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10 04 13 JTF1       The latest from the Mendota Heights Police Department SUPPORT STAFF Kim Henning Trista Miller Becky Pentel POLICE OFFICERS Jerry Murphy Scott Patrick John Larrive Bobby Lambert Tanner Spicer Todd Rosse Chad Willson Jeff Vonfeldt Steven Meyer Denise Urmann Michael Shepard Peyton Fleming SCHOOL RESOURCE OFC. Jennifer Fordham INVESTIGATIONS Mario Reyes Chad Willson SERGEANTS Neil Garlock Brian Convery Eric Petersen RESERVES Randy Pentel Jim Knox Jeff Parker George Castillo CHAPLAINS Frances Cuenca Joel Detlefsen Lynn Liberman Butch Millett Sue Plucker John Snider David Wick CHIEF Mike Aschenbrener OCTOBER 4, 2013 Submitted By: Police Ofϐicer Denise Urmann Domestic Violence Awareness Month evolved from the first Day of Unity observed in October, 1981 by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. The intent was to connect battered women’s advocates across the nation who were working to end violence against women and their children. In October 1987, the first Domestic Violence Awareness Month was observed and first national toll-free hotline was begun. In 1989 the first Domestic Violence Awareness Month Commemora- tive Legislation was passed by the U.S. Congress. Such legislation has passed every year since with NCADV providing key leadership in this effort. The Purple Ribbon Campaign: Across the country, families and friends of domestic violence victims have adopted the purple ribbon to honor loved ones who have lost their lives at the hands of someone they loved and trusted. The display of purple ribbons conveys a powerful message that there is no place for domestic violence in the homes, neighborhoods, schools, or workplaces in our community. Talk to your Family: Open communication about domestic violence, including appropriate behavior and boundaries, especially when dating, and what to do if you experience any type of behavior outside of these boundaries is important. Speak Up: If you have reason to suspect someone you know is a victim of domestic violence--do not ignore it! Should you witness abuse, whether it is someone you know or a complete stranger, call 911 immediately. If you SEE something SAY something! Brought to you by the Minnesota Crime Prevention Association October 1st marked the 10th Anniversary of National Cyber Security Awareness Month This year, the Department of Homeland Security is offering a 10 year outlook on the antici- pated cybersecurity challenges , hosting topics on cyber security issue: Cyberspace is woven into the fabric of our daily lives; our world is more interconnected today than ever before. We enjoy the beneϐits and convenience that cyberspace provides as we shop and bank online, using our smart phones, and network and interact with friends from around the world through social networks. With those conveniences also comes the need for awareness and caution. With that in mind, DHS offers these weekly topics: Week 1 (Oct 1‐4): Cyber Security is our Shared Responsibility Week 2 (Oct 7‐11): Being Mobile: Online Safety & Security Week 3 (Oct 15‐18): Cyber Workforce and the Next Generation of Cyber Leaders Week 4 (Oct 21‐25): Cyber Crime Week 5 (Oct 28‐31): Critical Infrastructure & Cybersecurity: For more detailed information, resources, tips and how to get involved, please visit: http://www.dhs.gov/national-cyber-security-awareness-month 2     DAR Wednesday 2242 Hours While on routine patrol, Sergeant Eric Petersen observed a vehicle weaving over the fog line. After running the plates, he discovered that not only was the sole driver’s license revoked, but he also last renewed tabs in 2011; however, the vehicle displayed 2013 tabs. He also had a long list of several “fail to appears. “ The driv- er was booked at DC jail for a revocation and fines. Theft Wednesday 1700 Hours Several tools were stolen from a locked storage unit at a local construction site. The thief managed to cut a link out of the heavy duty chain link lock that was securing the tools in the POD. The tools were valued at over $7,000. Officer Scott Patrick advised the team of other suggestions to keep the construction site secure from future thefts. Later in the week, another construction site had tools stolen as well. Cases referred to Investigations. Slow Pursuit Thursday 0203 Hours Officer Steve Meyer watched a vehicle traveling very fast in a 40 mph zone and soon initiated a traffic stop. The driver took awhile to pull over, and when approached, Officer Meyer soon realized there was a language barrier with the driver/sole occupant. The driver offered up his safety glasses and work ID card first, and eventually he finally understood he needed to give him his DL and proof of insurance. Officer Meyer told the man to stay in his seat while he returned to his squad to run the DL; as he did so, the driver put his car in drive and headed onto the highway. Officer Meyer followed, with lights, spotlights and a bit later, sirens, but the man wouldn’t stop. He was driving carefully, following all the laws (obviously—there was a police of- ficer right behind him!) but even when four other squads showed up to assist, with their lights and sirens go- ing, he kept driving, safely and legally. Officers finally utilized a pursuit tactic to stop the vehicle. While communication was tough, they did ascertain it wasn’t criminal intent that caused the pursuit, rather a lack of knowledge about driving laws and expectations of law enforcement. Another driver evaluation was re- quested; citation issued for speed and failing to yield to emergency vehicle. Theft from Auto Several There has been several calls of theft from autos in the recent weeks. The bandits retrieved some items of value and others just ransacked the vehicles. In many of these cases, the cars were left unlocked. It is highly recommended that you remove all valuables from your vehicles and lock your vehicles to reduce the risk of theft. It is unfortunate that theft from auto is becoming a new trend, but we all need to do our part in not letting these bandits get what they want and let them know that they are not wanted in our community. Cyber Fraud Friday 1442 Hours Officer Todd Rosse responded to a call on a fraud report. The victim received an email from a company offering internet service support for their newly purchased product. The victim purchased this ser- vice for $149.99 plus tax, paying with their bank card. The victim heard nothing from this company for sev- eral months and no change in service was ever completed. They then received a phone call from this alleged company stating they were owed a refund due to the service not being provided but needed a different credit card to refund the money to. After providing this info, the victim found yet another charge of $149.99. The victim attempted to call back the phone number but the line was disconnected. They cancelled their bank cards just in time—their bank informed them someone tried to push an international charge of $875. BE AWARE of all correspondence you receive from any source of technology to avoid becoming a victim. 3     Driver Evaluation #2 Friday 2110 Hours While on routine patrol, Officer Michael Shepard observed a vehicle without headlights or taillights on. He activated his emergency lights and attempted to stop the vehicle. It continued to drive so Shepard put the spotlight on them to get their attention further. Still, they continued driving. He then activated the audible siren in his third attempt to stop the vehicle. The vehicle eventually came to a stop. He approached the ve- hicle to find three occupants. The driver had on a large smile, saying “yes” repeatedly to all questions. Realiz- ing there was a language barrier, he asked the other occupants if they spoke English; one did and helped in- terpret. The driver stated it was difficult to see in the dark; Shepard informed her it was probably because the headlights weren't on. Shepard instructed the driver on the operation of the headlights; after learning this, the driver promptly turned them off again. The driver did have a valid MN license and no history of viola- tions. Officer Shepard prepared a request for examination of the driver as driving skills seemed not up to par. Driver cited. Drunk Sunday 0124 Hours Officer Michael Shepard observed a vehicle passing him at a very high rate of speed, 100mph at that. He approached the vehicle to find a juvenile who was heavily intoxicated but stated he was “drunk, not wasted.” After searching the juvenile and vehicle, he found a jar of marijuana, a 1/2 full bottle of Crown, a bag of wine removed from the box, and a double edged knife . The vehicle was towed and the juvenile was driven home with his citations to deal with parental consequences. Tax Evasion Sunday 0657 Hours Officers Tanner Spicer and Jeff VonFeldt discovered a vehicle with expired 2013 tabs but displaying 2014 tabs. Spicer stopped the vehicle and detected an odor of marijuana coming from the vehicle. The driver stated his cousin must have put the tabs on when he used the vehicle and also that his license was revoked. The tabs appeared to be handmade or counterfeit. Upon searching the vehicle, Spicer found a marijuana pipe, baggies with a white residue and pills. The vehicle was towed, and the driver was arrested for Intent to Escape Motor Vehicle Tax and Felony 5th Degree Controlled Substance charges. The driver was also cited for DAR and possession of drug paraphernalia. Burglary Wednesday 1235 Hours Officer Peyton Fleming responded to a call of a burglary. He met with the homeowners who stated when they arrived home they noticed things looked out of order with a couple of drawers opened. They soon no- ticed the 46” television was missing out of the living room, along with two laptops. They also found the slid- ing glass door to the backyard was open and a screen that had been cut on a window was left open. Serial numbers were obtained for the valuables that were stolen and the case is under investigation.   4     Investigators Mario Reyes and Chad Willson received an email of appreciation from AV Specialist and Film Studies Instructor Dann Hurlbert with ISD197 thanking them for sharing their expertise in creating the video “Managing Your Digital Footprint.” Stay posted to next week’s JTF for more information on the video! Please send us your positive feedback on our staff to: pdrecords@ mendota-heights.com Your feedback is greatly appreciated and helps boost the morale of our staff. Have a Safe Week! 09/27‐10/04 2013 YTD Calls for Service 151 6,524 Citations 23 1,194 Warnings 22 1,024 Police Reports 22 806 Response Time Average 5.72 5.14 Check out the MH Crime Map! Click below to search your neighborhood: http://mendota.prophoenix.com/CS/CrimeMapping.aspx If you are a Mendota Heights resident and you are going out of town or on vacation, you can notify MHPD of your outing and we will be more than happy to keep a watchful eye on your home while you are away. The House Check Request online form is available on our website; we have similar forms in the MHPD lobby and we will take your info over the phone. MHPD offers monthly Car Seat Safety Checks. To schedule an appointment, call 651.452.1366 to contact Ofϐicer Jennifer Fordham. MHPD has a Medication Disposal Box in the lobby of the PD where Dakota County residents can safely and anonymously dispose of their prescription drugs and over-the-counter medication.