IDENTITY THEFT PREVENTION

In the past few years not many crimes have increased as rapidly as Identity Theft, with the advances in technology criminals are finding  it easier and easier to get your information. So what can you do? Follow these tips to help protect yourself.

·        Retrieve your mail in a timely manner. If you are going to be away from home for a period of time have the Post Office hold your mail or have someone you trust pick it up.

·        Don’t write down your account numbers

·        Use a secure mailbox when available

·        Shred all financial documents, billing statements and pre-approved credit card offers before throwing them into the trash or recycling bin. Cross cut shredding is the best.

·        Pay bills online through a secure site

·        Memorize all your passwords

·        Examine all of your bank statements and credit statements for suspicious activity

·        Keep your personal information confidential. Only give this information to people you trust in a location where no one else can over hear.

·        Don’t give out your credit card information unless you are on a secure website

·        When at the ATM verify nobody is behind you while you are entering your PIN

·        Minimize the number of identification and credit cards you carry with you. Take only what is necessary in case your wallet or purse is stolen or misplaced.

·        Examine your credit reports from the major credit reporting firms at least once a year looking for any suspicious activity.

So what do you do if you suspect you are the victim of identity theft.

·        Call the Police Department at 920-746-2450

·        Check your bank accounts

·        Contact your bank and the credit reporting agencies

·        Work with your creditors

If you follow these tips you can help reduce the possibilities of being a victim to 

LOCK IT UP

One of the most common types of theft is theft of valuables from your automobile. Theft from auto is strictly a crime of opportunity that can be prevented if you take away the opportunity. Thieves generally won’t waste their time breaking into autos that don’t have valuables in plain sight. Please take the precautions listed below to help ensure your auto is not targeted by thieves: Keep Your Valuables Out of Sight The best way to prevent theft from your auto is to always keep valuables out of sight. Never leave cell phones, briefcases, suitcases, or electronic devices (cell phones, iPods, laptop computers, etc.) in your car in plain view. Take these items with you, or secure them—all the time, every time. Secure Your GPS DeviceWhile many GPS devices are mounted in the dashboard of the vehicle, the SBPD encourages anyone who uses a portable GPS device to take it with you, along with any other items of value, when you park the car. Use Your TrunkIf your car has a trunk, use it. Put valuables in there or in a locked glove compartment. Hiding items under seats is better than leaving them in plain view, but securing them inside the glove compartment or trunk is a far better deterrent. Don't Tempt Thieves with New PurchasesDuring the holiday season especially, or any time you’re shopping, place packages in the trunk, not on the passenger seats or floors. Remove Your Radio Faceplate If you can unfasten your sound system and take it with you, or lock it in your trunk, do so. And don’t forget to do the same with your CDs and tapes. Lock It Up Also, keep your car doors and windows locked—all the time!

STAY INFORMED WITH THE SBPD POLICE APP

Stay informed by downloading the Sturgeon Bay Police Departments Police App Now Available!

IDENTITY THEFT SAFETY TIPS

•Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in the nation, and students may be particularly vulnerable to this crime.
• The first step to prevent identity theft is awareness of how and when you use your personal information. By keeping close tabs on your personal information, you can reduce your chances of becoming an identity theft victim. Memorize your Social Security number and passwords. Don’t record your password on papers you carry with you.
• Do not use your date of birth as your password.
• Shred pre-approved credit applications and other financial documents before discarding them.
• Order credit reports every year from each of the major credit reporting agencies and thoroughly review them for accuracy
• Never give personal or financial information over the phone or Internet unless you initiated the contact
• Do not carry your Social Security card or birth certificate with you
• Report lost or stolen credit cards immediately
• Check your monthly credit card and bank statements for unusual activity

COLLECTION OF RECYCLING

When recyclable material is set out for collection, the recyclable material shall become the property of the city and its authorized agents and employees. No person or entity not employed by or contracted by the city for the purpose of collecting recyclable material shall collect or otherwise take any recyclable material from the place where it is set out for collection. If someone does take recycling from the curbside he or she could face a fine from the City of Sturgeon Bay for doing so.

VEHICLE SECURITY TIPS

• Take the extra time to ensure car doors are locked.
• Place shopping bags in trunks, if possible.
• Remove GPS units, mobile video players, cell phones, Ipods, etc. from plain view.
• Park under light poles or near the entry/exit doors.
• Report any suspicious activity directly to the police department.

WHEN YOU GO AWAY

Ask a trusted neighbor to collect your mail and newspaper, and offer to return the favor. Leave word about when you’re leaving, when you’ll return, and how you can be reached in an emergency. Put automatic timers on at least two lights (and possibly a radio) to help your home look and sound lived-in. Don't be afraid to contact the Sturgeon Bay Police Department at 920-746-2450 to have Community Service Officers conduct property checks on your house while you are gone.