Community Briefing

NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH CRIME INFORMATION LINE

Brown Deer Police Department — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 23:00:10 GMT

Recently the crime information line that had been in place until late last year was resurrected. Citizens who wish to obtain current information concerning crime and other criminal activity that may affect them can be obtained by calling:

The Neighborhood Watch Group maintains a crime information line that provides citizens with information on crime and suspicious activity that takes place in the Village. To listen to these reports you may call the following toll free number: 1-877-371-2949

This information is updated weekly.

Publishers Clearing House Sweepstakes Fraud Sweeps Milwaukee

Brown Deer Police Department — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 22:55:28 GMT

There have been 3 separate instances now of people in Milwaukee getting fake PCH (Publisher’s Clearing House) sweepstakes checks. Each contains a letter that says that states the individual has won $___ million dollars. Each contains a check for a few thousand to "cover their expenses". Then, the letter asks the winner to call "a representative of PCH" before cashing the check. It also instructs them to call a prescribed IRS representative as well prior to cashing the check. The kicker here is that these are arriving in plain, white envelopes with a clear plastic window WITH A CANADIAN STAMP ON THE FRONT AS POSTAGE! They seem to be coming out of Quebec. If you receive one of these checks, do not contact the issuer or the IRS representative they cite in their letter. Absolutely, DO NOT, provide personal information, account numbers, or any other information to these people. Contact your local police department and report receipt of the letter to them.

CONTRIBUTE TO THE SAFETY OF YOUR COMMUNITY - HELP WANTED

Brown Deer Police Department — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 22:47:43 GMT

How often do you see late night infomercials and advertisements that promise a big return on very little investment? We all know better than to readily accept that so much can be gained when there is minimal effort involved. Most of us function under the understanding that, “If it sounds too good to be true, then it probably isn’t.” However, I happen to know of at least one program that through your minimal effort a significant gain can be made. The program that provides this opportunity is known as the “Neighborhood Watch Group.”

The Neighborhood Watch Group functions under the understanding that the level of safety and security one experiences in a community is directly related to the involvement of its citizens with the local police department. Neighborhood Watch members are citizens who make a very small “pledge” or “commitment” that they will take a few moments of their time and look at what is going on around them when they are out and about in their neighborhoods. If they observe something suspicious or that seems otherwise unusual, or if they witness an actual crime in progress, they understand that it is their duty to call the police immediately and report the details of the circumstance.

Looking around you while you are out in your neighborhood and training yourself to look more closely at unusual occurrences or for the presence of unusual and unknown people in your neighborhood is, truly, a minimal commitment that one can make. Those people who have made this pledge in the past and have had the experience of calling in activity that resulted in the successful disruption of a criminal event or the apprehension of a suspect, know the rewards their effort has paid to themselves and their neighbors.

Beyond regularly observing their surroundings, the next level of participation one can make in the Neighborhood Watch Group involves participation in any of the quarterly meetings that the group holds. During these meetings a citizen has the opportunity to meet some of the police officers who work in their community and become more familiar with them. The citizen also educates themselves about different crimes, recent activities in the community, and other attempts by those who wish to victimize innocent citizens. The participant also learns about the different resources available to them so they may stay updated and learn about these crimes and various ploys.

The final level of participation a Neighborhood Watch Group member may engage in is sharing the information they have received with their friends and neighbors. The sharing of this knowledge can help protect loved ones and friends from falling victim to a criminal – which is one of the most valuable gains one can obtain from their minimal involvement in Neighborhood Watch.

The Brown Deer Police Department is currently making a push to increase the involvement of its citizens in the Neighborhood Watch Group. Our ultimate goal is to have one person on each block in Brown Deer to be a registered participant in Neighborhood Watch. Please consider becoming involved in our community Neighborhood Watch Group and help to make Brown Deer one of the best and safest places to live. The members of the Brown Deer Police Department will welcome working hand in hand with you to accomplish this goal.

If you are interested and for further information, contact Augie Zanowski at 414-354-8599, or Officer Brad Caddock at 414-371-2900

REPORTING CRIMES – CALL 911 IMMEDIATELY!

Brown Deer Police Department — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 22:03:22 GMT

Too often citizens find themselves to be the first person to witness something “unusual” or “out of the ordinary” that may require the attention of the police in order to avoid a crime being committed and another person being victimized. Sometimes, you may even be the first to observe an actual crime, like a bank robbery, or you may even be the victim of one! If you happen to ever encounter a situation like this please try to remember to CALL THE POLICE IMMEDIATELY!

This may seem like a no brainer; but after having been faced with a stressful or unusual situation, sometimes you may forget that the most important people to contact in order to help you and make you feel somewhat safe again is the police. The police department would like to remind you that seconds count when police are responding to a crime and that timeliness in reporting information to the police increases our ability to get to you and help you and to“catch the bad guy.”

After witnessing and/or being the victim of a crime, your first call should go to the police department! Remember, if you are using a cell phone your 911 call will automatically go to the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Department. If the crime and/or incident occurred in Brown Deer and you call 911 on a cellular telephone, request to be connected to the Brown Deer Police Department.

Here are some general tips when calling 911:

· Try and be calm so the dispatcher can understand where you are and what is happening!

· Try to give landmarks instead of direction of travel. During stressful times, your sense of direction may inaccurate.

· Give as much information as possible such as clothing and/or vehicle description.

· Stay put! If it’s safe to do so. Officers will eventually have to find you to obtain a full statement. Wait for officers to arrive before leaving!

· If calling from a cell phone, give the dispatcher your cell phone number in case you get disconnected. Contrary to belief, this does not automatically register with our computer system.

Witnesses are very important in helping to solve crimes. If you see something, report it to the police right away! Recently we had two crimes where a citizen either saw something and only told a business employee or waited for several minutes to call the police. In the case where the citizen waited, a squad had been in the immediate area of the crime and may have been able to stop the suspect if the officer would have obtained the information in a more timely manner.

If you are a business owner, you may want to review your operating procedures. In one of the above examples the business employee was required by their policies to call the manager first. Protocols such as this delay the police response and lessen our opportunity to apprehend criminals fleeing the scene. If your business protocol is to first call the manager after a crime, please discuss this article with him/her, because when it comes to catching the “ad guy” or recovering your company’s or customer’s assets, time is of the essence!

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Brown Deer Police Department at 371-2900.

Halloween Safety

Brown Deer Police Department — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 14:52:16 GMT

As we all know, Halloween is an exciting time of year for kids and Trick or Treating is fast approaching. Here are some tips from the Brown Deer Police Department to help ensure that they have a safe and enjoyable experience:

When purchasing a costume, ensure that those items have a label indicating that they are flame resistant.

Consider using non-toxic make-up, wigs or a decorative hat as an alternative to masks. Halloween masks limit/block one’s eyesight.

Keep your home safe for trick or treaters by removing any debris that a child could trip over.

A Parent or responsible Adult should ALWAYS accompany young children on their rounds.

If your children are older and no adult is going along, ensure that your children travel in a group.

Create a plan with your children, so you can set a time frame and boundaries as to where your children will be trick or treating.

Carry a cell phone for quick communication.

SLOW DOWN!!! Watch your speed and remain cautious as you drive through the community.

Often times children will cross the street without warning. Be sure to watch out for children.

Do not allow your children to bicycle, roller-blade or skateboard.

Instruct your children to stay on the sidewalks. If there are no sidewalks in the area, walk on the left side of the roadway facing traffic.

Never cross the street between parked cars or out of driveways. Walk to the intersection or crosswalk and then cross the street.

Never enter a stranger’s home or car for a treat.

Inspect your children’s treats.

In Brown Deer, Trick or Treating will be on Sunday, October 26, 2008 from 1pm until 4pm.

Finally, have a safe and fun time Trick or Treating!!

Grandson/Granddaughter Scam

Brown Deer Police Department — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 14:03:09 GMT

Be advised that this particular scam has been entering the Milwaukee area with at least one couple having fallen victim to the scam:

The following is copied from "Scamnot.org" For additional information on this and other scams that are being perpetrated please visit http://www.scamnot.org/index.asp

During a recent seminar, Detective Case from the Fresno Sheriff’s Department Elder Abuse Unit and scamnot co-webmaster was approached by an individual who stated two of his friends received calls in the last few weeks from individuals stating they were their grandsons needing money to get out of a Canadian Jail.The following information was sent out in January 2008, and it seems this scam is now making its way back around.You receive a call from a grandson or granddaughter saying they are in trouble. The caller says they are in jail or have been in an accident either in Canada or Mexico and need money right away to pay fines or to receive medical attention.Border states have seen an increase in this type of scam. Individuals in the states of Washington, Minnesota, Michigan, New York, California, and Texas.Many times the scammer knows the name of the family member so the senior does not question it and sends the money, only later to find out they have been scammed. The caller asks the victim not to discuss the matter with his or her parents for fear of angering them.Other times the caller waits for a person to answer the phone and starts off with “Grandma/Grandpa guess who?” and they get an answer like “Johnny is that you?” “Yes Grandma/Grandpa this is Johnny and I’m in trouble…….”and the scammer is on his way. Things to do to insure you are not being scammed:

Contact other family member before sending money, ask if they know of the situation.
If the grandchild states that they are in jail or in a hospital, ask which one. Contact that institution to find out if the grandchild is actually in that facility.
Consider where the child wants the money sent. If it is to be sent to somebody else, do not do it. Remember, if the child is in jail, another prisoner could have gotten your information from discussions with the grandchild
If you send money ask that identification be provided by the receiver before the money is paid out.
Regardless of the request to not talk to the parents, confirm through another family member that what you were told is true or do not send the money.

"Back to School" Means Motorists Need to Pay More Attention!

Brown Deer Police Department — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 13:47:04 GMT

With the start of school, the presence of child pedestrians and school buses become common place on the village’s roadways. Here are some rules for drivers to keep in mind when encounter both.

Don’t Pass a Stopped School Bus

Motorists must stop on the street or highway 20 feet or more from any school bus that has stopped and is flashing red warning lights.

Ø This applies to motorists approaching from both the rear and the opposing lanes.

Ø All lanes of traffic must stop for the school bus except in the opposing lanes if the highway is divided with a center median

Ø No vehicle may proceed until the bus resumes motion and has turned off the red warning lights.

Ø The "STOP" arm on the side of a bus is an added communication device, but the lack of an extended "STOP" arm is not reason to pass a bus whose red lights are flashing.

A driver failing to follow these rules can be cited with fines of $235.00 and up to 4 points. School bus drivers can report an observed violation to the police and citations may be issued based upon that report. An owner of a vehicle involved in a violation may be cited for the infraction if the driver of the vehicle at the time the violation occurred cannot be identified.

Yield to Pedestrians in Crosswalks and at Intersections

The most important safety tip to reduce pedestrian injuries is to slow down and pay attention. Remember the speed limit is 15 mph in school zones when children are present. According to Wisconsin state law, drivers must:

Ø Yield to pedestrians who have started crossing an intersection or crosswalk on a walk signal or on a green light.

Ø Yield to Pedestrians who are crossing or waiting to cross the road within a marked or unmarked crosswalk at an intersection where there is no traffic lights or control signals.

Ø Yield to pedestrians when a vehicle is crossing a sidewalk or entering a driveway

In addition, drivers may not legally overtake and pass any vehicle that has stopped for pedestrians at an intersection or crosswalk.

Drivers who fail to yield to pedestrians legally crossing the roadway may be issued citations with fines ranging from $109.00 to $235.00 (depending on the violation).

Parents and motorists traveling through school zones need to pay close attention as the probability of a child darting out into traffic is much higher.

With your help and increased police patrols in the village’s school zones we hope to have a safe and enjoyable school year.

Rules and pointers for pedestrians and drivers

Brown Deer Police Department — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 13:30:08 GMT

The most important safety tip to reduce pedestrian injuries and fatalities is to pay attention. You can significantly reduce your chances of being in a collision with a motor vehicle by obeying traffic rules and being aware of dangers posed by cars in your vicinity. Make eye contact with drivers if possible and make sure that they can see you. Both drivers and pedestrians have certain safety responsibilities that depend on both circumstances and common sense. Drivers must:

Yield to pedestrians when crossing a sidewalk or entering an alley or driveway
Yield to pedestrians who have started crossing at an intersection or crosswalk on a “walk” signal or a green light, if there is no walk signal
Yield to pedestrians who are crossing the highway within a marked or unmarked crosswalk at an intersection where there are no traffic lights or control signals
Not overtake and pass any vehicle that stops at an intersection or crosswalk to permit a pedestrian or bicyclist to cross the roadway safely

Pedestrians must...

Yield to drivers when crossing a road where there is no intersection or crosswalk or where the pedestrian does not have a green or “walk” signal and where vehicles have a green signal
Not suddenly move into the path of a closely approaching vehicle that does not have sufficient time to yield for a pedestrian
Walk on and along the left side of a highway when not walking on a sidewalk. Note: This law does not apply to bicycles. Bicycles operate under the same laws as other legal vehicles on the road and should always stay on the right side of the road.
Not enter a crosswalk or otherside cross traffic lanes where vehicles have already entered the intersection. This is a serious advisement to runners and joggers who, even though they are on a sidewalk with a marked crossing or white walk signal, they must make sure a vehicle is not already moving to cross their path prior to them entering the intersection.

Pedestrian pointers to keep in mind: Pay attention
A recent report from the Federal Bureau of Transportation Safety concluded that the pedestrian was solely at fault in 43% of car-pedestrian collisions and that both were at fault in 13% of collisions. You can significantly reduce your chances of death or injury by obeying traffic rules and being aware of dangers posed by cars in your vicinity. For example: 58% of pedestrian-car crashes occur while the pedestrian was crossing the street. Pay close attention to cars in your vicinity. Make eye contact with drivers if possible.Don’t “Drink and Walk”
Unlike driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs, walking will probably not result in the death or injury of someone else - but it could very well result in yours. As an inebriated pedestrian your chances of suffering an accident increase significantly. If you’ve been drinking, take a cab or a bus, or let someone sober drive you home. Take extra care at night and at dusk
Walking at night increases your chances of death or injury. Drivers cannot avoid what they can’t see. When walking at night, wear retro-reflective outdoor clothing or shoes or lights to make yourself more visible. Avoid wearing dark clothing. Most importantly, don’t assume that drivers can see you. Always walk on the left hand side of the road or on the sidewalk. This way, motorists can see you and will not be approaching you from behind. Provide proper supervision and training for children
Young children up to age 9 often lack the judgment and experience to make good choices when dealing with traffic. Their smaller stature also makes them harder for motorists to see. Adults need to take special care to teach children to behave safely when they are around automobile traffic. Supervision is crucial through about age 9. Motorists are also responsible for child pedestrian safety. Slow down in school zones, near parks and pools and in neighborhoods. Parents dropping off children at school are a major threat to walking children and to those leaving motor vehicles. Stay cautious after dropping off your own child.

Information obtained from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation

West Bend Savings Scam

Brown Deer Police Department — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 16:04:11 GMT

West Bend Savings account holders, beware! – a ‘vishing’ scam currently running in Wisconsin is trying to break into your savings account. Using an automated message, the scam may call you at your home with the ruse that your account security has been compromised. You are asked to call at a particular number and key in your account and PIN numbers, to set things right.

Interestingly, while your Caller-Id may say the call is from the local West Bend Savings branch, the caller may actually be sitting hundreds (or maybe thousands) of miles away. Internet-based 262 phone numbers, said to be used by the scammers in this case, can make this thing happen.

The bank’s Chief Operating Officer Rick Larson believes the calls were triggered over the weekend. He pointed out that you don’t have to be an account holder with the bank to receive this call. The bank received thousands of calls from Dodge, Washington and Ozaukee Counties indicating that the fraudsters may be carpet-bombing the Wisconsin area with such calls. Fraudsters are hoping one-in-a-thousand to bite the bait and give away their money.

This is the second time in about six months that the bank has been made the target of this scam. It was December last when the scam first hit the bank. It seems, that attempt was successful enough for the scammers to order an encore.

There is no reason for falling to such scams. Think of it. Why should banks ever call you asking for your Account Number. They already have it.

In any case, if they have your phone number then surely they ought to have your account number as well!

Source: 620WTMJ.com

HEALTH CARE EMPLOYEE IMPERSONATORS:

Brown Deer Police Department — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 15:33:53 GMT

The Brown Deer Police Department would like to alert residents, specifically the senior citizens, of a current crime spree involving suspects impersonating healthcare workers. In surrounding jurisdictions, several elderly victims were approached at home by three female suspects. The suspects were dressed in healthcare smocks, which resembled what a nurse at a healthcare facility would wear. The suspects identified themselves as “from the hospital” and were at the residence to check on the elderly resident. In three of the cases the victims were recently treated at a healthcare facility.

Also, in three of the cases the female suspects convinced the elderly resident and were eventually allowed into the residence. In one of the cases, the females were not allowed into the residence, so they left and then returned to the residence, forcing their way inside of the residence. Once inside of the residence, the suspects take valuable items from the victim.

Here are some suggestions to prevent yourself from becoming a victim and/or if you already have healthcare personnel completing at-home visits:

If you have healthcare personnel visiting you on a regular basis, verify with the agency if you have a surprise/unscheduled visit.
Verify that the subject has identification for themselves and the facility that they are employed with (preferably a photo i.d. card).
Do not allow anyone inside your residence that you are unsure of.
Look out a window prior to opening your door and if you do not recognize the subject, or are not expecting a visitor, then do not open the door.
If in doubt, call the police.

Animal Complaints

Brown Deer Police Department — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 22:12:14 GMT

The Brown Deer Police Department receives a large number of animal complaints each year. The complaints range from dogs being at large to animal waste found in the yard. In an effort to educate the community and improve neighbor relations the following information is provided regarding the Village ordinances about animals and the owners requirements in maintaining pets:

Licensing of Dogs and Cats: VL1-5-6.01 – All dogs and cats five months of age or older which are harbored, sheltered, or kept within the Village of Brown Deer shall be licensed pursuant to the provisions of Wisconsin Statutes, Section 174.05.
VL1-5-6.04 – It shall be unlawful to harbor more than two (2) dogs and /or cats, as household pets in any residence, or any homesite, unless a special permit is obtained from the Village Manager.
Animals at Large: VL1-6-1.04 – It shall be unlawful for the owner of any animal to permit or allow such animal to be at large. Any animal found at large shall be deemed to be so with the permission or at the sufferance of the owner. “At Large” means that an animal is off the premises of its owner and not on a leash or otherwise under the immediate control of a person capable of retraining the animal. An animal that is properly restrained or confined in a motor vehicle is not at large.
Animal Litter Nuisance: VL1-6-1.05(B) – The owner of person walking a dog or cat on property other than his/her own private property shall remove any excrement immediately after it is deposited by such dog or cat and dispose or it in a waste container on the animal owner’s property. The owner is required to carry a scoop, bag or other item to assist in carrying the excreta back to his/her property.

If you see violations of any of the above ordinances, you may report them to the Brown Deer Police Department at (414) 371-2900. Please remember to make note of a description of the animal and it’s owner so the dispatched Officer can conduct a full investigation into the matter.

Fraud Alert - Counterfeit Visa Travelers Cheques

Brown Deer Police Department — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 19:46:19 GMT

DATE: JULY 10, 2008

Visa has become aware of a fake travelers check scam involving the presentation and recovery of counterfeit $200 and $500 Visa Travelers Cheques.

What You Should Do

DO NOT ACCEPT ANY $200 Visa Travelers Cheques. If you receive a $500 Visa Travelers Cheque, please contact Visa immediately by calling 1-800-227-6811 (toll-free) to verify the validity of the cheque. DO NOT ACCEPT any $500 Visa Travelers Cheques without first contacting Visa.

Visa Travelers Cheque Acceptance Guidelines

Attached are Visa Travelers Cheque Acceptance Guidelines, which provide useful information about the security features of this product and include details on how to contact Visa for cheque verification. If you would like to receive hard copies of these guidelines free of charge, please send an e-mail to vtc@visa.com.

For more information on this fake travelers check scam, please visit www.fakechecks.org.

USE OF AIRGUNS

Brown Deer Police Department — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 14:29:05 GMT

Airguns have become more and more popular and are being seen more frequently in the Village. The Brown Deer Police Department would like to clarify the usage of airguns. An airgun, per Wisconsin State Statute 939.22(2), is defined as a weapon which expels a missile by the expansion of compressed air or other gas. This includes, but is not limited to, BB guns, Pellet guns, Paint Ball guns, and Airsoft guns. According to the Village of Brown Deer Ordinance VL1-6-2.09(B), it is unlawful to discharge any firearm or airgun in the Village. If you are uncertain if a toy meets this criteria or you see someone shooting an airgun, please contact the Brown Deer Police Department.

Thefts From Autos – Protect Your Valuables

Brown Deer Police Department — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 22:41:51 GMT

Many communities suffer thefts from autos. Victims of these crimes suffer not only personal loss of items that were contained within the vehicle but oftentimes there is significant damage to the automobile itself. Since thefts from autos are generally committed for the purpose of obtaining something of value, by making your vehicle appear to be less fruitful, or more difficult to attack, a criminal generally will move on to another “easier” opportunity. The process of making your property less desirable to a criminal is called “target hardening”. Owners of vehicles should consider the following target hardening tips when parking their vehicles on public lots, private lots or drives, and even in underground community parking garages. • Lock your car doors and close your windows. • Don’t leave valuables in your car. If you do, make sure they are kept out of plain sight – when possible hide items in the trunk before you get to the location you intend to park. • Don’t leave your GPS system, purses, or other items of value on your front seat or dash even when you are operating the vehicle. Stepping out of your vehicle, even briefly, could result in these items being taken by a thief who quickly enters the passenger door of your car. • If you have a garage, use it. Many thefts from vehicles occur during the night while parked right in front of your own home. • Don’t leave a garage door opener on the dashboard or front seat of you vehicle. Place it in your glove box, hide it, or take it with you. Breaking into your auto will provide a thief with access to your garage if the vehicle is parked in front of your home at the time of attack. • Always park in a well lighted area. • Use slide mounts for portable and/or add-on devices you have installed in your vehicle. Place them in the trunk or take them with you once you remove them. • Make sure electronic access buttons in the interior of your car that can provide access to your trunk are locked out or unusable with your key out of the ignition. • Mark items for identification purposes with permanent markings. Typically engravings are best for this. • GPS systems, bags, brief cases, sunglasses, clothing, bags, gym bags are all tempting to a thief. • Do not leave identification items such as your driver’s license, vehicle registration, mail, etc, in your vehicle. Should you become a victim of a theft from your auto, or any crime, contact the local police department where the crime takes place immediately.

Village of Brown Deer Curfew Ordinance

Brown Deer Police Department — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 22:40:21 GMT

As summer approaches, everyone will want to be outside enjoying the weather. We would like to remind residents under the age of 18 and their parents of the Village of Brown Deer Curfew Ordinance. Curfew hours are from 11:00PM through 6:00AM of each day and are in effect for minors under the age of 18. “It shall be unlawful for a minor, during curfew hours, to remain in or upon any public place within the village, to remain in any motor vehicle operating or parked therein or thereon, or to remain in or upon the premises of any establishment within the village, unless: • The minor is accompanied by a parent; or • The minor is involved in an emergency; or • The minor is engaged in an employment activity, or is going to or returning home from such activity, without detour or stop; or • The minor is on the sidewalk directly abutting a place where he/she resides; or • The minor is attending an activity sponsored by a school, religious or civic organization, which is supervised by adults, and/or the minor is going to or returning from such an activity without detour or stop; or • The minor is on an errand at the direction of a parent, and has in his/her possession a written statement signed by the parent including the following information: name, signature, address and telephone number of the parent authorizing the errand, where the parent can be reached during the errand, name of the minor, brief description of the errand, minor’s destination(s) and date and hours the minor is authorized to engage in the errand; or • The minor, with parent’s knowledge and consent, is involved in interstate travel through, or beginning, or terminating in the village.

Play Vehicles on the Roadway

Brown Deer Police Department — Wed, 07 May 2008 13:21:00 GMT

Spring is here and summer is not far behind. With the warmer weather naturally comes the desire to get out the summer toys. The Brown Deer Police Department would like to remind residents of the play vehicle and skateboarding ordinance. Village Ordinance VL1-10-2.02, "Play Vehicles not to be used on Roadway"

(A) No person riding upon any coaster, roller skates, sled, toboggan or toy vehicle shall attach the same or himself to any vehicle upon a roadway or go upon any roadway except while crossing a roadway at a crosswalk.

(B) No person shall ride or otherwise use a skateboard or skateboards upon the public sidewalks in the commercial and manufacturing districts of the Village.

(C) Every person operating a skateboard on a sidewalk in residential zoning districts shall yield the right-of –way to any pedestrian or bicyclist, and shall exercise due care and give an audible signal when approaching another skateboarder, bicyclist or pedestrian proceeding in the same direction.

(D) No person shall ride a skateboard in a negligent manner at any time without exercising due care for the safety and welfare of other persons.

Fall 2008 Citizen Academy

Brown Deer Police Department — Wed, 07 May 2008 13:15:00 GMT

Applications being accepted

The Brown Deer Police Department will offer its Citizens Police Academy for area residents beginning Wednesday, September 10, 2008. The nine week course, which meets from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., provides insights into police operations and includes a variety of presentations from members of the department. Applications are available at the Department, 4800 West Green Brook Drive.

Bicycle registration with stickers, not plates

Brown Deer Police Department — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 16:03:33 GMT

The Brown Deer Police Department is pleased to announce the implementation of bicycle registration stickers! Yes, no more metal plates hanging off the back of your seat! Registration stickers will be available at our annual Bicycle Rodeo, which will be held at the police department on Saturday June 7^th, 2008, from 9AM to Noon. For those of you who haven’t attended the Bicycle Rodeo, bring your children to receive a free bicycle safety inspections, helmets, prizes and a chance to navigate an obstacle course which teaches safe riding practices. This is a great opportunity to get ready for the summer riding season!

If you are unable to attend the rodeo, stop by the police department anytime after June 7^th to register your bicycle with the new stickers. If you have any questions please call 371-2900.

Identity Theft

Brown Deer Police Department — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 19:31:18 GMT

Identity theft is a serious crime. How does it happen? Identity theft commonly begins with the loss or theft of a wallet/purse or obtaining your personal information from unsecure websites on the internet. The criminal then uses the personal information (name, address, date of birth, social security number) without your permission to commit fraud or other crimes. Steps to minimize your risk:

· Don't carry your social security card in a wallet.

· Minimize the number of credit cards & identification you carry.

· Never give out personal information on the phone, through the mail or on the Internet unless you've initiated the contact and are confident about the contact’s credibility.

· Shred charge receipts, credit applications, checks and bank statements, and expired charge cards.

· Use passwords for your credit card, bank and phone accounts but avoid using easily identifiable information.

If you are a victim of identity theft:

· Notify your local police department.

· Contact the fraud department of the three major credit bureaus.

· Obtain a copy of your credit report and review it.

· Contact creditors involved and close tampered accounts.

The Brown Deer Police Department has useful booklets and brochures on ID Theft prevention and victim recovery free for distribution. Feel free to stop by and pick up a copy. Also, officers on dayshift will be handing out the brochures to businesses and residents during routine police contacts and calls for service.

Animal Licensing and Regulations

Brown Deer Police Department — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 19:02:36 GMT

As the new year has begun, the Brown Deer Police Department wants to ensure your animals are licensed for the 2008 year. The Brown Deer Police Department would like to inform and remind residents of local ordinances regarding animals residents may have. The following is a brief overview of Village of Brown Deer ordinances VL1-5-6, Dog and Cat Licenses, and VL1-6-1, Animal Regulations. Please refer to the ordinances for more detailed and specific information.

Licensing

•   All dogs or cats five months or older that are harbored, sheltered, or kept within the Village of Brown Deer shall be licensed

•   Licenses will not be issued unless rabies vaccinations are current

•   The license tag must be on the dog or cat

•   Special licenses are required to have more than two dogs and/or cats

•   Licenses and rabies tags attached to the animals’ collar assist officers in finding the owner of the animal if the animal does get loose. It can also avoid significant fees or citations.

•   Penalties for not complying with licensing requirements begin at $58.60 and can increase depending upon circumstances

Regulations of Animals, Dogs, Cats

•   Animals cannot be “at large,” meaning off its premises, not on a leash, or under the control of someone. If an officer must impound the animal because they cannot find the owner, there will be a $25.00 fee to release the animal. If the owner cannot be identified the animal may be transported to Milwaukee Area Domestic Animal Control where their fees will apply

•   Animals cannot disturb the peace with habitual noises such as barking

•   Persons responsible for walking dogs or cats on property other than their own, must remove any excrement immediately

•   Possession of any wild animals (such as monkeys, bats, raccoons, poisonous reptiles, lions, or hybrids or any wild animal) is prohibited

•   Leashes or ropes should be attached so that they do not allow the animal to be entangled with another animal or object. Leashes or ropes also need to be long enough to allow the animal exercise and access to food, water, and shelter. It shall not be so long, however, that the animal can leave its property or harm people or other animals

•   Animals should not chase people, bicycles or vehicles

•   Penalties for not complying with these regulations generally begin at $109.00 and can increase depending upon circumstances

Vicious Dogs

•   Animals cannot attack people or other animals and should not be trained to do so

•   All animal bites must be reported. The police department will conduct an investigation in conjunction with the health department. The circumstances surrounding the animal bite will require the animal to be quarantined, and may result in the animal being declared vicious.

•   Dogs that have been declared vicious have additional requirements:

-   Prominent signage at the residence regarding the vicious dog

-   All vicious dogs must be confined indoors or in a kennel when not under the control of the owner with a leash and muzzle. Vicious dogs cannot be tied out.

-   Vicious dogs must be spayed or neutered

-   A minimum of $100,000 insurance policy that will cover actions of the dog must be held by the owner

-   In the event of escape, attack, death, or sale of the dog the police department must be immediately notified

-   Special permits are required to keep a vicious dog

-   The police department or health department may make whatever inquiry is deemed necessary to ensure compliance with the above requirements

Please keep these requirements in mind when it comes to your pets. This is important for the safety and peace of mind of you, your neighbors, and your beloved pets.

For information on licensing your dog or cat, please contact the Village Hall or Milwaukee Domestic Animal Control Center.

-- By Sergeant Amy Koeppel