Copy

 
View this email in your browser
Lakewood Police Newsletter for October 2017

In This Issue

Homeless camps, puffer cars, gift card scams, gun thefts.
Facebook
Facebook
Twitter
Twitter
Lakewood
Lakewood

Register with Smart911 and create a safety profile online consisting of additional data about yourself and your family in the event of an emergency. 
 
Please update your emergency business contact information with the Lakewood Police Department.

If you have information about a crime call: 720-913-STOP(7867)
Or text CRIMES to 274637

Quick Links

 

Contact Us

 

How to cope with private property homeless camps
Although City employees will clean up homeless camps on Lakewood City property, it is the responsibility of private property owners to clean up camps and trash from their own property. If the camp is occupied and the homeless person refuses to leave, Lakewood agents can issue a citation for trespassing. If the property owner doesn't feel comfortable approaching a camp occupant, he or she can call the non-emergency dispatch number and ask agents to stand by to keep the peace. 

It is by far preferable to avoid having the camps built in the first place. One way to make your property less attractive to transients is to make sure you are keeping brush cleared, trimming tree branches so they are at least six feet from the ground, and making sure your lighting eliminates dark areas.

Keep in mind that your charitable impulses to give money or food to the homeless, or to give them permission to camp on your property, can just end up aggravating the problem. Instead, consider donating to a group that offers services to help the homeless get off the streets, such as the JeffCo Action Center or many of our local churches.
Thieves love a warm car
Remember, it's illegal to leave your car running unattended. It also advertises to thieves that you've been nice enough to warm up your car for them. "Puffers" are the number one cause of stolen cars during winter months.



Don't fall for gift card scams
Once again there has been an increase in scammers calling people to demand that they put money on gift cards to pay for imaginary fines or debts. In one popular scam, the caller claims to be a sheriff's deputy and tells you there is a warrant for your arrest for something like missing jury duty. In other versions, the caller might threaten to cut off your power or heat because of a supposed late payment. Remember, no legitimate entity will demand to be paid with gift cards.
 
Keep your gun out of the hands of criminals
Too many guns are ending up in criminal hands because they were left in cars, unlocked garages or other places easily accessible to thieves. Think of the damage your gun could cause if it falls into the wrong hands. Owning a firearm is a big responsibility -- please keep it safe. Gun locks are another important safety device. They are inexpensive and available any place that sells guns. It's also a good idea to record the serial numbers of weapons and other valuable property so they can be traced and returned to you if they are stolen.
Copyright © 2017 City of Lakewood, All rights reserved.


unsubscribe from this list    update subscription preferences