Sunday, November 22, 2009

Please pass this information to everyone you know!!!
2010 Census Cautions

Be Cautious About Giving Info to Census Workers.
With the U.S. Cen sus process beginning, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) advises people to be cooperative, but cautious, so as not to become a victim of fraud or identity theft.
The first phase of the 2010 U.S. Census is under way as workers have begun verifying the addresses of households across the country.

Eventually, more than 140,000 U.S. Census workers will count every person in the United States and will gather information about every person living at each address including name, age, gender, race, and other relevant data.
The big question is - How do you tell the difference between a U.S. Census worker and a Con Artist?

The Better Business Bureau (BBB) offers the following advice:

If a U.S. Census worker knocks on your door, they will have the following :
1. a badge,
2. a hand held device,
3. a Census Bureau canvas bag, and
4. a confidentiality notice
Ask to see their identification and their badge before answering their questions.
However, you should never invite anyone you don't know into your home.

Census workers are currently only knocking on doors to verify address information.
Do not give your Social Security number, credit card or banking information to anyone, even if they claim they need it for the U.S. Census.

While the Census Bureau might ask for basic financial information, such as a salary range, it will not ask for Social Security, bank account, or credit card numbers nor will employees solicit donations.

Eventually, Census workers may contact you by telephone, mail, or in person at home.

Never click on a link or open any attachments in an Email that is supposedly from the U.S. Census Bureau.

TO RECAP – HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF – FOLLOW THESE RULES!!!!

1. Census workers will carry a badge, a hand held device, a Census Bureau canvas bag, and a confidentiality notice. MAKE SURE TO ASK THEM FOR THEIR BADGE AND IDENTIFICATION BEFORE TALKING TO THEM!

2. Census workers will NOT ask for Social Security numbers, Bank Account Numbers, Credit Card Numbers, or any specific account information!

3. Census workers will NOT solicit for donations – do not give anyone any money!

4. Census Workers will NOT contact you by email – do not respond to anyone claiming to be with the US Census by email!

5. Don't invite them into your homes!!

Please pass this information to everyone you know!!!

Saturday, November 14, 2009

Holiday Boutique 8th Annual 30 Artisans Orinda, CA

8th Annual Overhill Road Holiday Boutique – Dec 4, noon - 8 p.m., Dec 5 & 6, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. 214 Overhill Road, Orinda. Percentage of proceeds to benefit the Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Hand-crafted gifts and foods by over 30 local crafters. Free admission

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Residential Burglaries Series in past 2 Weeks

Alert Message has been issued by the Pleasant Hill Police Department.

Wednesday October 21, 2009 16:38 PM PDT


PHPD investigating a series residential burglaries occurring over the past 2 wks. Notify police of any susp activity.

The Pleasant Hill Police Department is investigating a series of residential burglaries that have been occurring in the city over the last two weeks. Most of the burglaries have occurred on weekdays in the morning and afternoon hours. In some cases, officers have learned that neighbors had seen suspicious people in the neighborhood, but never called the police. The methods of operation used by the suspects vary, but in some cases doors and windows were left unlocked. The Pleasant Hill Police Department is urging people to be extra vigilant to the security of their homes and to call police if any suspicious people are seen in their neighborhood. Tips on home security can be found by visiting the National Crime Prevention Council website at http://www.ncpc.org/topics/home-and-neighborhood-safety.




For full details, go to http://local.nixle.com/alert/315008/

Contact Information:

Lt. Dan Connelly

Police

925-680-7000

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

To Go Public or Not to Go Public...That is the Question.

I have debated on whether to keep this blog private for our own closed network of crime watchers, or to allow anyone access.

I am not sure if folks are having difficulty accessing our private blog or whether there is very little interest in this set of reports. I want to believe it is that the access is too confusing rather than that folks aren't interested in what goes on around them.

What I do know is that of the 45 invited families within our network only 5 have subscribed after nearly a month. I would appreciate hearing feedback from folks on this very question.

I cleaned up all the reports to protect those who emailed them to me to protect those crime watcher's identities and made some reports more general to protect those who reported.

Is there anybody else out there?

Thursday, July 9, 2009

Neighborhood News, Alerts, Crime Watch



This is a post with no subject, you can talk about whatever you want. If breaking news happens (such as an earthquake), or you hear about something newsworthy, feel free to post it here.

Monday, July 6, 2009

Nixle provides up to date emailed reports from local police

Google Nixle and arrange to have the latest police reports and newsflashes in your general neighborhood area. It used to be that one had to go to the police station to read the daily crime log binder. http://www.nixle.com/


Now you can have this emailed directly to you.
Nixle sends just reports that occur near your neighborhood and asks that you provide your street name.

Keep reading our blog too cause lots of crimes go unreported to police especially when folks feel it may be an isolated incident or that they were careless and invited crime's they don't wish to report through police.

Open Garage Door on a Crack =Invitation to Crime




Remember to fully close your garage doors, and never leave them open overnight.

There have been news stories about home invasions happening, and the point of entry has been garage doors that were mistakenly left open after dark.

Not only have we forgotten and left our door open on more than one occasion, but more importantly we didn't lock the door from the house to the garage.

Stay safe. Don't depend on your memory. Ultimately things happen and you will forget at some point.

Some folks feel that a partially opened door is safe and they trust that folks wouldn't enter. My answer to this is that even partially opened garage's are an open invitation for thugs.

Better safe than sorry. Leave nothing to chance here folks.

One neighbor's garage door opener was taken from his car which was parked in his open garage. If he didn't catch that in time and have a spare or the knowledge to change the code, thieves would have had their way with the contents of his garage, perhaps take a car or two, and perhaps his house too.

Another neighbor parked in his garage and ran inside to use the bathroom and by the time he returned someone had driven up, entered the garage and stole some tools. He came outside to find the thief running to the get away car.

Saturday, July 4, 2009

Protect Pets Sensitive Ears During Fireworks


Every 4th of July animals are completely traumatized by the explosions. One year a dog escaped from someplace and literally rocketed down our court to the awaiting block partiers. This poor dog jumped into my lap and was shaking/freaking. Luckily he had a collar and phone number. We took him home and waited for the owners to return from their evening out. A happy ending.

Another year a neighbor's family were out at the fireworks show and forgot to close the dog inside. Their little pup was running in and our of the doogie door into the yard yelping like I have never heard her before. I wanted to go open the garden gate and get her and bring her inside our own house, but I wasn't sure if she would bite me and I didn't want to take the chance of her escaping.

What we used to do is close the pets in one comfortable room with their beds, toys, blankies, etc. and we turned on the TV or radio fairly loud to mask the fireworks. We closed the shades as well.

There is always puppy Prozac as an alternative but that requires a visit in advance to the vet.
If you go out, lock the doggy doors and keep pets inside.
Four legged children need us to look out for them.

Have a safe 4th.

Thursday, July 2, 2009

Parents Protect Kids Who Network Socially

http://www.commonsensemedia.org/

Comcast provided this link and I found it to be helpful for parents who wish to shield children from inappropriate media. It also provides safe social networking tips for sites like Facebook, My Space, etc. Safe surfing makes for happy surfers!

Tips to Prevent ID Theft

Equifax — www.equifax.com To order your report, call: 800-685-1111 To report fraud, call: 800-525-6285/ TDD 800-255-0056 and write:P.O. Box 740241, Atlanta, GA 30374-0241
Experian — www.experian.comTo order your report, call: 888-EXPERIAN (397-3742) To report fraud, call: 888-EXPERIAN (397-3742)/ TDD 800-972-0322 and write:P.O. Box 9532, Allen TX 75013
o TransUnion — www.transunion.comTo order your report, call: 800-888-4213To report fraud, call: 800-680-7289/ TDD 877-553-7803; fax: 714-447-6034; email: fvad@transunion.com or write: Fraud Victim Assistance Department, P.O. Box 6790, Fullerton, CA 92634-6790

Passport office www.passportsplus.com
Tax Fraud
www.travel.state.gov/passport_services.html

·How identity thieves get your personal information:

They steal wallets and purses containing your identification and credit and bank cards.
They steal your mail, including your bank and credit card statements, pre-approved credit offers, new checks, and tax information.
They complete a “change of address form” to divert your mail to another location.
They rummage through your trash, or the trash of businesses, for personal data in a practice known as “dumpster diving.”
They fraudulently obtain your credit report by posing as a landlord, employer or someone else who may have a legitimate need for, and legal right to, the information.
They find personal information in your home.
They use personal information you share on the Internet.
They scam you, often through email, by posing as legitimate companies or government agencies you do business with.
They get your information from the workplace in a practice known as “business record theft” by: stealing files out of offices where you’re a customer, employee, patient or student; bribing an employee who has access to your files; or “hacking” into electronic files.


· How identity thieves use your personal information:
They call your credit card issuer and, pretending to be you, ask to change the mailing address on your credit card account. The imposter then runs up charges on your account. Because your bills are being sent to the new address, it may take some time before you realize there’s a problem.
They open a new credit card account, using your name, date of birth and SSN. When they use the credit card and don’t pay the bills, the delinquent account is reported on your credit report.
They establish phone or wireless service in your name.
They open a bank account in your name and write bad checks on that account.
They file for bankruptcy under your name to avoid paying debts they’ve incurred under your name, or to avoid eviction.
They counterfeit checks or debit cards, and drain your bank account.
They buy cars by taking out auto loans in your name.
They give your name to the police during an arrest. If they’re released from police custody, but don’t show up for their court date, an arrest warrant is

Friday, June 19, 2009

Friday June 19, 2009 Scouting Outside an Open Garage

Friday June 19th at 3:00 PM
I was driving on Skander Lane coming from Paso Nogal today.

I was approaching Holmsund Court, when I noticed a late model navy blue Chevy/Oldsmobile parked near an open garage. The driver and passenger were an African American couple.

I slowed my vehicle when I rounded the corner as I watched them. I then pulled over in front of N’s place to keep a closer eye out for this neighbor’s habitually open garage. It was immediately after I pulled over, that these scouters backed up over a curb, made a swift U turn and drove toward Kiki and then made a left onto Morello. I followed and tried to get the plate number. The partial CA plate number started as 5JGN. I wasn’t able to get the rest of the plate as they were driving too fast.

Also, F of Skander Lane reported that someone entered his garage on another occasion and took his garage door opener and other assorted items.

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

June 2, 2009 Open Garage Doors Invite Criminals

Dear Crime Watching Neighbors,
I have some thoughts about people leaving garage doors open in summer months as a means to provide ventilation.

I am concerned from a few standpoints.1. Habitually open garages both day and night are an invitation for opportunistic criminals who frequent our areas. We know they do by the number of incidents that happen. These people study our habits and know us well.

2. It is unsafe for unsuspecting occupants as this provides easier access into homes.

3. Sometimes people forget to close their garages before going to bed and thus leave them open all night.

On one occasion in the middle of the night when we accidentally left our garage door open all night, the local police department actually entered our open garage, and pressed the button on the wall to close it and then ran out.

As you can imagine, this woke us and scared us to bits at 2:00am, but we were relieved once we found out the police were the ones using our garage door switch.

Our neighbors have been great about alerting us on occasions when they noticed we left our garage open but on this occasion they were out of town.

If you have any crimes to report (no matter how small you think they are) please let us know!

Police were able to catch the last group that came through Hodur and Holmsund Court due to our great communications with one another. Some items were returned to the owners. It turns out these were boys from a troubled youth center in Walnut Creek that were caught.

All crime information is helpful and can help us and the police detect patterns.
KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK IN REPORTING!

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Skander Court 4:30 am Car Broken Into Approx. May 21, 2009

A reporter said that she and her husband were awakened by a car alarm in the middle of the night. The car alarm went off. It is unclear what was taken from the car or whether the car was damaged in the process.

Saturday, March 14, 2009

March 14,2009 Holmsund Court Gates Opened at Night

Thanks for the update. We awoke this AM Saturday March 14th to find our garage side fence gate opened. We have had house alarm system installed if any one is interested the name and number let us know. You purchase the system; ours was approx. $2400 and pay a small monthly monitoring fee less than $30 a month. TN

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

March 11, 2009 Morello Ave. Curb Painters ~ No Business License

BTW, have you had the address painting on the curb guys put a sign on your door the other day? I got one yesterday March 11, 2009 and I immediately called City Hall. I then took their flyer to City Hall today. I also did this several years ago.

These guys are not a legitimate business nor do they have a license in CCCounty. The folks at City Hall said they have received many complaints on them. I also stopped by the PHPD and told them about it and showed them the paper they left on my door. They do not have an address nor a phone number on their flyer, but they continue to operate their business and never pay taxes to the city or county. Reported by P on Morello

Wednesday March 11, 2009 Soliciting at 8:50 pm

I just had two men knock on my door-soliciting rug cleaning. I found it quite odd that they would be soliciting business at 8:50 p.m. When I asked to keep their flyer, they politely asked for the flyer back because it was only good for today - perhaps they forgot what time it was. Anyway, my wife was having none of it and decided to give them a verbal lashing because it was inconsiderate to solicit business so late especially when children were asleep. Anyway, we called the police, and they sent a car to patrol the area. Just wanted to let you know. Reported by
T on Skander

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Tuesday March 10, 2009 Hodur Court Backyard Entry

I'm sure V. told you that we had someone go through our side shed. We don't know if anything is missing because 1) we haven't really looked 2) we don't keep anything of value in there.

Only one of the two doors was open which makes me think that they were scared off by something, perhaps the dog barking or me checking outside, which I routinely do when the dog barks. I actually find this door open a couple of times a year. J

Dear J,
We have had numerous neighbors state that in fact their garden gates had been entered during the night. Sometimes things are taken and sometimes not. Either way, whomever does trespass is scoping out the back entrances to find easy access to homes, garden sheds, etc.

We responded by being proactive and locking both garden gates. We realize that this won't keep folks out who are truly determined, but at least it is a bit of an inconvenience for thieves and we feel better about that.

I encourage ALL residents to keep their gates locked at all times.

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

Wednesday March 4, 2009 Holmsund Court Crimes

On Holmsund Ct.(off Kiki) there were thefts on Monday and Tuesday this week. That is 3 incidents in recent days in our area.

Call police if you see groups or any unknown folks lingering.

Besides the usual car-rummagings, this group of thieves were looking for unlocked doors in houses for quick opportunity thefts as well.

They entered our garage through a side door, found the entrance to the kitchen unlocked and came in and took a laptop case. Luckily, the laptop was not in it at the time, but a cell phone and iPod were, along with some other small items.

Much of them were recovered yesterday morning down at Valhalla School. One of our neighbors said that they heard their front door being jiggled around 3:30AM. There was a group of 3 young adults in the court and the police were called. They arrived shortly but the perpetrators had already left the court.

Monday, March 2, 2009

Monday March 2, 2009 Hodur Court + Holmsund Ct.

Guess we should let the neighbors know that someone entered our garage last night,on Hodur Court no idea whether it was before or after we went to bed, and made off with a malfunctioning laptop (ha!) and J's iPod. They rifled through my car but couldn't find anything worth taking (how insulting!) I am very relieved they didn't decide to break in to the house too.
Thanks for passing this on,
S

There were some thefts on Holmsund Ct Monday night/Tuesday (March 2+3, 2009) morning as well. Besides the usual car rummaging, this group of thieves were looking for unlocked doors in houses for quick opportunity thefts as well. They entered our garage through a side door, found the entrance to the kitchen unlocked, came in, and took a laptop case. Luckily, the laptop was not in it at the time, but a cell phone and iPod were, along with some other small items. Much of them were recovered yesterday morning down at Valhalla.

One of our neighbors on Holmsund Court said that they heard their front door being jiggled around 3:30AM. They woke to find that there was a group of 3 young adults in the court and the police were called. Police arrived 2 minutes later, but the suspects had already left the court. Reported by T from Holmsund Court

Saturday, January 24, 2009

Saturday January 24, 2009 Duffy Ct. and Skander Lane

Subject: Crime Watch ~ door to door sales again Please watch for this and make note of who comes, what they sell, etc. *~* Help us track them.*~*

I was sitting in my car yesterday finishing up my call on my cell phone and saw a young blond man canvassing the neighborhood. He was just walking up my drive up to my doorway when I noticed him and luckily didn't see me.

I noticed him go door to door though, I was in a pretty engaged conversation on the phone, so I didn't catch whether or not he was looking into homes or just ringing bells. But, I meant to alert you too so I am sure it is probably that same guy - he looked pretty clean cut.

I do have a "NO SOLICITING" sign over my doorbell, but that didn't stop him from ringing it anyway...K

Friday, January 23, 2009

Friday January 23, 2009 Skander Door to Door Book Sales

Sent: Friday, January 23, 2009 1:39 PM
Subject: door to door sales

Is the kid selling kids books for UCSC legit? He says he's a neighbor who lives on Skander - I don't know him - and he didn't have a PH permit. I didn't help him and he stomped away mad.
Ellen

Does anyone have a son on Skander selling books for UCSC? This is what the young man claimed anyway. Whomever it was wasn't very nice when home owners wouldn’t buy his books.

Thursday, January 15, 2009

January 15,2009 Skander Lane Solicitation of Magazines

Solicitation Report Thursday Jan 15th

Last week a young African American, with short braided hair, blue shirt(coming out of his pants) and tie, came to my door at night selling magazines.

I asked for ID. He gave me his plastic card which had his name (Marlo Grundy), his photo, and his SSN. I then asked him for a business card and he provided one.

I took it and said, "thanks" but he became real concerned and said I could not have it. I said I wanted to copy the information and closed the door to find paper.

After copying down the following off the card (Tom and Lee Millard, Wellness Connection, Tustin, CA 714-838-3654, 714-838-8743)

I opened the door and gave it back to him
And then I immediately called the PH Police.

I found out I was the 4th caller. I told police what happened and gave them the information off Marlo Grundy’s card.

About 5 minutes later I saw a patrol car cruising down Skander Lane.

Thursday, January 1, 2009

Crime Watching January 2009 Hodur Solicitation

Dear Crime Watchers,
Happy New Year 2009!

A special thank you to E for her watchful eyes and ears.
I have sent a copy of this email to the police and to 7+ city blocks of neighbors to apprise them of the new door to door sales activity and our group effort to track non-permitted door to door sales people. Feel free to send it on to others that wish to join our ever growing network.

Dear Officers and Crime Watching Neighbors,
The sales season has arrived and folks are knocking on doors again canvassing the area.
They use the line "I'm _____, the son/daughter of (you know,) Mr. and Mrs._________ from around the corner."
If the homeowner says “No, I don't know your parents” and if asked, they cannot give you a specific neighbor's address that is legit nor are they able to produce a seller's permit.

This line of baloney is something many of them use to gain your trust and to test your gullibility. When they are turned away, reports over the years have shown that they become unkind and leave homeowners feeling threatened to various degrees.

Sales are not permitted without a city seller's permit so be sure to ask for this.
We'd appreciate your keeping track of seller's descriptions, times and days, what they are selling, and share this with the group so we can track them. Believe it or not this is very helpful!!!!

Feel free to call police when they don't have a seller's permit.
Should we have more thefts, perhaps we can catch the thieves in the act this time.
It appears as though these kids gather information about who is home and on what days when they canvass our area repeatedly.