Community Briefing

As we all know, Halloween is an exciting time of year for kids and Trick or Treating is fast approaching.  Here are some tips from the Brown Deer Police Department to help ensure that they have a safe and enjoyable experience:

• When purchasing a costume, ensure that those items have a label indicating that they are flame resistant.

• Consider using non-toxic make-up, wigs or a decorative hat as an alternative to masks. Halloween masks limit/block one’s eyesight.

• Keep your home safe for trick or treaters by removing any debris that a child could trip over.

• A Parent or responsible Adult should ALWAYS accompany young children on their rounds.

• If your children are older and no adult is going along, ensure that your children travel in a group.

• Create a plan with your children, so you can set a time frame and boundaries as to where your children will be trick or treating.

• Carry a cell phone for quick communication.

• SLOW DOWN!!! Watch your speed and remain cautious as you drive through the community.

• Often times children will cross the street without warning. Be sure to watch out for children.

• Do not allow your children to bicycle, roller-blade or skateboard.

• Instruct your children to stay on the sidewalks. If there are no sidewalks in the area, walk on the left side of the roadway facing traffic.

• Never cross the street between parked cars or out of driveways. Walk to the intersection or crosswalk and then cross the street.

• Never enter a stranger’s home or car for a treat.

• Inspect your children’s treats.

In Brown Deer, Trick or Treating will be on Sunday, October 26, 2008 from 1pm until 4pm.

Finally, have a safe and fun time Trick or Treating!!

Be advised that this particular scam has been entering the Milwaukee area with at least one couple having fallen victim to the scam:

The following is copied from "Scamnot.org" For additional information on this and other scams that are being perpetrated please visit http://www.scamnot.org/index.asp

• Contact other family member before sending money, ask if they know of the situation.
• If the grandchild states that they are in jail or in a hospital, ask which one. Contact that institution to find out if the grandchild is actually in that facility.
• Consider where the child wants the money sent. If it is to be sent to somebody else, do not do it. Remember, if the child is in jail, another prisoner could have gotten your information from discussions with the grandchild
• If you send money ask that identification be provided by the receiver before the money is paid out.
• Regardless of the request to not talk to the parents, confirm through another family member that what you were told is true or do not send the money.

With the start of school, the presence of child pedestrians and school buses become common place on the village’s roadways.  Here are some rules for drivers to keep in mind when encounter both.

Motorists must stop on the street or highway 20 feet or more from any school bus that has stopped and is flashing red warning lights.

Ø      This applies to motorists approaching from both the rear and the opposing lanes.

Ø      All lanes of traffic must stop for the school bus except in the opposing lanes if the highway is divided with a center median

Ø      No vehicle may proceed until the bus resumes motion and has turned off the red warning lights.

Ø      The "STOP" arm on the side of a bus is an added communication device, but the lack of an extended "STOP" arm is not reason to pass a bus whose red lights are flashing.

A driver failing to follow these rules can be cited with fines of $235.00 and up to 4 points.  School bus drivers can report an observed violation to the police and citations may be issued based upon that report.  An owner of a vehicle involved in a violation may be cited for the infraction if the driver of the vehicle at the time the violation occurred cannot be identified.

The most important safety tip to reduce pedestrian injuries is to slow down and pay attention.  Remember the speed limit is 15 mph in school zones when children are present.  According to Wisconsin state law, drivers must:

Ø      Yield to pedestrians who have started crossing an intersection or crosswalk on a walk signal or on a green light.

Ø      Yield to Pedestrians who are crossing or waiting to cross the road within a marked or unmarked crosswalk at an intersection where there is no traffic lights or control signals.

Ø      Yield to pedestrians when a vehicle is crossing a sidewalk or entering a driveway

In addition, drivers may not legally overtake and pass any vehicle that has stopped for pedestrians at an intersection or crosswalk.

Drivers who fail to yield to pedestrians legally crossing the roadway may be issued citations with fines ranging from $109.00 to $235.00 (depending on the violation).

Parents and motorists traveling through school zones need to pay close attention as the probability of a child darting out into traffic is much higher.      

With your help and increased police patrols in the village’s school zones we hope to have a safe and enjoyable school year. 

• Yield to pedestrians when crossing a sidewalk or entering an alley or driveway
• Yield to pedestrians who have started crossing at an intersection or crosswalk on a “walk” signal or a green light, if there is no walk signal
• Yield to pedestrians who are crossing the highway within a marked or unmarked crosswalk at an intersection where there are no traffic lights or control signals
• Not overtake and pass any vehicle that stops at an intersection or crosswalk to permit a pedestrian or bicyclist to cross the roadway safely

• Yield to drivers when crossing a road where there is no intersection or crosswalk or where the pedestrian does not have a green or “walk” signal and where vehicles have a green signal
• Not suddenly move into the path of a closely approaching vehicle that does not have sufficient time to yield for a pedestrian
• Walk on and along the left side of a highway when not walking on a sidewalk.  Note:  This law does not apply to bicycles.  Bicycles operate under the same laws as other legal vehicles on the road and should always stay on the right side of the road.
• Not enter a crosswalk or otherside cross traffic lanes where vehicles have already entered the intersection.  This is a serious advisement to runners and joggers who, even though they are on a sidewalk with a marked crossing or white walk signal, they must make sure a vehicle is not already moving to cross their path prior to them entering the intersection.

Information obtained from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation

West Bend Savings account holders, beware! – a ‘vishing’ scam currently running in Wisconsin is trying to break into your savings account. Using an automated message, the scam may call you at your home with the ruse that your account security has been compromised. You are asked to call at a particular number and key in your account and PIN numbers, to set things right.

Interestingly, while your Caller-Id may say the call is from the local West Bend Savings branch, the caller may actually be sitting hundreds (or maybe thousands) of miles away. Internet-based 262 phone numbers, said to be used by the scammers in this case, can make this thing happen.

The bank’s Chief Operating Officer Rick Larson believes the calls were triggered over the weekend. He pointed out that you don’t have to be an account holder with the bank to receive this call. The bank received thousands of calls from Dodge, Washington and Ozaukee Counties indicating that the fraudsters may be carpet-bombing the Wisconsin area with such calls. Fraudsters are hoping one-in-a-thousand to bite the bait and give away their money.

This is the second time in about six months that the bank has been made the target of this scam. It was December last when the scam first hit the bank. It seems, that attempt was successful enough for the scammers to order an encore.

There is no reason for falling to such scams. Think of it. Why should banks ever call you asking for your Account Number. They already have it.

In any case, if they have your phone number then surely they ought to have your account number as well!

Source: 620WTMJ.com

The Brown Deer Police Department would like to alert residents, specifically the senior citizens, of a current crime spree involving suspects impersonating healthcare workers.  In surrounding jurisdictions, several elderly victims were approached at home by three female suspects.  The suspects were dressed in healthcare smocks, which resembled what a nurse at a healthcare facility would wear.  The suspects identified themselves as “from the hospital” and were at the residence to check on the elderly resident.  In three of the cases the victims were recently treated at a healthcare facility. 

Also, in three of the cases the female suspects convinced the elderly resident and were eventually allowed into the residence. In one of the cases, the females were not allowed into the residence, so they left and then returned to the residence, forcing their way inside of the residence.  Once inside of the residence, the suspects take valuable items from the victim. 

Here are some suggestions to prevent yourself from becoming a victim and/or if you already have healthcare personnel completing at-home visits:

1. If you have healthcare personnel visiting you on a regular basis, verify with the agency if you have a surprise/unscheduled visit.
2. Verify that the subject has identification for themselves and the facility that they are employed with (preferably a photo i.d. card).
3. Do not allow anyone inside your residence that you are unsure of.
4. Look out a window prior to opening your door and if you do not recognize the subject, or are not expecting a visitor, then do not open the door.
5. If in doubt, call the police.

DO NOT ACCEPT ANY $200 Visa Travelers Cheques. If you receive a $500 Visa Travelers Cheque, please contact Visa immediately by calling 1-800-227-6811 (toll-free) to verify the validity of the cheque. DO NOT ACCEPT any $500 Visa Travelers Cheques without first contacting Visa.

(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.

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.

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 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.

 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

• 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