going to or returning from such an activity without detour or stop; or • The minor is on an errand at the direction of a parent, and has in his/her possession a written statement signed by the parent including the following information: name, signature, address and telephone number of the parent authorizing the errand, where the parent can be reached during the errand, name of the minor, brief description of the errand, minor’s destination(s) and date and hours the minor is authorized to engage in the errand; or • The minor, with parent’s knowledge and consent, is involved in interstate travel through, or beginning, or terminating in the village.

Play Vehicles on the Roadway

Brown Deer Police Department — Wed, 07 May 2008 13:21:00 GMT

Spring is here and summer is not far behind. With the warmer weather naturally comes the desire to get out the summer toys. The Brown Deer Police Department would like to remind residents of the play vehicle and skateboarding ordinance. Village Ordinance VL1-10-2.02, "Play Vehicles not to be used on Roadway"

(A) No person riding upon any coaster, roller skates, sled, toboggan or toy vehicle shall attach the same or himself to any vehicle upon a roadway or go upon any roadway except while crossing a roadway at a crosswalk.

(B) No person shall ride or otherwise use a skateboard or skateboards upon the public sidewalks in the commercial and manufacturing districts of the Village.

(C) Every person operating a skateboard on a sidewalk in residential zoning districts shall yield the right-of –way to any pedestrian or bicyclist, and shall exercise due care and give an audible signal when approaching another skateboarder, bicyclist or pedestrian proceeding in the same direction.

(D) No person shall ride a skateboard in a negligent manner at any time without exercising due care for the safety and welfare of other persons.

Fall 2008 Citizen Academy

Brown Deer Police Department — Wed, 07 May 2008 13:15:00 GMT

Applications being accepted

The Brown Deer Police Department will offer its Citizens Police Academy for area residents beginning Wednesday, September 10, 2008. The nine week course, which meets from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., provides insights into police operations and includes a variety of presentations from members of the department. Applications are available at the Department, 4800 West Green Brook Drive.

Bicycle registration with stickers, not plates

Brown Deer Police Department — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 16:03:33 GMT

The Brown Deer Police Department is pleased to announce the implementation of bicycle registration stickers! Yes, no more metal plates hanging off the back of your seat! Registration stickers will be available at our annual Bicycle Rodeo, which will be held at the police department on Saturday June 7^th, 2008, from 9AM to Noon. For those of you who haven’t attended the Bicycle Rodeo, bring your children to receive a free bicycle safety inspections, helmets, prizes and a chance to navigate an obstacle course which teaches safe riding practices. This is a great opportunity to get ready for the summer riding season!

If you are unable to attend the rodeo, stop by the police department anytime after June 7^th to register your bicycle with the new stickers. If you have any questions please call 371-2900.

Identity Theft

Brown Deer Police Department — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 19:31:18 GMT

Identity theft is a serious crime. How does it happen? Identity theft commonly begins with the loss or theft of a wallet/purse or obtaining your personal information from unsecure websites on the internet. The criminal then uses the personal information (name, address, date of birth, social security number) without your permission to commit fraud or other crimes. Steps to minimize your risk:

· Don't carry your social security card in a wallet.

· Minimize the number of credit cards & identification you carry.

· Never give out personal information on the phone, through the mail or on the Internet unless you've initiated the contact and are confident about the contact’s credibility.

· Shred charge receipts, credit applications, checks and bank statements, and expired charge cards.

· Use passwords for your credit card, bank and phone accounts but avoid using easily identifiable information.

If you are a victim of identity theft:

· Notify your local police department.

· Contact the fraud department of the three major credit bureaus.

· Obtain a copy of your credit report and review it.

· Contact creditors involved and close tampered accounts.

The Brown Deer Police Department has useful booklets and brochures on ID Theft prevention and victim recovery free for distribution. Feel free to stop by and pick up a copy. Also, officers on dayshift will be handing out the brochures to businesses and residents during routine police contacts and calls for service.

Animal Licensing and Regulations

Brown Deer Police Department — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 19:02:36 GMT

As the new year has begun, the Brown Deer Police Department wants to ensure your animals are licensed for the 2008 year. The Brown Deer Police Department would like to inform and remind residents of local ordinances regarding animals residents may have. The following is a brief overview of Village of Brown Deer ordinances VL1-5-6, Dog and Cat Licenses, and VL1-6-1, Animal Regulations. Please refer to the ordinances for more detailed and specific information.

Licensing

•   All dogs or cats five months or older that are harbored, sheltered, or kept within the Village of Brown Deer shall be licensed

•   Licenses will not be issued unless rabies vaccinations are current

•   The license tag must be on the dog or cat

•   Special licenses are required to have more than two dogs and/or cats

•   Licenses and rabies tags attached to the animals’ collar assist officers in finding the owner of the animal if the animal does get loose. It can also avoid significant fees or citations.

•   Penalties for not complying with licensing requirements begin at $58.60 and can increase depending upon circumstances

Regulations of Animals, Dogs, Cats

•   Animals cannot be “at large,” meaning off its premises, not on a leash, or under the control of someone. If an officer must impound the animal because they cannot find the owner, there will be a $25.00 fee to release the animal. If the owner cannot be identified the animal may be transported to Milwaukee Area Domestic Animal Control where their fees will apply

•   Animals cannot disturb the peace with habitual noises such as barking

•   Persons responsible for walking dogs or cats on property other than their own, must remove any excrement immediately

•   Possession of any wild animals (such as monkeys, bats, raccoons, poisonous reptiles, lions, or hybrids or any wild animal) is prohibited

•   Leashes or ropes should be attached so that they do not allow the animal to be entangled with another animal or object. Leashes or ropes also need to be long enough to allow the animal exercise and access to food, water, and shelter. It shall not be so long, however, that the animal can leave its property or harm people or other animals

•   Animals should not chase people, bicycles or vehicles

•   Penalties for not complying with these regulations generally begin at $109.00 and can increase depending upon circumstances

Vicious Dogs

•   Animals cannot attack people or other animals and should not be trained to do so

•   All animal bites must be reported. The police department will conduct an investigation in conjunction with the health department. The circumstances surrounding the animal bite will require the animal to be quarantined, and may result in the animal being declared vicious.

•   Dogs that have been declared vicious have additional requirements:

-   Prominent signage at the residence regarding the vicious dog

-   All vicious dogs must be confined indoors or in a kennel when not under the control of the owner with a leash and muzzle. Vicious dogs cannot be tied out.

-   Vicious dogs must be spayed or neutered

-   A minimum of $100,000 insurance policy that will cover actions of the dog must be held by the owner

-   In the event of escape, attack, death, or sale of the dog the police department must be immediately notified

-   Special permits are required to keep a vicious dog

-   The police department or health department may make whatever inquiry is deemed necessary to ensure compliance with the above requirements

Please keep these requirements in mind when it comes to your pets. This is important for the safety and peace of mind of you, your neighbors, and your beloved pets.

For information on licensing your dog or cat, please contact the Village Hall or Milwaukee Domestic Animal Control Center.

-- By Sergeant Amy Koeppel

Reporting Suspicious Activity

Brown Deer Police Department — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 19:02:06 GMT

To function effectively, the Brown Deer Police Department needs the assistance of responsible citizens. We depend on you to call the Brown Deer Police Department immediately to tell us whenever you observe any suspicious persons or activity. Don't worry about "bothering" the Department as we are here to serve you. Even if your reported suspicions prove unfounded, think about what could happen if you don't act and the concern was legitimate. Some examples of activity to report:

A stranger entering your neighbor's house or apartment when it is unoccupied

Screaming or loud arguing, heard anywhere

Offers of merchandise at ridiculously low prices

Anyone removing accessories, license plates or gasoline from a vehicle car

Anyone peering into parked cars may be looking for a vehicle to steal or for valuables left displayed in the car, or they may be removing parts, gasoline, or license plates from the car

Persons entering or leaving a business place after hours, heavy human traffic in/out of a residence, or loitering outside buildings

The sound of breaking glass or any other loud explosive noises could mean an accident, seeing broken windows/doors

Unfamiliar persons loitering around schools, parks, secluded areas or in the neighborhood or who do not live in the area

Any vehicle moving slowly and without lights, or following a course that appears aimless or repetitive is suspicious in any location

Abandoned or parked occupied vehicles containing one or more persons are especially significant if observed at an unusual hour or persons being forced into vehicles

Vehicles being loaded with valuables are suspicious if parked in front of a closed business or untended residence even if the vehicle is a legitimate looking commercial unit

Persons conducting “business” transactions from a vehicle

Persons exhibiting unusual behavior

Not every stranger who comes into your neighborhood is a criminal by any means. There are many perfectly legitimate door-to-door sales, repairmen and servicemen moving around your neighborhood all the time. But criminals can pose as legitimate business representatives so make sure they have appropriate identification if coming to your home. To report suspicious activity if an emergency, call 911. The Brown Deer Police Department’s non-emergency line is 414-371-2900. To learn more about safety and other information on the Brown Deer Police Department you can visit the Village of Brown Deer website at www.browndeerwi.org and our community briefing blog at www.browndeernow.com.