CitizenObserver

Citizen Police Academy

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 20:01:34 GMT

The City of Derby is looking for residents interested in learning more about their local police department and getting hands on experience working in a law enforcement setting for its Citizen Police Academy, a free 12-week course. The Academy runs from February 21 through May 8, 2012. Interested participants can register now through February 10. Participants are required to be a resident of Derby, work in Derby, or own a business in Derby and be at least 18 years of age. If an applicant has a felony or serious misdemeanor convictions on their record they cannot participate in the academy. Classes will be held each Tuesday from 6:30-9:30 p.m. at the Police & Courts Building, 229 N. Baltimore.

Through discussion, demonstration and hands-on experience, participants will explore a variety of topics, including patrol and response to calls, criminal investigation, use of force, and legal issues involving search, seizure and interrogation. In addition, participants will have an opportunity to ride with a Derby police officer.

Applications for the Citizen Police Academy may be picked up and submitted at the Derby Police Department, 229 N. Baltimore, or downloaded from the city web site, www.derbyweb.com.

For more information, contact MPO Matt Liston at mattliston@derbyweb.com or by calling 788-1557.

Impersonating a Police Officer

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 19:21:07 GMT

On November 2^nd, 2011 between 3:00 PM and 3:30 PM a Derby citizen was pulled over by a male impersonating a Police Officer. The car is described as a gray Ford Crown Vic with blue and red flashing lights in the grill. The individual is described as a medium complexion black male approximately 6 feet tall between the ages of 18 to 24. He was wearing a navy blue uniform with long sleeves with a Derby patch on the right sleeve and an American flag on the left sleeve. Suspect pants were also navy blue but did not have a blue stripe. The suspect was wearing a nylon belt with a cloth holster and had a silver badge and name tag. The suspect had a slight unknown accent and left in a hurry when the citizen asked him for his badge number.

Members of the Derby Police Department do operate unmarked police cars with lights in the windows and not in the grill. If you are pulled over by an unmarked car and you are unsure if the car is a legitimate police car do the following: turn your hazard lights on to acknowledge that you know an officer is behind you; continue to drive and then if you can call 911 and confirm that a police officer is actually behind you; if you do not have a cell phone drive to a convenience store or an area where there are people; drive to the police department, city hall or one of the fire departments if possible; if you stop and are still unsure ask the officer to have a marked patrol car come to the location. A commissioned police officer will contact an available marked unit to ease your concern.

If you have any information on this individual or have seen a car matching this description, with lights in the grill, contact the Derby Police Department. The case number to reference is 201103772. You may also contact Derby Crime Stoppers at 788-tips.

Counterfeit U.S. Currency

Thu, 08 Sep 2011 21:13:10 GMT

In recent weeks the number of counterfeit currency encountered by businesses or citizens in Derby has increased. Several twenties, fifties and hundreds are being used in transactions. The larger bills such as the hundreds have been found at garage sales. Some of these bills are actual currency that the original ink has been washed off and printed over with a higher denomination. The detecting pen will not work on these bills. Here are a few tips that may help you with detecting counterfeit bills.

Have your employees that are working cash registers take a closer look at denominations that are twenty dollars and higher. These bills may appear lighter or darker then what you have seen and the bill itself may not feel right. The bill denomination number in the right hand corner should be reflective or change color in the light. The lines on the face on the front of the bill may be blurred or missing in places. The serial numbers will not be crisply printed and may be slightly blurred. The borders on the edges of the bills may not be evenly cut. If the bill has been washed to take off the original ink, it may have a chemical smell. In some of the cases, the bill has been torn or burned to cover up a flaw in the reprinting.

U.S. currency is made with cotton and will have colored fibers imbedded in the bills. The embedded strip will either be missing or will have a lower denomination on it. The embedded strip is visible when held up to the light. The five dollar bill is the most common that we have seen that has been washed and reprinted. The embedded strip in the five dollar bill will read USA FIVE. On one of the hundred dollar bills we found the holographic head of Lincoln when held up to the light instead of Franklin.

If you or your employees encounter a counterfeit or a suspicious bill do not confront the subject. At this point you will help the police department more by becoming a good witness. Take note of facial features, scars, tattoos, clothing etc. Attempt to get the type and color of the vehicle that the suspects are driving. A tag on the vehicle is helpful if the tag number can be recorded without placing you or your employee at risk. If time allows or the opportunity presents itself attempt to contact the police department prior to the suspect leaving.

Please feel free to contact the members of the Derby Police Department if you have questions at (316) 788-1557. You may also go to the following website for more information on the detection of counterfeit bills; http://www.secretservice.gov/know_your_money.shtml

Counterfeit U.S. Currency

Thu, 08 Sep 2011 21:06:45 GMT

Counterfeit U.S. Currency

Thu, 08 Sep 2011 21:02:51 GMT

Self Defense Class

Thu, 16 Jun 2011 12:49:19 GMT

The Derby Police Department will be hosting a two hour self defense class for women on Tuesday, 6/28/11, beginning at 6:30 P.m. and ending at 8:30 PM. The class will be held at the Derby Police Department.

To register please call Renee Doyle at 788-1557. Class size is limited to 20 participants. You must be at least 14 years of age to attend. If this class fills up we will offer another class in the near future.

Derby Police to hold self defense class.

Mon, 13 Jun 2011 19:28:49 GMT

The Derby Police Department will be hosting a two hour self defense class for women on Saturday, 6/18/11, beginning at 10:00 a.m. and ending at noon. The class will be held at the Derby Police Department.

To register please call Renee Doyle at 788-1557. Class size is limited to 20 participants. You must be at least 14 years of age to attend. If this class fills up we will offer a second class on Saturday, 6/25/2011.

Police Seek Suspect

Mon, 06 Jun 2011 23:33:38 GMT

On Monday, June 6, 2011 at approximately 8:45 a.m., an unknown male entered a residence in the Glen Hills neighborhood through an unlocked door and threatened the female resident with a knife. The victim received minor cuts/scratches during the assault. The suspect fled the scene in an unknown direction of travel.

The suspect is described as an unknown male, unknown height, medium build, brown eyes, dark blue long-sleeve shirt and black jeans. No vehicle was seen.

Anyone with information regarding this crime is encouraged to call the Derby Police Department at 788-1557 or Derby Crime Stoppers at 788-TIPS.

Derby Police Seek Suspect in Assault Case

Thu, 12 May 2011 18:02:07 GMT

At approximately 9:00 p.m. on May 11, 2011 a Derby woman was approached by an unidentified male while in her garage, threatened with a knife and assaulted. The woman lives in the Glen Hills Addition.

The suspect is described as a white male, 5’10" to 6’, thin to medium build, wearing a black ski mask, black nylon jacket, tight black jeans, black high top tennis shoes and black gloves. He fled the scene on foot. No vehicle description is available.

If you have any information regarding this case, please contact the Derby Police Department at 788-1557 or Derby Crime Stoppers at 788-TIPS.

Derby Police Will Hold Community Meeting on April 3

Fri, 01 Apr 2011 20:12:20 GMT

The Derby Police Department is holding a community meeting on Sunday, April 3 at 2:00 p.m. in the City Council Room at City Hall, 611 Mulberry Rd. The purpose of the meeting is to provide crime prevention information to the public and respond to questions regarding a recent sexual assault that happened in Derby.

The sexual assault occurred Monday, March 28 in the Glen Hills Addition near Rock Road and James Street. A female resident reported that an unknown male entered her residence shortly before noon and assaulted her. He is described as being 5’ 7” to 5’ 10” tall, medium build, wearing a black ski mask, dark-colored shirt and jeans.

If residents have information regarding suspicious person(s) or activity in this area, they should contact the Derby Police Department at 788-1557 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers of Derby at 788-TIPS.

Derby Police Chief Robert Lee will be available to answer questions at the meeting.

Derby Police Will Hold Community Meeting on April 3

Fri, 01 Apr 2011 20:08:18 GMT

Derby Police Chief Robert Lee will be available to answer questions at the meeting.

Derby Police Search for Sexual Assault Suspect

Mon, 07 Feb 2011 17:05:30 GMT

On Monday, February 7, 2011, in the early morning hours police were dispatched to a disturbance call. Upon officer’s arrival they were able to locate the scene where an aggravated and sexual assault occurred. After a short foot chase a female suspect was taken into custody. A white male, 30, 6’, 176 lbs., blonde hair, blue jeans, is still at large. Shortly after the assault and in the immediate vicinity a Green 1999 Dodge Caravan was stolen with Kansas tag 465 BDK. The suspect is considered to be armed and dangerous. If vehicle is seen do not try to apprehend, call The Derby Police Department immediately.

Burglaries to Storage Units

Wed, 19 Jan 2011 15:52:11 GMT

On January 18^th, Officers were called to the Storage System facility located at 408 N River. It was discovered that unknown suspect(s) had burglarized numerous storage units. Once the burglaries were completed the suspects placed their own locks on some of the units making it appear that nothing had happened. The items confirmed stolen are a black 1927 Ford Roadster TAG #139167 and a white with a blue top 1965 Chevrolet Impala 4 door Tag #149896. Anyone having information on the location of the cars or any information about the burglaries can contact Detective Chad Carson at (316) 788-1558 or Derby Crime Stoppers.

Theft by Deception Cases

Tue, 30 Nov 2010 19:44:54 GMT

A white male described as being approximately 5'10", 150 lbs, with brown hair and a beard is approaching citizens and asking for money to assist with towing his disabled truck. Investigations indicate that this subject is just scamming money from the public. If you are approached by this individual contact the Derby Police Department immediately at 788-8888.

If you have information regarding this crime or any other crime, call Derby Crime Stoppers at 788-8477 or click on "submit a tip" at the bottom of this page.

Gang and Drug Seminar

Wed, 03 Nov 2010 15:17:31 GMT

Derby Police Department would like to remind citizens of the Gang and Drug seminar being held at Derby High School Commons at 7 p.m., Thursday, November 4, 2010. All Derby residents are encourage to attend this program.

Storage Unit Burglaries

Tue, 21 Sep 2010 22:40:06 GMT

Derby Police are investigating a burglary to a storage unit located in the 400 block of N. River St. Sometime between 9/3/2010 and 9/7/2010, burglars entered 4 separate storage units taking the following items: a 46" Hitachi television; a 26" Insignia television; a 19" RCA television; Sony home speakers, a Sony DVD/VCR combo player; 40 hooded sweatshirts; miscellaneous military uniforms; a Rigid chop saw; a Bosch table saw and an alto saxophone. Total loss is estimated at $10,000.

If you have information about this case or believe you may know who may have committed these burglaries, you are encouraged to submit a tip to Crime Stoppers of Derby, Inc. by calling Crime Stoppers at 316-788-TIPS (8477) or by clicking on the "Submit A Tip" link at the bottom of this page.

You will never be asked your name and if the information leads to an arrest, you will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

Telephone Scam Being Used ot Obtain Personal Information

Mon, 16 Aug 2010 16:39:23 GMT

Within the past several days, the Police Department has taken reports from residents who received telephone calls with offers to help them reduce their credit card debt. During the call, the person who receives the call is asked to provide their Social Security number before proceeding through the call. The calls appear to be automated and will prompt the victim through a menu. The calls are clearly scams intended to obtain personal information that can quickly be used to commit a variety of financial crimes using the victim’s identity.

Another feature of these calls is that a fictitious number and location will likely be displayed on Caller ID. One caller actually received a call that indicated the call was coming from “City of Derby”. Police have verified that the call did not originate from the number that was displayed. Officers caution residents not to rely on Caller ID to validate a call, as telephones can be programmed to alter the data that is being sent to the victim’s phone.

Police continue to warn against providing any personal information to anyone over the telephone unless you know who you are talking to and the information is necessary to the transaction. This usually means that you have initiated the call.

Anyone who suspects they may be a victim of an actual or attempted identity theft is encouraged to report the crime to the Derby Police Department. Information on identity theft is also available at the Derby Police Department website.

Suspicious Characters

Mon, 26 Jul 2010 19:57:26 GMT

Derby Police are investigating four incidents of a woman and three children gaining access to residents’ homes under the ruse of using their restroom. Once inside the home, the woman and her children reportedly roamed around the homes looking at the homeowners’ belongings and asking questions about the home and how long they had lived there. In at least three of the incidents, the woman was heard or seen going through bathroom drawers and prescription medications.

The woman has been described as a white female with blond hair, driving a Toyota SUV. Police are asking anyone who is approached in a similar manner, or sees someone of this description going door-to-door in their neighborhood, to immediately notify the police dispatcher at 911 or 788-7888 so that this person can be identified. These incidents occurred on Saturday, July 24^th in the 2200 block of N. Newberry and the 2800 block of N. Nancy Lane.

Boy Scout Equipment Taken In Burglary

Fri, 02 Jul 2010 16:47:41 GMT

Police are asking for the public's help in locating a large amount of camping gear stolen in a burglary to a storage unit at 408 N. River St. in Derby. A large number of tents and camping equipment belonging to the Boy Scouts was stolen from the storage unit between 5 p.m. on Friday, June 25th and noon on Saturday, June 26th. Access was gained to the storage unit by cutting the lock hasp.

An adjacent storage unit was entered in a similar manner. A Toro lawn mower and Dulmar weedeater were taken from that unit.

Anyone who knows of the whereabouts of this property or has information they believe may be related to this case is asked to contact the Derby Police Department at 788-1557. Anonymous tips may also be provided through Crime Stoppers at 788-8477 (TIPS) or by clicking on the link to "Submit A Tip" at the bottom of this page.

Help Identify These People

Fri, 18 Jun 2010 21:30:04 GMT

Help identify these two individuals. Police are attempting to identify these two individuals in reference to an identity theft and criminal use of a financial card investigation. Anyone recognizing these two people should notify the Derby Police Department at (316) 788-1557 or Derby Crime Stoppers at (316) 788-8477, or, click on SUBMIT A TIP at the bottom of this page.

Thefts From Vehicles Continue To Occur

Wed, 09 Jun 2010 21:12:24 GMT

In the past five weeks, Derby police officers have investigated seven additional reports of property stolen from vehicles, with a total loss of $1,000. This brings the total number of cases to 27 since January 1^st.

As summer arrives, officers are preparing for an increase in the frequency of thefts. Officers and detectives are stepping up efforts to investigate these thefts make arrests. At the same time, officers are asking for help from the public in two important areas:

First, police are asking everyone to help eliminate opportunities for theft by locking their vehicles and removing property when possible. Unlike crimes such as robbery or burglary where victims are targeted, theft of property from vehicles usually involves a random technique that offenders refer to as “car hopping”. The offender simply walks down the street testing for unlocked doors and taking property from vehicles that are found unsecured. The technique is simple, fast, and difficult for officers to detect. This activity is usually spotted by someone who lives in the area and is able to quickly identify unusual behavior.

During the past 5 weeks, the list of property taken from vehicles includes cell phones, debit cards, checks, a GPS unit, stereo/speakers, and cash. Also included in the list of stolen property are personal identification documents such as social security cards and a driver’s license – documents that can be sold or used to carry out identity theft.

Second, officers are asking for your help in identifying and reporting suspicious behavior. Noticing suspicious behavior and immediately reporting your observations to the police can result in identifying a suspect or interrupting a crime in progress. When reporting suspicious behavior, police need to know what the person looks like (race, sex, estimated height and weight, clothing description), the person’s direction of travel, and what the person is doing that seems suspicious.

Reporting unusual vehicles parked in your neighborhood can also provide police with information to develop investigative leads related to thefts and other crimes.

Police officers welcome your partnership in curbing these thefts and identifying those responsible.

To report a crime or suspicious activity, call the Derby Police Department at 788-8888, or 911.

If you have information that may help solve these crimes, call Crime Stoppers of Derby at 788-8477 (TIPS), or click on “Submit A Tip” at the bottom of this page. You will remain anonymous and if the information you provide leads to an arrest, you will be eligible to receive a cash reward of up to $1,000.

Lumber Thefts from Homes under Construction

Mon, 26 Apr 2010 20:35:57 GMT

Lumber Thefts from Homes under Construction

Derby Police are investigating 9 incidents since January where an unknown individual has taken lumber from homes under Construction after the crews have left the job site. The homes are located in the Parkside at Stonecreek, Waters Edge, Morningside and Newberry additions. The items being taken are plywood sheets, 2x4’s, 2x6’s and 2x8,s with the total loss at approximately $5,000.00.The suspect is a white or hispanic male with grey hair driving a white 80 or 90’s model Ford Pick-up truck with a topper, the topper rear door is missing and the tailgate on the truck is missing.

Police are asking for your help in identifying the person(s) responsible for these thefts, and in reporting suspicious persons or vehicles when you see them in your neighborhood. Anyone with information about these crimes is asked to contact the Derby Police Department Investigations Section at 316-788-1557, Derby Crime Stoppers, Inc. at 316-788-8477, or submit a tip through the link at the bottom of this page.

Police Investigating String of Burglaries

Fri, 23 Apr 2010 15:03:55 GMT

Derby Police are investigating seven residential burglaries that appear to be related based on the types of property taken and methods used by the burglars. In each of these burglaries, the unidentified suspect(s) entered the home through a window or garage door. Property taken includes electronic games, sound equipment, DVD's, and in one case, a small motorcycle.

Police are asking for your help in identifying the person(s) responsible for these burglaries, and in reporting suspicious persons or vehicles when you see them in your neighborhood. For more information on protecting your property from burglary and theft, go to the Crime Prevention link on the left side of the Derby Police Department Citizen Observer main page.

Anyone with information about these crimes is asked to contact the Derby Police Department Investigations Section at 316-788-1557, Derby Crime Stoppers, Inc. at 316-788-8477, or submit a tip through the link at the bottom of this page.

Identity Theft A Significant Concern

Fri, 02 Apr 2010 18:43:23 GMT

IDENTITY THEFT PREVENTION TIPS

Identity theft is a growing concern locally and across the nation. Prevention is the best tool for denying a criminal the opportunity to make you a victim. Here are some simple steps you can take to help protect yourself.

1. Protect your Social Security number. Don't carry your Social Security card or other cards that show your Social Security number.

2. Use caution when giving out your personal information. Scam artists "phish" for victims by pretending to be banks, stores or government agencies. They do this over the phone, in e-mails and in postal mail.

3. Treat your trash carefully. Shred or destroy papers containing your personal information including credit card offers and "convenience checks" that you don't use.

4. Protect your postal mail. Retrieve mail promptly. Discontinue delivery while out of town.

5. Check your bills and bank statements. Open your credit card bills and bank statements right away. Check for unauthorized charges or withdrawals and report them immediately.

6. Check your credit reports. Review your credit report at least once a year.

7. Stop pre-approved credit offers. Pre-approved credit card offers are a target for identity thieves who steal your mail. Have your name removed from credit bureau marketing lists. Call toll-free 888-5OPTOUT (888-567-8688).

8. Ask questions. Ask questions whenever you are asked for personal information that seems inappropriate for the transaction.

9. Protect your computer. Protect personal information on your computer by following good security practices.

Use strong, non-easily guessed passwords.
Use firewall, anti-virus, and anti-spyware software that you update regularly.
Download software only from sites you know and trust.
Don't click on links in pop-up windows or in spam e-mail.

10. Use caution on the Web. When shopping online, check out a Web site before entering your credit card number or other personal information. Only enter personal information on secure Web pages that encrypt your data in transit.

Source: University of Baltimore

$49,000 Theft of Audio Equipment From Vehicle

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 19:36:31 GMT

Police are asking for the public's help in locating an estimated $49,000 in stolen sound equipment and identifying and apprehending the person responsible for this theft.

Between 2 a.m. and 10:30 a.m., on Tuesday, February 16th, approximately $49,000 in sound equipment was reported stolen from a yellow box truck that was parked in the street in the 1200 block of N. Westview Dr. The thieve(s) appear to have gained entry into the truck from the passenger side door. Stolen equipment includes amplifiers, microphones, tuners, and speakers.

Anyone who has information that may be related to this theft is asked to call the Derby Police Department Detective Section at 316-788-1557.

Tips may also be reported anonymously to CRIME STOPPERS OF DERBY by clicking on the TIP411 link on this website; texting "DERBYPD" and your message to 847411 (TIP411); OR by calling 316-788-TIPS (8477). If your CRIME STOPPERS tip results in an arrest, you may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000.