Last Updated: March 15, 2008
Patrol South Community Policing
321 N. Mead, Wichita KS
Work: 316-462-2777
Crime Prevention Tip's
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If a person or vehicle looks out of place, call 911 immediately You know your Neighborhood. When the dispatcher asks, "Do You Want to be contacted?" At Least be contacted by phone, that way Officers will call you if your not comfortable with police knocking on your door.
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Never leave valuable items in your vehicle.
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Always secure your home and vehicle.
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Lock your screen door, even when you are at home.
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Never leave Garage Doors open when you are not around.
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Never leave keys in the vehicle even when parked in the garage.
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Never leave vehicles running unattended.
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Keep shrubs/flowers/trees/grass trimmed back.
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Put bicycles away/ Not left in the yards.
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TALK with your neighbors, Neighbors are the best defense against crime. Sometimes you can help catch the “bad”guy by sharing information and letting the Police in on the “Scoop”.
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Unfortunately we live in the REAL world not a Hollywood Movie, and the police can not get fingerprints from a banana peel. We can not close our eyes and the image of “Who Dunnit” will appear to us. Meaning, get good descriptions of suspicious persons/vehicles. This will allow the police to do a better follow up and possibly prevent future criminal activity by these individuals.
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The most important thing to remember is this is your neighborhood. You know who belongs/who doesn’t. It is up to you how safe your neighborhood will be by your level of involvement in it.
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Prevention At Home |
- Do not allow strangers into your home, even if they are hurt or say they need help. Keep the door locked and call the police for them.
- Do not advertise that you live alone.
- Don't be afraid to call the police to investigate suspicious circumstances, unusual people or strange noises. It is better to be safe then sorry.
- When you move into a new home, change the locks.
- Keep your curtains or shades closed at night.
- Don't leave notes on your door announcing when you will be home.
- Keep outdoor lights on at night.
- Never give information to an unknown caller. Report nuisance calls to the police and the telephone company.
- Keep your doors and windows locked. If it is warm and you leave your door open for circulation, keep the screen door locked.
- If you arrive home and your door is open or things appear to be out of place - don't go in your home. Leave and call the police.
- Write down license numbers of suspicious vehicles to give to the police, if necessary.
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Prevention On The Road |
- Keep your car in gear, doors locked, windows rolled up.
- Stay alert and aware of your surroundings, especially at intersections and stop lights.
- Park in areas that will be well lit when you return.
- There is safety in numbers! Walk with friends or a in a group.
- If you are being followed, don't drive home or get out. Drive to the nearest police station, open store or business for help. Try to note the license number and description of the car and persons following you.
- Don't advertise. If you are out at night, don't wear expensive or fancy looking jewelry. This is an invitation to trouble.
- If someone tries to get in your car while you are stopped - drive away quickly.
- Don't use ATM machines at night. Plan ahead and get your cash during safer times. Use ATM machines that are very visible. Avoid isolated ATM machines.
- When using valet parking, provide the parking clerk with the valet key that most car manufacturers provide now. This prevents strangers from looking in your glove compartment and trunk and finding personal information.
- Walk in open, well lit areas.
- Avoid carrying a purse, if you can.
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FIGHT BLIGHT
As The City of Wichita and your Beat Officers begin their fight on blight in your neighborhood, there are a number of ordinances that you should be aware of. One of the most common ordinances violated on an individual property is the possession of abandoned, wrecked, scrapped, partially dismantled, junked or inoperable vehicles and prohibiting the storage, parking or leaving of the same on private property.
City Ordinance states that "No person shall park, store, leave or permit the parking, storing or leaving of any vehicle which is in an abandoned, wrecked, dismantled, inoperable, rusted, junked, or partially dismantled condition upon any private property within the city for a period in excess of two days. The presence of an abandoned, wrecked, dismantled, inoperable, rusted, junked or partially dismantled vehicle, or parts thereof, on private property is declared a public nuisance, which may be abated as such in accordance with the provisions of this chapter.
Any one (1) of the following conditions shall be deemed prima facie evidence that a vehicle is inoperable:
(1) The absence of an effective registration plate upon such vehicle;
(2) The placement of the vehicle or parts thereof upon jacks, blocks, chains or other supports;
(3) The absence or condition of disrepair of one (1) or more parts of the vehicle necessary for the lawful operation of the vehicle upon the streets and highways, including properly inflated tires; and
(3) The placement of materials or property within the vehicle which would preclude the lawful operation of the vehicle upon the streets or highways."
Please report any vehicles meeting this criteria to the Health Department at 268-3851. The City will provide no more than ten (10) calendar days before the vehicle could be towed and fines will be assessed.Who Can I Call?
The Police Department often receives calls about neighborhood problems such as animals being left in poor conditions, abandoned houses or inoperable cars left on private property. The city has several sections to deal with these problems. Below is a list of those departments and a sample of the types of issues they handle.
Animal Control 268-8473 - Leash laws, animal bites, animal care and conditions and issued animal license.
Environmental Health 268-8351 - Improper or no household trash collection, trash on premises, tall grass and weeds, animal hoarding, run down buildings and illegal dumping.
Fire Department Prevention 268-4441 - Fire safety education, juvenile fire starter counseling.
Office Of Central Inspection 268-4460 - Illegal parking in front yard, RV's, boats etc. improperly stored, signs in public right of way, emergency board up of vacant houses.
DRUG HOUSES
I would like to address three questions that I am often asked by citizens on the phone or at a neighborhood association meeting regarding possible drug houses in their respective neighborhood:
How do I know whether a drug house is active in my neighborhood?
Drug House Danger Signs:
- Increased short-term auto and pedestrian visits at unusual times during the day and night to a particular house or apartment.
- Increase in litter such as used syringes, plastic bag, glass pipes, bottles, trash, stacks of used matches, and graffiti.
- Increase in crimes like auto burglaries, home burglaries, robbery, vandalism, and assault.
- Increase in noise such as loud voices, parties, fights, gunfire, and loud radios especially at night.
- Active prostitution in or around the neighborhood.
- Residences with blacked out windows.
- Unusual, strong odors (like cat urine, ether, ammonia, acetone or other chemicals)
What kind of information would the Wichita Police Department like about a drug house in my neighborhood?
- Drug sellers: (specific description) Name, race, sex, age, height and weight, hair, build and complexion, dress, scars, marks, or tattoos, and distinct features (limp, piercings, beard etc.).
- Drug seller/Drug supplier’s car: (detailed description of seller’s/ supplier’s car only) color, make, model, license tag number, and 2 or 4 door.
- Address: (complete address) number and street, apartment, upper, lower, or side-by-side.
- Building or House: (general description) color, constructed of (siding, brick, etc.), type of building (apartment, house, duplex, business, garage, etc.).
- Windows: (something out of the ordinary) used as a lookout or blacked out (sheets, paper, foil, etc.)
- Drug buyers: (general characteristics as a whole) Age range, races (white, black, hispanic, asian, mixed, or other), dress, and male or female.
- Types of drugs: (IF POSSIBLE, kind of drugs that are sold at the house) marijuana, crack, cocaine, methamphetamine, etc.
- Times of activity: (heaviest times that drug buyers visit) times of the day, day of the week, vehicle color, make, model, and license tag number.
- Vehicles or walk-ups: (where do drug buyers park their vehicles or where do walkers come from) park (in front, down the street, alley, etc.) walk (cut through backyard, alley, etc.)
- Weapons
- Pictures/ Videos
How do we get rid of a drug house?
- Contacting SCAT (Special Community Action Team)
The Wichita Police Department recognizes that we cannot win the war against gangs and drugs alone. Gangs and drugs affect all of us and often destroy our community and families. We need your help, DO NOT look the other way and say it's not my problem. We need the community to get involved to be our extra eyes and ears. Get involved!
Please report drug and gang activity in your neighborhood to the Special Community Action Team (SCAT). SCAT is the enforcement arm of community policing, which primarily specializes, in street level drug and gang activity.
HOW TO START A NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH GROUP
Neighborhood Watch groups should be about one city block in size. It's best to keep the size small so that everyone in the group can know each other and can see each other's house. To start a Neighborhood Watch group, you must have the interest and commitment of the rest of your block. It is suggested that you go door-to-door and talk to your neighbors (you might want to get the help of another neighbor on the block). Find out from the others if they are interested in forming a Neighborhood Watch group. If they are, determine what is the best day for them to get together for the initial meeting (example: Tuesday evening works best for the majority of the block). Once that is determined, call the Community Affairs Section of the Wichita Police Department to schedule the Neighborhood Watch officer to give the presentation to your group on the next available day of the week of your choice.
WHERE ARE THE MEETINGS HELD?
Generally speaking, it's best if the Neighborhood Watch meetings can be held in the block. In an individual home or church is usually best. If those attending can walk to the meeting, that is the ideal. When the weather is nice, many blocks hold their meetings outside; in someone's front yard, and ask everyone to bring a lawn chair.
HOW LONG WILL THE MEETING LAST?
Neighborhood Watch meetings last about an hour and a half. The Neighborhood Watch officer's presentation will last about 45 minutes to an hour, and then time is allowed for questions. In addition, the Community Policing officer is also invited to attend the meeting. They usually like to introduce themselves to the group and talk with them for a few minutes.
WHAT HAPPENS THEN?
Once the initial meeting is conducted, your group is on its own. How involved your neighborhood becomes is strictly up to you. Many Neighborhood Watch groups have annual cook-outs, garage sales, and clean-ups. Some other groups sponsor a needy family or collect food during the holiday season. It is best for Neighborhood Watch groups to get together at least once a year. This enables them to meet new people who may have moved into the block and to keep current with what's going on with their neighbors. The key to an effective Neighborhood Watch group is to know what is "normal" on your block, so that you can recognize the "out of the ordinary" activities and report them to the Police Department.
WHAT ABOUT BLOCK LEADERS?
Two Block Leaders are identified from each Neighborhood Watch group. The Block Leaders names are kept in our files so that we can maintain contact with your block. Two leaders are chosen so that if one moves, we still have a contact on the block. The Block Leader job description is simple.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Organize residents in assigned area.
2. Keep residents informed and interested.
3. Discourage "vigilante" action.
ACTIVE DUTIES:
1. Be familiar with assigned area.
2. Promote and explain the Neighborhood Watch Program in assigned area.
3. Canvas your area for active watch members to assist you in performing watch duties.
4. Encourage residents to have a free Home Security Survey.
5. Encourage residents to participate in Operation Identification.
6. Attend organizational meetings.
7. Organize and preside over Neighborhood Watch meetings and activities.
8. Distribute leaflets and pass along information when necessary.
9. Solicit new members as people move into the neighborhood.
10. Assist Neighborhood Watch Officer as the need arises.
11. Coordinate with other City Departments and Community Organizations to confront neighborhood problems that are not directly related to crime.
12. Instill enthusiasm and involvement among residents in neighborhood improvement projects.
Community Events& Meetings
· District Advisory Board IV meets at the Lionel Alford Library located at 3447 S. Meridian (just noth of I-235 on the west side of Meridian) The meetings are held the first Wednesday of every month at 7:00 pm. For more information and agenda items contact Kelli Glassman, Neighborhood Assistant, 303-8008.
Southwest Neighborhood Association meets the third Tuesday of every month at ,at the Lionel Alford Library located at 3447 S. Meridian (just noth of I-235 on the west side of Meridian) at 7:00 pm. For more information contact Irene Armstrong 263-9316, President. The Southwest Neighborhood Association voted on May 22nd 2007 on their new Board members for the Next Year. They also voted to expand their boundaries from I-235 to MacArthur. The new Boundaries are from May to MacArthur, and Meridian to McLean/Gold. Everyone is encouraged to attend. On July 28, 2007 The Neighborhood Assocation will be having a Neighborhood Clean up with drop sights. Several items are being address that effect your neighborhood. Please attend the July 24th Meeting at 7pm..
Support Law Enforcement Memorial
The Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #5 proudly offers two car magnet ribbons, which state, "Support Law Enforcement Memorial of Sedgwick County Kansas" or "Support Local Law Enforcement," and two limited edition challenge coins depicting the
Law Enforcement Memorial.
The cost of the car magnet ribbons are $3.00 each and the challenge coins are $7.00 each or $13.00 a set. All profits will benefit the Law Enforcement Memorial of Sedgwick County.
The Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #5 invites your participation in supporting the Law Enforcement Memorial of Sedgwick County by purchasing the car magnet ribbons and limited edition challenge coins.
To purchase these items please send an email to: board@ksfop5.org
Wichita Police Department
Identity Theft Checklist
What should I do if my Purse, Wallet or Checkbook is Lost or Stolen?
If your property was taken by force or threat, or you need immediate assistance, please call 911.
For non-emergencies, you can make a police report by calling the Wichita Police Department, Police Case Desk at (316) 268-4221.
You will need to make a police report to document lost or stolen items. The police report will assist us in the event your property is recovered. Your bank or financial institution may require a police report if you report unauthorized checks and/or credit card transactions.
Credit Cards
If your credit/debit cards are lost or stolen, immediately contact your bank or credit card issuer to cancel the card. Prompt reporting can help prevent unauthorized use of your card. If the credit card number has been compromised while you still have possession of the plastic card, immediately notify your bank or credit card issuer to cancel the card. Your bank or credit card issuer may require you to complete a dispute form for any unauthorized charges. The credit card company may issue you a temporary credit and issue a “charge back” to business that accepted the card number without viewing the card. The business, which then suffers the loss, may make a police report if it chooses to do so.
Checks
If your checks or account numbers are stolen, notify your bank or financial institution. Work with your financial institution to close any affected accounts. If your checks are lost or stolen and is being used in Wichita by someone forging your signature, call your bank or financial institution to close your account. Ask your financial institution to notify its check verification service. Your bank may require you to complete an Affidavit of Forgery for any forged check that clears. Your bank may credit your account once you complete the Affidavit of Forgery. The business accepting the forged check may file a police report since they may have lost cash or merchandise as a result of fraud.
If you are reimbursed by a business or financial institution for a monetary loss to you, the business becomes the victim of the forgery or fraud. You are a victim of the theft of your credit card, check or identity. The financial institution or business will be responsible for following up on their loss.
Identity Theft
Identity Theft occurs when someone uses your personal information with the intent defraud for any benefit. For example, someone pretends to be you by using your personal information to create and open new credit card accounts to make purchases and loans for financial gain. The theft or loss of personal information in wallets, purses and on checks can be used by criminals to commit Identity Theft. If someone has used you personal information such as your name along with your social security number, Driver’s License number, bank account number or other identifying information report the fraud to the following organizations:
Contact the nationwide consumer reporting companies to place a fraud alert on your credit report. A fraud alert can help prevent an identity thief from opening additional accounts in your name. Ask for a copy of your credit report to review.
Equifax: 1-800-525-5285; www.equifax.com
Experian: 1-888-397-3742; www.experian.com
TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289: www.transunion.com
You can obtain one free credit report per year from each of the three consumer reporting companies by contacting: annualcreditreport.com
;) Contact the fraud department for each company where your account was tampered with or the fraudulent account was opened. Close the accounts and follow up in writing along with sending copies (not originals) of supporting documents.
Make a police report in the community where the identity theft occurred. You can make a police report in Wichita by calling the Police Case Desk at 268-4221.
Make an Identity Theft complaint with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). FTC’S Identity Theft Hotline: (toll-free) 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338)Or write: Identity Theft Clearinghouse, Federal Trade Commission, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20580.
Helpful Tips
Avoid leaving wallets, purses, credit cards, checkbooks and other valuables in your vehicle, unattended or unsecured. Carry only credit cards and documents containing personal information that you need.
Keep a copy contact numbers of your credit cards in the event they are lost or stolen.Shred unwanted bank statements, bills and other documents containing personal information.
Below are some tips you can use to avoid being the victim of a car thief, or having a theft from your vehicle:
1. The best and only way to prevent thefts from motor vehicles is never to leave valuables in your car unattended – particularly electronic goods such as cellular phones and laptop computers. Preventing the theft of car radios is more difficult. Some car stereo manufacturers make detachable faceplates or stereos that pull easily from the dashboard, allowing you to take it with you or lock it in the trunk.
2. Many thieves now break into cars if there are signs that checkbooks, personal documents, purses, mail or personal items, which would assist in the crime of identity theft, may be inside.
3. Never leave personal identification documents, vehicle ownership titles, or credit cards in your vehicle.
4. Never leave valuables in plain view, even if your car is locked. Put them in the trunk out of sight.
5. If you have a button inside your car that opens the trunk when no key is in the ignition, valuables in your trunk are not secure.
6. Thieves may break into your vehicle if a garage door opener is visible, if they know where you live, or if your car is parked in front of your house. This gives them access to at least your garage and possibly your home.
7. Never leave your car running unattended, even to dash into a business, store, etc.
8. Never leave any keys in the car or ignition, inside a locked garage, or in hide-a-key boxes.
9. Always roll up your windows and lock the car, even if it is parked in front of your home.
10. Always park in high-traffic, well-lighted areas, when possible;
11. Install a mechanical device that locks the steering wheel, column, or brakes. These devices will deter some criminals.
12. Investigate the purchase of a vehicle theft tracking/security system, especially if you own one of the frequently stolen model vehicles.
13. If you must leave your key with a valet, attendant, or mechanic leave only the ignition key. Make sure you are dealing with a reputable firm.
14. Copy your license plate and vehicle information (VIN) numbers on a card and keep them with you. If your vehicle is stolen, the police will need this information to take a report; and,
15. Many vehicles today come with some type of security system from the factory. Normally there are upgraded systems available if you ask. The best choices are systems that shut off the fuel supply so that a car can't be started or driven.
16. If your vehicle is stolen, report it to the police immediately. |