E-Alerts are email notifications sent via our Crime Prevention Officer about important crimes or incidents that have occurred in the City of Pinellas Park. To subscribe to E-Alerts, E-Mail DSaxer@Pinellas-Park.com, requesting to be added.

Date: 3/11/08

Pinellas Park Police Department

E-mail Neighborhood Network

Bulletin # 2008-9

Note: To protect your identity and for the privacy of your E-mail address we are sending you a "blind copy" of this message.

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THE MATERIAL CONTAINED IN THIS BULLETIN IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO TAKE LAW ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS OF ANY KIND ON MATTERS OF A CRIMINAL NATURE. PLEASE REPORT ANY INFORMATION YOU MAY HAVE DIRECTLY TO THE PINELLAS PARK POLICE DEPARTMENT AT (727)541-0758

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EARLIER THIS YEAR, I SENT OUT AN E-ALERT FROM THE IRS WARNING CITIZENS ABOUT SCAMS INVOLVING THE PROPOSED ECONOMIC STIMULUS PACKAGE. IN THOSE SCAMS, CITIZENS WERE CONTACTED IN AN ATTEMPT TO OBTAIN THEIR PERSONAL IDENTIFYING INFORMATION FROM THEIR FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS TO HELP PROCESS THEIR REBATE. UNFORTUNATELY, THERE WERE REPORTS THAT SOME PEOPLE FELL VICTIM TO THIS SCAM, EVEN THOUGH THE ECONOMIC STIMULUS PACKAGE HAD NOT YET BEEN ENACTED.

NOW THAT THE ECONOMIC STIMULUS PACKAGE HAS BEEN APPROVED, THE SCAM HAS TAKEN ON A NEW PROFILE. VICTIMS FROM OTHER STATES HAVE BEEN APPROACHED VIA E-MAIL AND PHONE CALLS BY SUBJECTS POSING AS OFFICIALS FROM THE INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE OR THE SOCIAL SECURITY ADMINISTRATION ASKING FOR PERSONAL INFORMATION SO THEIR REBATE MONEY CAN BE DEPOSITED DIRECTLY INTO THEIR ACCOUNTS. OTHER ATTEMPTS HAVE ENTICED CALLERS WITH PROMISES THAT THEY CAN GET THEIR REBATE QUICKER IF THEY PROVIDE THEIR PERSONAL INFORMATION. CITIZENS HAVE ALSO RECEIVED E-MAILS SUPPOSEDLY FROM THE IRS INSTRUCTING THEM TO CLICK ON AN ATTACHED FORM WHICH REQUESTS YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION.

AS I STATED BEFORE, THE IRS WILL NEVER ASK FOR YOUR BANK ACCOUNT OR PERSONAL IDENTIFYING INFORMATION OVER THE PHONE OR INTERNET.

THE ONLY WAY FOR YOU TO RECEIVE THE ECONOMIC STIMULUS REBATE IS TO FILE A 2007 TAX RETURN.

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS ABOUT HOW TO FILE FOR THE REBATE, CONTACT THE IRS AT THEIR WEBSITE AT WWW.IRS.GOV.

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EAN IS A PUBLIC SERVICE OF THE PINELLAS PARK POLICE DEPARTMENT. PLEASE FORWARD THIS E-MAIL TO ANYONE YOU THINK WOULD BENEFIT FROM RECEIVING THIS KIND OF INFORMATION.

IF YOU WISH TO SUBSCRIBE TO EAN-PLEASE "REPLY" TO THIS MESSAGE. PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR NAME AND THE NEIGHBORHOOD OR BUSINESS YOU REPRESENT.

IF YOU HAVE RECEIVED THIS MESSAGE IN ERROR, PLEASE CONTACT US AND YOUR E-MAIL ADDRESS WILL BE PROMPTLY REMOVED.

THANK YOU.

OFFICER DONNA SAXER

PPPD CRIME PREVENTION UNIT

(727)541-0761

EMAIL: dsaxer@pinellas-park.com

Date: 2/29/08

Pinellas Park Police Department

E-mail Neighborhood Network

Bulletin # 2008-8

Note: To protect your identity and for the privacy of your E-mail address we are sending you a "blind copy" of this message.

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THERE HAVE BEEN SEVERAL INCIDENCES IN TAMPA OF HOMEOWNERS BEING APPROACHED BY SUBJECTS CLAIMING TO WORK FOR THE WATER DEPARTMENT SAYING THEY NEEDED TO GET INSIDE OF THEIR HOME TO CHECK ON A PROBLEM. THIS IS WHAT'S COMMONLY KNOWN AS A "DISTRACTION THEFT" AND THIS PLOY HAS BEEN AROUND FOR YEARS.

EVEN THOUGH THESE REPORTS ARE OCCURRING IN A NEARBY COUNTY, WE CAN NOT LET OUR GUARD DOWN. THESE IMPOSTER BURGLARS ARE GOOD AT PULLING OFF THIS RUSE BECAUSE THEY'VE HAD YEARS TO PRACTICE IT IN MANY COMMUNITIES.

THE CRIME WORKS LIKE THIS..

A SUBJECT APPROACHES YOU AND TELLS YOU THAT HE WORKS FOR THE WATER DEPARTMENT. HE THEN EXPLAINS THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THE SERVICE AND THEY NEED TO COME INTO YOUR HOME TO CHECK OUT THE PROBLEM. ONCE INSIDE, THIS "WATER DEPARTMENT" EMPLOYEE WILL DISTRACT YOU WHILE ANOTHER UNSEEN PERSON ENTERS YOUR HOME AND STEALS YOUR JEWELRY, MONEY--ANYTHING HE OR SHE CAN GET THEIR HANDS ON. THE "WATER DEPARTMENT" EMPLOYEE EVENTUALLY LEAVES, USUALLY AFTER HE RECEIVES A CALL ON HIS CELL PHONE. LATER ON, YOU DISCOVER THAT YOU ARE A VICTIM OF A THEFT.

THERE IS CURRENTLY A LOT OF CONSTRUCTION HAPPENING IN THE CITY WITH ALL OF THE NEW HOMES BEING BUILT AND ALL OF THE ROADWAYS UNDER CONSTRUCTION. THE CRIMINALS WILL USE THIS TO THEIR ADVANTAGE. FOR EXAMPLE, THEY WILL SAY THEY ARE WITH THE CREW WORKING ON A PROJECT THAT MAY BE BY THE VICTIMS HOME AND THAT THEY ACCIDENTALLY BROKE A PIPE WHILE DOING THE CONSTRUCTION AND NEED TO COME INSIDE YOUR HOME AND CHECK YOUR WATER. BOTTOM LINE IS IF A PIPE WAS BROKEN BECAUSE OF A CONSTRUCTION ACCIDENT, A CITY OR COUNTY WATER DEPARTMENT EMPLOYEE OR EVEN A CONSTRUCTION COMPANY EMPLOYEE IS NOT GOING TO HAVE TO COME INTO YOUR HOME TO FIX OR CHECK ON THE PROBLEM. THEIR RESPONSIBILITY IS FOR THE PIPES OUTSIDE OF YOUR HOME, NOT IN YOUR HOME.

THERE ARE VARIOUS OTHER PLOYS USED TO COMMIT THESE THEFTS. FOR EXAMPLE, IT COULD BE SOMEONE SAYING THEY ARE A SUB-CONTRACTOR FOR THE POWER COMPANY AND THEY NEED TO TRIM YOUR TREES AWAY FROM THE POWER LINES. THESE IMPOSTERS MAY WEAR UNIFORMS, HAVE FICTITIOUS ID'S AND POSE AS UTILITY WORKERS, INSPECTORS, CABLE REPAIR, PAINTERS, HOME-HEALTH AIDES, EXTERMINATORS OR ANY OTHER TYPE OF WORKER. THEY MAY WEAR CONSTRUCTION HELMETS, ORANGE SAFETY VESTS, CARRY LEGAL PADS OR DO OR WEAR WHATEVER IT TAKES TO MAKE THEMSELVES LOOK THE PART TO MAKE YOU BELIEVE THEY ARE LEGITIMATE WORKERS.

HOW CAN YOU AVOID BEING A VICTIM OF ANY OF THE MANY VARIATIONS OF THESE DISTRACTIONS THEFTS?? IT'S EASY!! KEEP YOUR DOORS AND WINDOWS LOCKED---EVEN IF YOU ARE INSIDE. THIS INCLUDES YOUR GARAGE DOOR. ANY OPEN OR UNLOCKED DOOR IS AN INVITATION THAT THESE CRIMINALS LOVE TO FIND TO MAKE YOU A VICTIM. IF SOMEONE KNOCKS AT YOUR DOOR, YOU DON'T HAVE TO OPEN IT. KEEP YOUR DOOR SHUT AND ASK THROUGH THE CLOSED AND LOCKED DOOR WHO THE PERSON IS AND WHY THEY ARE THERE. VERIFY THAT THE PERSON IS OR IS NOT LEGITIMATE BY CALLING THE COMPANY/EMPLOYER THAT THE PERSON CLAIMS THEY ARE REPRESENTING. DON'T CALL A PHONE NUMBER THEY MAY GIVE YOU---IT COULD BE AN ACCOMPLICE. LOOK THE NUMBER UP YOURSELF OR ASK DIRECTORY ASSISTANCE SO YOU KNOW FOR YOURSELF THAT THE PERSON IS LEGIT OR NOT. EVEN IF THEY ARE LEGIT, YOU MAY ASK THAT THEY COME BACK AT ANOTHER TIME WHEN IT IS CONVENIENT FOR YOU OR WHEN YOU CAN HAVE A FRIEND OR TWO OVER WHILE ANY WORK TAKES PLACE AT YOU HOME.

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EAN IS A PUBLIC SERVICE OF THE PINELLAS PARK POLICE DEPARTMENT. PLEASE FORWARD THIS E-MAIL TO ANYONE YOU THINK WOULD BENEFIT FROM RECEIVING THIS KIND OF INFORMATION.

IF YOU WISH TO SUBSCRIBE TO EAN-PLEASE "REPLY" TO THIS MESSAGE. PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR NAME AND THE NEIGHBORHOOD OR BUSINESS YOU REPRESENT.

IF YOU HAVE RECEIVED THIS MESSAGE IN ERROR, PLEASE CONTACT US AND YOUR E-MAIL ADDRESS WILL BE PROMPTLY REMOVED.

THANK YOU.

OFFICER DONNA SAXER

PPPD CRIME PREVENTION UNIT

(727)541-0761

EMAIL: dsaxer@pinellas-park.com

Date: 2/27/08

Pinellas Park Police Department

E-mail Neighborhood Network

Bulletin # 2008-7

Note: To protect your identity and for the privacy of your E-mail address we are sending you a "blind copy" of this message.

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WE RECENTLY HAD TWO INCIDENCES OF CITIZENS BEING SOLICITED TO HAVE THEIR TREES TRIMMED. IN BOTH CASES, THE INDIVIDUALS DOING THE SOLICITATION WERE NOT LICENSED (CORRECTLY CALLED A "BUSINESS TAX RECEIPT") TO DO BUSINESS IN THE CITY, EVEN THOUGH THE FLYERS ONE SUBJECT WAS DISTRIBUTING ADVERTISED THAT HIS BUSINESS WAS "LICENSED AND INSURED." THIS SUBJECT ALSO LISTED A P.O.BOX NUMBER FOR HIS BUSINESS THAT IS NOT REGISTERED TO HIM. ONE SUBJECT SAID THE PRICE WOULD INCLUDE DISPOSAL OF ALL OF THE REFUSE, BUT THEN HE LEFT IT AND SAID IN- CORRECTLY THAT THE 'GARBAGE SERVICE WILL TAKE IT AWAY."

BEFORE YOU HIRE ANYONE TO DO ANY WORK, CHECK THEM OUT. AS STATED IN THE CITY OF PINELLAS PARK CODE SECTION 13-101, "BUSINESS TAX RECEIPT REQUIRED....IT SHALL BE UNLAWFUL FOR ANY PERSON TO EITHER DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY CONDUCT ANY BUSINESS WITHOUT FIRST HAVING OBTAINED OR REGISTERED A CURRENT BUSINESS TAX RECEIPT." DEPENDING ON THE TYPE OF WORK TO BE COMPLETED, A CONTRACTS LICENSE MAY BE REQUIRED, CERTAIN PERMITS MAY NEED TO BE OBTAINED (BY THE CONTRACTOR----NEVER OBTAIN OR "PULL" A PERMIT FOR A CONTRACTOR) AND MORE!! FOR EXAMPLE, THE TREE TRIMMERS MENTIONED ABOVE WOULD HAVE TO HAVE A BUSINESS TAX RECEIPT ISSUED BY THE CITY OF PINELLAS PARK, BUT THEY WOULD NOT NEED TO HAVE A CONTRACTOR'S LICENSE.

OTHER TIPS TO KEEP IN MIND...

* NEVER MAKE A QUICK DECISION TO HIRE SOMEONE AND DON'T BE PRESSURED INTO ANY DECISION

* ASK FRIENDS, CO-WORKERS, NEIGHBORS AND FAMILY MEMBERS WHO THEY HAVE USED AND IF THEY

WERE SATISFIED WITH THE WORK THAT WAS COMPLETED

* MAKE SURE EVERYTHING THAT YOU AGREE ON IS IN WRITING

* NEVER PAY THE FULL PRICE UNTIL THE WORK IS COMPLETED

FOR MORE TIPS AND TO VERIFY IF SOMEONE IS LEGITIMATELY CONDUCTING BUSINESS, CONTACT:

CITY OF PINELLAS PARK'S BUILDING DEVELOPMENT 541-0752

FIND OUT IF AN INDIVIDUAL HAS OBTAINED OR REGISTERED A CURRENT BUSINESS TAX RECEIPT.

PINELLAS COUNTY CONSTRUCTION LICENSING BOARD 536-4720 OR www.pcclb.com

FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF CONTRACTORS LICENSED IN PINELLAS COUNTY, VISIT THE WEBSITE OR CALL THEM TO VERIFY THAT A CONTRACTOR IS LICENSED.

DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS & PROFESSIONAL REGULATION 850-487-1395 OR www.MyFloridaLicense.com

CHECK ALL POTENTIAL CONTRACTORS' STATE-ISSUED LICENSES.

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EAN IS A PUBLIC SERVICE OF THE PINELLAS PARK POLICE DEPARTMENT. PLEASE FORWARD THIS E-MAIL TO ANYONE YOU THINK WOULD BENEFIT FROM RECEIVING THIS KIND OF INFORMATION.

IF YOU WISH TO SUBSCRIBE TO EAN-PLEASE "REPLY" TO THIS MESSAGE. PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR NAME AND THE NEIGHBORHOOD OR BUSINESS YOU REPRESENT.

IF YOU HAVE RECEIVED THIS MESSAGE IN ERROR, PLEASE CONTACT US AND YOUR E-MAIL ADDRESS WILL BE PROMPTLY REMOVED.

THANK YOU.

OFFICER DONNA SAXER

PPPD CRIME PREVENTION UNIT

(727)541-0761

EMAIL: dsaxer@pinellas-park.com

Date: 2/21/08

Pinellas Park Police Department

E-mail Neighborhood Network

Bulletin # 2008-6

Note: To protect your identity and for the privacy of your E-mail address

we are sending you a "blind copy" of this message.

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THE MATERIAL CONTAINED IN THIS BULLETIN IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY.

DO NOT ATTEMPT TO TAKE LAW ENFORCEMENT ACTIONS OF ANY KIND ON MATTERS OF A

CRIMINAL NATURE. PLEASE REPORT ANY INFORMATION YOU MAY HAVE DIRECTLY TO THE

PINELLAS PARK POLICE DEPARTMENT AT (727)541-0758

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INCIDENT DESCRIPTION: ROBBERY (PURSE SNATCHINGS)

LOCATION: WALMART, 8001-US 19

DATE/TIME: TUESDAY, FEB. 19TH, 7:40 P.M.

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 20TH, 12:30 P.M.

NARRATIVE: ON TWO SEPARATE OCCASIONS, PURSES HAVE BEEN SNATCHED FROM

SHOPPING CARTS OF SHOPPERS IN THE PARKING LOT OF WALMART. IN BOTH

INCIDENCES, THE SUBJECTS DROVE BY THE VICTIMS AND THEN REACHED OUT AND TOOK

THEIR PURSES FROM THEIR SHOPPING CARTS.

FOLLOW THESE STRATEGIES TO REDUCE YOUR RISK OF BECOMING A VICTIM!!!

* BE AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS AND PAY ATTENTION TO ANY UNCOMFORTABLE

FEELINGS THAT OFTEN WARN US OF POTENTIAL DANGER.

* DON'T LEAVE YOUR PURSE OR WALLET UNATTENDED IN A SHOPPING CART.

* HANDBAGS SHOULD BE CARRIED CLOSED AND IN FRONT OF THE BODY WITH AN ARM

HELD LOOSELY ACROSS IT. SOME PREFER WEARING THEIR PURSE STRAP OVER THE

HEAD AND ACROSS THE BODY. IF A THIEF WERE TO TRY AND GRAB YOUR PURSE, THIS

COULD CAUSE YOU TO FALL.

* KEEP YOUR HANDBAG ON THE SIDE OF YOUR BODY AWAY FROM ANY TRAFFIC. A BAG

DANGLING BY YOUR SIDE COULD EASILY BE GRABBED BY A PASSING VEHICLE.

* CARRY ONLY WHAT IS ACTUALLY NEEDED.

* IF POSSIBLE, KEEP ESSENTIAL ITEMS (HOUSE AND CAR KEYS, SMALL AMOUNTS OF

CASH, CREDIT CARDS AND IDENTIFICATION) IN A POCKET INSTEAD OF YOUR PURSE.

* DON'T BE HINDERED BY TRYING TO CARRY ALL OF YOUR PURCHASES.

* PUT YOUR PURSE IN YOUR VEHICLE AND LOCK THE DOORS BEFORE UNLOADING ANY

PURCHASES FROM YOUR SHOPPING CART.

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EAN IS A PUBLIC SERVICE OF THE PINELLAS PARK POLICE DEPARTMENT. PLEASE

FORWARD THIS E-MAIL TO ANYONE YOU THINK WOULD BENEFIT FROM RECEIVING THIS

KIND OF INFORMATION.

IF YOU WISH TO SUBSCRIBE TO EAN-PLEASE "REPLY" TO THIS MESSAGE. PLEASE

INCLUDE YOUR NAME AND THE NEIGHBORHOOD OR BUSINESS YOU REPRESENT.

IF YOU HAVE RECEIVED THIS MESSAGE IN ERROR, PLEASE CONTACT US AND YOUR

E-MAIL ADDRESS WILL BE PROMPTLY REMOVED.

THANK YOU.

OFFICER DONNA SAXER

PPPD CRIME PREVENTION UNIT

(727)541-0761

EMAIL: dsaxer@pinellas-park.com

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