Estates West Homeowners Association (EWHA) > Community

Saturday, July 31, 2010

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General Tips

Estates West Crime Alert Phone

Estates West Crime Watch has a Crime Alert Phone number, 972.606.3310, for the purpose of advising our community about criminal activities. These criminal activities are updated as they occur. When there are serious criminal activities, Crime Alert signs are placed around Estates West. These signs are bright red and yellow with the wording "Crime Alert" and the phone number is listed. By calling this number, we are able to advise you of the most recent criminal activities. Crime Watch recommends if you are aware of criminal activity in and around your home, call 911 first, and then call the Crime Alert Phone and report your situation. By calling the Crime Alert Phone, you make all residents aware of a community problem, and then Crime Watch can advise everyone of cautions they can take for protection.

A community that is aware of criminal activities can take action to prevent and protect their homes. You may contact the Crime Alert Phone number any time of the day or night for updates of criminal activities in Estates West. Remember- call 911 first and then contact the Crime Alert Phone at 972.606.3310.

Lost/Found Pet Hotline

When a pet has lost their owner, you should contact the Pet Hotline, at 972.967.7387. When you call Crime Watch it only delays action.

Telephone Sales

With the New Year comes many ads and phone calls featuring no risk, high yield investments. Don’t let greed overcome your common sense. Be wary of high pressure sales or demands for cash only. Never make an investment with a stranger over the phone. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!

Fake Emails (Phishing)

Identity theft can occur when a fake email is sent to you claiming to be from your bank or credit card company. They state there is a problem with your account, and you need to log on to a URL included in the email. These emails look like the real thing, but the links are to bogus websites. Do not click any links in these emails or respond to these emails.

Bowie Play Area

It has been brought to my attention that Bowie Elementary is experiencing a lot of trash being deposited behind the school. It appears that this area has become a popular gathering place for teens, and they are trashing the area. If you see people/teens gathered behind the school after school hours, or on the weekend, please call 911, and report the situation. If enough calls are made we can stop the hanging out at Bowie, and the trashing of the play area.

Auto Theft

Remember the LOCK, TAKE and HIDE? LOCK your car, TAKE your keys and HIDE your belongings. A vehicle is stolen every 20 seconds in the U.S. A thief’s greatest enemy is time. The more difficult your car is to steal, the longer it takes to be stolen. Make your car a tougher target to steal. Registering your vehicle in the H.E.A.T. program is one way to combat auto theft and is recommended by the Dallas Police Department. You may register your vehicle on line at www.txwatchyourcar.com or go to your nearest DPD patrol station.

Credit Information

If your credit information has been stolen, contact the fraud department of any of the three major credit bureaus. Ask them to place a fraud alert on your file. The alert will tell lenders to be wary of requests for credit in the person’s name. One call to a credit bureau to report identity theft or fraud will automatically generate notification to the other two agencies. Their numbers are:

Equifax: 1-800-525-6285 or 1-888-766-0008
Experian: 1-888-397-3742
TransUnion: 1-800-680-7289

Home Safety Tips provided by the Dallas Police Department

Install quality locks on windows and doors and keep them locked. Never hide keys in outside places like mailboxes, planters or under the doormat. Leave your extra set of keys with a trusted neighbor, family member or friend. Keep your doors locked at all times.
Mark your property with your Texas driver's license number or identification number..
Video tape the interior of your home and property to remember what you have or HAD. Store the video in a safe place. Make sure to include jewelry and new gifts.
If you are going out of town , tell a trusted neighbor. Put lights and possibly a radio on timers so that the house looks like someone is at home.
Before letting in any delivery or service person, ask for proper identification. If you are the least bit unsure, call the company to obtain verification.
Always make sure that your address number is clear and visible so that emergency personnel can find your home quickly.
Consider installing an alarm system with emergency monitoring in case of burglary, fire or medical emergency.

HELP KEEP YOUR HOME AND YOUR NEIGHBOR SAFE AND HAPPY.

Jackie Long

Crime Watch Chairman

Crime Watch Alerts

INTERNET SCAMS

Using the Internet to set up victims for robbery--

On Aug. 27th, 2008, there was a robbery in Richardson where the victims responded to a posting on Craigslist.com. We have learned that prior to our robbery, Garland PD also had two robberies using the same method to set-up a meeting between potential buyers (victims) and suspects posing as "sellers." Those robberies took place on July 17th and August 1st.

Here is how they are using this Internet auction / listing site to set up victims for robbery---
The suspects post a big ticket item on Craigslist, like a big screen TV or car. The victim(s) respond to the "seller's" ad and express an interest in purchase. The victims are directed to the purported home address of the "seller", which turns out to be either a foreclosure property or a vacant house "for sale" that the suspects have entered illegally. The suspects remove all signs and postings, and even go so far as to tell the buyers, "Don't worry if the house looks vacant. We're moving." The victims are told that the item needs to be sold quickly and to bring cash with them. When the unsuspecting buyers arrive at the address to close the deal, the "sellers" answer the door, invite them inside, and rob the buyers at gunpoint. If they do not have cash with them they are forced to go to an ATM and withdraw money.

We want the public to be aware of this type of crime. It has the potential to be very dangerous and we want to give the public some tips on how to avoid being the victim of a crime like this.

> While thousands of Internet transactions take place safely and without incident each and every day, realize that criminals are also using the Internet to set up victims for fraud, Identity Theft, and now robbery. Treat Internet transactions as you would any other with a stranger, especially those that result in a face-to-face meeting to close the deal. You do not know with whom you are dealing nor their intentions, much like an anonymous phone call from a stranger.

> Even today, the old advice still applies-- do business only with those you know and trust. A known retailer or catalog house might be a consideration, especially for the big ticket items. Be cautious with transactions that might mimic these robberies. Look and listen for any signs of a set-up. If you feel uncomfortable with a meeting, trust your instincts and leave immediately.

> Residents should keep an eye on vacant homes on their streets. Be alert to suspicious activity beyond what one would associate with normal home buyer interest. Jot down license numbers of any vehicle that tweeks interest, and call police if you suspect someone has no legitimate business on or inside a vacant property.
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ROTC Fundraising Scam in RISD--
Richardson Independent School District has learned that unknown individuals are currently canvassing RISD neighborhoods, claiming to be raising funds to start an ROTC program at Richardson High School. These claims are not legitimate, and no one associated with the district, including the Junior ROTC program at Berkner HS, is involved in any such fundraising efforts.
RISD wants people to know that if they are approached by anyone claiming to be raising funds for an ROTC program, they should not give money, but should instead report the solicitors to the police. A police report is being filed and RISD asked RPD to assist in getting the word out to residents.

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