Did You Know...

03-14-05 I would like to thank everyone who have made donations to the Police K-9 equipment fund. We have collected just over $1600 dollars and have recently had Krueger fitted for his vest. The cost of the vest will be almost $1900 but I decided not to wait for additional donations and will cover the balance out of the police operating funds. I feel Krueger's safety is more important then covering all of the initial costs. If you would like to make a donation contact the department or city hall. If you read through the Crime Blotter last edition you noticed another Vernonian was the victim of an identity-type crime. In speaking to the other Police Chief's around Oregon there is no doubt that identity theft or similar type crimes are becoming all too common. Most of these crimes are related to drug use and supporting drug habits. There are steps you can take to protect yourself from I.D. theft: --burn or cross shred any papers with personal information. --call 1-888-5OPTOUT and ask to stop credit card companies from sending pre-approved applications to your house. --ask your credit card companies to cease delivery of "convenience checks" --order a credit report and look for irregularities. Order a report a month or two before large purchases to avoid surprises. --question companies that ask for personal information like a telephone number at a checkout line. --delete any email that asks for personal information. This is to be safe as it's hard to tell what's real and what's not. --hang up on telemarketers who seem to be fishing for personal information like birthdays. --limit number of credit cards you have and inspect your statements closely. Consumer rights fade over time. --Stay organized and prepared as sometimes your information is leaked from companies or hacked out of a computer. All suggestions are courtesy of the Crime Prevention Association of Oregon. For more information on opting out of email lists, phone solicitations, or credit card lists visit the VPD website at http://vpd.vernonia-or.gov and click on the "Preventing I.D. Theft" link.