CitizenObserver

Attempts to Scam Elderly Citizens in Fort Thomas

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 17:58:12 GMT

The Fort Thomas Police Department has received information that an elderly resident of Fort Thomas has been receiving phone calls from a female subject who was asking him questions about his banking, and wanting his banking account numbers, social security number, etc. He didn’t tell her anything and went right away to his bank, where the employees at the bank said several people had also called, reporting that they had received similar phone calls also. With this information, it appears that there is at least one individual, and possibly more, that are making attempts to obtain highly sensitive personal information, from elderly residents in particular, hoping that an unsuspecting victim will drop their guard and disclose this information.

The Fort Thomas Police Department HIGHLY stresses that, at no time, should anyone disclose their social security number, date of birth, banking account numbers, credit card numbers, etc. to any individual that is requesting such information over the phone, or who comes to your home requesting such information.

Whenever this occurs, you should UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES provide this information. There are countless scams out there, and most of these types of scams specifically target the elderly. Remember, if someone calls you claiming to be from your bank requesting some or all of the aforementioned personal information about you, they should already have this information at their disposal if they were truly from your bank.

Don’t be a victim! If you get such a phone call or unexpected visitor to your home, terminate the call or home visit, DO NOT DISCLOSE ANY OF YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION, and contact the police immediately.

If you have any questions or seek additional advice, please contact Detective Ray Metz of the Fort Thomas Police Department at 441-6562.

Fort Thomas - Elderly Scam attempted

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 03:41:13 GMT

Tuesday June 2nd an elderly female resident in Fort Thomas called to report that two white males driving a grey SUV came to her front door and stated they were working with the city and the phone company. She stated both men were clean cut and the SUV was very nice, but the only descriptors she could provide was a 4 door vehicle with no logos. One of the men was of thin build and the second male was heavy build.

The men stated they wanted to give her $30.00 to use her electric while they trimmed the trees from around the wires. While walking around the outside of the house they were carrying a clip board with flashing lights attached and stated that the light meant she had static in her phone lines that they had to fix. The elderly owner stated she wanted to put her shoes on and come out and look at the trees.

When she turned around to get her shoes out of the kitchen, the thin build man followed her into the house uninvited. She stated her dog never growls at strangers, but the dog practically ran this guy out of the house. The intended victim stated they could not produce any identification and she asked them to come back when she had family at the house. The suspicious males acted offended and left the area. The neighbor stated nobody came to their house and they did not see the suspects.”

This is a form of the old scheme:

Distraction / Impostor Burglary

A suspect comes to you house claiming to be from a City or County agency such as a utility worker. He needs to come into your house to check for problems. Once inside the suspect distracts you and steals cash and other valuables.

Crime Prevention / Safety Tips

Do not open the door for individuals you do not recoginize.

Do not tell them you are home alone.

If the people claim to be with a utility or government agency ask to see their identification cards.

Call the police if these individuals can not identify themselves and or if they are suspicious acting.

Always report any suspicious acrivity to the police.

Fort Thomas - Theft from vehicles

Wed, 03 Jun 2009 03:07:48 GMT

The Fort Thomas Police received reports of theft from vehicles in the Riverside, Sunset and Miami Parkway Subdivision (Fort Thomas). Most of the vehicles were unlocked. Suspects entered the vehicles and removed various items from them. This occurred from Thursday May28th to the morning of Friday May 29^th. Time frame appears to have been overnight between 10 PM to 6 AM..

Detectives are working the case and appreciate if you have seen anything suspicious in the area during the time frame listed please contact Detective Metz at 859-441-6562

Crime Prevention / Safety Tips

Don't leave personal identification or credit cards in your vehicle.
Remove parcels from view.
Never leave your keys in an unattended vehicle, even when running a quick errand.
Always lock the doors and roll up the windows tightly.
Don't hide spare keys - they can be found.
Never put your name or address on your house or car keys. This can lead the thief to your home and encourage easy access. Your vehicle registration number is sufficient. As well, keep vehicle and house keys on a separate key ring.
Park in well lit areas with pedestrian traffic. Park your vehicle facing the street. Anyone tampering with it is more likely to be seen.
If you have a garage, use it. Lock both the vehicle and garage.
Consider installing anti-theft devices.

Public Health - H1N1 Swine Flu Update

Mon, 04 May 2009 13:14:15 GMT

Public Health Reports Probable H1N1 Swine Flu Case in Hardin County Resident

Specimen Has Been Sent to CDC for Further Testing

FRANKFORT, Ky. (May 4, 2009) The Kentucky Department for Public Health (DPH) will report Kentucky’s fifth probable case of H1N1 (swine flu), involving a Hardin County toddler, to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) today.

"We continue to investigate and identify possible cases of H1N1 swine flu in Kentucky," said William Hacker, M.D., commissioner of DPH. "There are no special recommendations to individuals other than to stay informed and focus on practicing good health habits. In partnership with local health officials, we evaluate the circumstances surrounding all cases we detect to ensure the appropriate precautions are taken to help prevent the further spread of the illness.”

The new probable case in Hardin County involves a toddler with a history of recent travel to an affected area in the U.S. The child has not been hospitalized. Health officials from the Lincoln Trail District Health Department are investigating the case, and will evaluate close contacts for illness and possible preventive treatment.

The child attends a child care center on Fort Knox and local health officials have been working closely with Fort Knox health officials. Fort Knox officials have voluntarily closed the child care center through at least Wednesday of this week. Parents of children who attend the Fort Knox child care center are encouraged to keep their children at home and to notify their physician if their child develops any flu-like symptoms.

Last week, DPH reported Kentucky’s first cases of swine flu, a confirmed case involving a Warren County woman who is hospitalized in Georgia and probable cases in the Barren River Health District, Fayette County, Montgomery County and Daviess County. Results from CDC on the samples for those cases are not yet available.

Kentucky health officials continue to ask that Kentuckians who have traveled recently to Mexico or other countries or communities within the U.S. where the new H1N1 influenza strain known as swine flu has been reported, or who are planning such travel, be alert for the symptoms of swine flu in the following ways:

- Monitor yourself and travel companions for symptoms of fever, chills, headache, sore throat, cough, body aches, and vomiting or diarrhea.

- If symptoms of illness develop within seven days of travel return, seek evaluation by a health care provider as soon as possible.

- Be sure to tell your health care provider about your recent travel and suggest testing for influenza.

- Stay home from work, school and other public places until you are feeling well.

People who have been in close contact with a person who has been diagnosed with swine flu or who reside in communities where there are one or more confirmed swine flu cases should also be alert for these symptoms.

"Kentucky is taking every precaution in responding to this new strain of H1N1," said Gov. Beshear. "Health officials are working to detect all possible cases of swine flu and respond with the appropriate preventive measures. Individuals should continue to monitor this situation as it develops and practice basic measures to stay healthy, such as hand washing and staying home when sick."

Common sense precautions to prevent illness include: avoiding close contact with those who are ill; staying home when sick; covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing; avoiding touching the eyes, nose or mouth; and frequent hand washing.

Currently, there are more than 141 confirmed cases of swine flu reported in the U.S., a number that is expected to continue to grow. The World Health Organization and CDC have reported numerous human cases of a severe respiratory illness in at least three different regions of Mexico. The number of cases has risen steadily during April 2009. Laboratory testing of patient specimens has confirmed infections with swine influenza ("swine flu") A/H1N1 virus. This is a newly emerging, animal-origin virus that is now being spread from an infected person to another person.

For more information on swine flu, visit: http://cdc.gov/swineflu. Individuals can also visit http://healthalerts.ky.gov for information on swine flu and Kentucky, or follow KYHealthAlerts on Twitter to be notified when new information is posted at the Web site. The Lincoln Trail District Health Department’s Web site is: www.ltdhd.ky.gov.

Contact: Gwenda Bond or Vikki Franklin (502) 564-6786, ext. 3325 and 3429

Statewide - swine flu update

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 20:06:22 GMT

Statewide News Release Contact: Gwenda Bond or Vikki Franklin

(502) 564-6786, ext. 3325 and 3429

Governor Beshear Announces First Swine Flu Cases Reported by Public Health

Specimen Will be Sent to CDC for Further Testing

FRANKFORT, Ky. (April 30, 2009) Gov. Steve Beshear announced that the Kentucky Department for Public Health (DPH) will report one confirmed case and one probable case of swine flu to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) today.

“Like the rest of the nation, we are concerned about the spread of this new strain of swine flu," said Gov. Beshear. "I want to assure Kentuckians that health officials here are responding aggressively to detect possible cases of swine flu and respond with the appropriate preventive measures. Individuals should continue to monitor this situation as it develops and practice basic measures to stay healthy, such as hand washing and staying home when sick."

The confirmed case involves a woman from Warren County who had recently traveled to Mexico. The patient is currently hospitalized in Georgia, and samples were submitted to CDC for confirmation by Georgia health officials. Officials from the Barren River Health District are actively investigating the circumstances of this case to determine whether any contacts of the patient may be ill or need preventive treatment.

The probable case that is being reported involves an infant from another area within the Barren River Health District who had been in close contact with an individual who recently traveled to Mexico. It is unrelated to the confirmed case. The child's family and other close contacts are being evaluated for illness and possible preventive treatment. The child has not been hospitalized. A sample from the patient has been sent to the CDC for further testing to determine whether swine flu is the cause of illness. The name of the county in which the patient resides will be released if the case is confirmed.

Kentucky health officials ask that Kentuckians who have traveled recently to Mexico or other countries or communities within the U.S. where the new H1N1 influenza strain known as swine flu has been reported, or who are planning such travel, be alert for the symptoms of swine flu in the following ways:

- Monitor yourself and travel companions for symptoms of fever, chills, headache, sore throat, cough, body aches, and vomiting or diarrhea.

- If symptoms of illness develop within seven days of travel return, seek evaluation by a health care provider as soon as possible.

- Be sure to tell your health care provider about your recent travel and suggest testing for influenza.

- Stay home from work, school and other public places until you are feeling well.

"There are many things we don't yet know about this illness," said William Hacker, M.D., commissioner of DPH. "That is why we are responding with an abundance of caution and monitoring its spread so closely. At this point, individuals should remain aware of developments related to swine flu and practice good health habits."

Currently, there are more than 90 confirmed cases of swine flu reported in the U.S., a number that is expected to continue to grow. The World Health Organization and CDC have reported numerous human cases of a severe respiratory illness in at least three different regions of Mexico. The number of cases has risen steadily during April 2009. Laboratory testing of patient specimens has confirmed infections with swine influenza ("swine flu") A/H1N1 virus. This is a newly emerging, animal-origin virus that is now being spread from an infected person to another person.

Swine Flu Update

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 02:34:11 GMT

As you are probably aware, the outbreak of Swine Flu in Mexico and parts of the United States has been

in the news lately. This news coverage has resulted in phone calls to the police department and other offices in

city government, with many questions and concerns. This update is being sent to share information on the

topic.

First, the good news – There have been no reported, confirmed cases of Swine Flu in Kentucky, or in the

Greater Cincinnati area.

Prevention is the key. You are encouraged to use appropriate precautions to make sure you are not

exposed to or spreading illnesses. This would include things such as:

- Wash your hands frequently.

- Avoid people whom you know to be sick.

- Cover you mouth, using a tissue, handkerchief, or the crook of your elbow when sneezing or

coughing. Don’t not cough or sneeze into your hand.

- When you are sick, do not go to school, work, or public places.

For more information on this topic, please visit the web site for the Northern Kentucky Health

Department at: www.nkyhealth.org

Information on Campbell County?s Storm Alert System

Thu, 16 Apr 2009 02:30:49 GMT

The Spring-time storm season is upon us. We wanted to share this important information about Campbell County’s Storm Alert System with you. This information was put together by the Campbell County Office of Emergency Management. (Please remember, if you are outside of Campbell County, their system may function differently.)

OUTDOOR ALERTING SIRENS

Campbell County has a network of twenty (20) outdoor alerting sirens strategically located in densely populated areas and outdoor activity areas such as parks and the county golf course. These outdoor warning sirens are controlled from the Campbell County Dispatch Center. The sirens are intended to alert persons involved in

outdoor activities that severe weather is approaching.

Persons hearing the outdoor alerting siren should seek shelter and obtain additional information from commercial radio or television or from NOAA Weather Radio.

They should not call 911. They may cause an overload of the 911 system and people having true emergencies will not be able to get through to the 911 center.

To receive severe weather warnings when indoors, we recommend a NOAA Weather Radio with “tone

alert” feature and battery backup.

When will the Alerting System be used?

1. Tornado Warning

2. Severe Thunderstorm Warning while under a Tornado Watch

3. A Tornado is spotted by a Storm Spotter or Public Safety Officer

4. A single or group of sirens can be set off at the request of a Fire Chief or by Emergency management for a Chemical Emergency.

TESTING OF THE OUTDOOR ALERTING SYSTEM

Monthly Audible Tests: A short, audible test will be conducted on the First Wednesday of every month at 12:00 PM unless there is severe weather in the area. The test will be a Growl Test, meaning that the siren will go off for two seconds, and then wind down.

Annual Audible Tests: A Full Test will be conducted annually, during the Kentucky Severe Weather Preparedness Month (March of each year). The test will occur on the same day and time as the other tests, but it will be sounded for three full minutes, using a steady tone. This will be the same tone that would be used in the case of an actual Alert.

Silent Tests & Alarm System: The system performs a silent self-check each day and will alert the County Dispatch Center if the system encounters a problem or if someone attempts to tamper with the system.

Unscheduled Tests: The system may be tested at other times, but this testing would be of a short duration of less than 30 seconds at a time. This testing would be for maintenance purposes only.

Siren Locations: There are 20 sirens located throughout the county, in the following locations:

Siren No. Site/Location City Address

1 2nd and Columbia Newport 200 Block of Columbia

2 Rt. 8 @ I-471 Newport Rt. 8 @ I-471 - S/W Corner

3 Vets Park Newport End of Caroline

4 Dayton FD Dayton 514 Sixth Street

5 St. Catherine Ft. Thomas 1083 N. Ft. Thomas Avenue

6 Moyer School Ft. Thomas 219 Highland Avenue

7 Woodfield School Ft. Thomas 1025 Alexandria Pike

8 Wilder City Building Wilder 520 Licking Pike

9 Johns Hill Road Wilder Johns Hill at Observatory

10 Highland Hts. FS Highland Hts 116 Renshaw Road

11 Cold Spring FS Cold Spring 4113 Alexandria Pike

12 Us 27 @ East Alex. Alexandria 7201 Alexandria Pike

13 County Courthouse Alexandria 19 East Main Street

14 Campbell Co. HS Alexandria 25 West Lickert Road

15 A.J. Jolly Park County A.J. Jolly Golf Course on Hillside

16 Silver Grove FS Silver Grove 101 Four Mile Road

17 Pendrey Park Melbourne At the park on Route 8

18 Eastern Campbell FS Mentor 45 Smith Road

19 Shadow Lake Cold Spring At End of Lake Watch Court

20 Steffen Drive Wilder Next to UDF

Authority:

Chief of Police William Cole

Bellevue Police Department

Office: 859-261-1122

Burglarproof a house on the cheap - Bellevue Police Department

Tue, 07 Apr 2009 03:13:54 GMT

The following is an article sent to us via the Kentucky Crime Prevention Coalition. We are forwarding it to you to help you prevent becoming the victim of a crime.

Burglarproof a house on the cheap

CONSUMER REPORTS

As if the economy didn’t cause enough anxiety, we also have to worry about someone breaking in and stealing our stuff. Yes, it’s true — after years of decline, some cities are seeing a rise in burglary and other property crimes. Many metro areas, almost half of the 124 cities that responded to a survey by the U.S. Conference of Mayors, are seeing an uptick in crime, including residential burglary, especially in neighborhoods where many foreclosed homes sit empty.

So what can we do to protect our homes without draining our wallets on expensive security systems? ShopSmart, the shopping magazine published by Consumer Reports, recently shared low-cost and free strategies that can make all the difference.

"There are at least half a dozen free things you can do right now to make your home a less attractive target for thieves," said Lisa Lee Freeman, the editor-in-chief of ShopSmart. "An alarm system or even a dog can be effective, but so is taking your name off your mailbox and being mindful of your trash."

10 cheap, easy ways to thwart thieves

ShopSmart consulted with security professionals, experts at the National Crime Prevention Council and on-staff authorities on doors, locks, alarms, and more to gather these tips:

•Install motion-sensor lights around the perimeter of the house. Outdoor lighting around the perimeter of a home will help stop a thief from approaching under cover of darkness.

Look for lights with an adjustable sensitivity setting to avoid false alarms. Cost: $23-plus

•Make sure windows and doors are closed and locked when leaving the house. This may seem obvious, but they are the entry points in one-third of all burglaries. To reinforce side-sliding windows and sliding doors, put a sturdy bar or board in the track. Cost: FREE

•Take the name off the mailbox. A thief can call 411 with someone’s name and get a home number, then call to find out if anyone is home. Cost: FREE

•Install a deadbolt with a sturdy strike plate secured by 3-inch screws that go into the frame. A thief might be able to kick in a door that has anything else. The Weslock 671, Emtek Low Profile 8455 and anything from Medeco are good options. Cost: $30-plus

•If you’re buying a new door, avoid buying ones with big glass panes. If you already have a big piece of glass in your door, laminate the glass. Thin sheets of plastic will make glass tough to smash and, when it is installed correctly, it’s invisible. Try 3M’s 28-ply Ultra Safety and Security Clear Window Film. Cost: $9 per square foot, or about $135 for a 3x5 foot window, plus installation

•Lock up the ladder and other tools in the garage. This will eliminate the chance of a burglar using them to climb in or smash a window. Cost: FREE

•Turn down the telephone ringer when no one is home. Loud rings can often be heard from outside — a dead giveaway that the coast is clear for a burglary. Cost: FREE

•Put lamps and a radio on a timer. This will make a house look and sound lived-in even when everyone is out. These simple gadgets are sold at hardware and discount stores and are a snap to set up. Try First Alert or Intermatic brand timers. Cost: $9 to $18

•Destroy evidence of large-ticket purchases in the trash. A big-screen TV box on the curb could be a big advertisement for criminals looking for a target. Cost: FREE

•Hide valuables in the right places. Putting a key under a fake rock, jewelry in the sock drawer and cash under the mattress are old tricks that will not fool anyone. Instead, stash valuables in a fake wall outlet, above a ceiling tile, in a hollowed-out book among dozens of real books, or in the leg of a coffee table. Cost: From FREE to $25

Attorney General Conway Warns Kentuckians About "Jamaican" Telemarketing Prize Scam

Mon, 16 Mar 2009 11:40:18 GMT

Attorney General Jack Conway today cautioned Kentuckians to be wary of

any telephone calls telling them they have won a prize or been selected

to receive millions of dollars so long as they pay a small processing fee.

"From the reports we're receiving right now, the caller informs the

person who answers the phone that he or she will be receiving $2.5

million. The only condition to receiving this money is that the winner

has to send a check or wire money to the organization in Kingston,

Jamaica prior to getting the prize," General Conway said. "This is a

hoax. Do not be fooled. You will not receive the promised money."

The caller may also try to suggest that the citizen has been selected to

receive a large amount of money from a government agency as part of the

stimulus package. Although the supposed reason for the call may vary,

they all promise a valuable prize if the person pays a relatively small

processing fee so that the prize can be delivered.

The Office of Attorney General recommends that Kentuckians follow these

tips to protect themselves against telephone scams like this:

*Never send any money to claim a "prize." If you are asked to send

MONEY to claim a prize IT IS A SCAM and you should hang up.

*Beware of any caller who claims to be an IRS official, a bank official

or a U.S. Customs agent announcing they are "holding your prize check"

until a fee is sent to release the funds.

*Do not send money by wire service or check to a telemarketer telling

you they are holding money for you.

*Never give your credit-card, social security or bank account number to

someone you don't know.

*Never call a 900 number to claim a prize. 900 numbers can charge high

fees so even if you don't send money for the prize, you will receive a

large bill just for the call.

If you receive a suspicious telemarketing call, please contact the

Office of the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Hotline at

1-888-432-9257.

Approved for Citizen Alert:

Chief William Cole

Bellevue Police Department

859-261-1122

Attorney General Conway Warns Kentuckians About "Jamaican" Telemarketing Prize Scam

Mon, 16 Mar 2009 11:33:49 GMT