WASHINGTON CO. SHERIFF’S OFFICE REMINDS PUBLIC TO BE SAFE DURING HOLIDAYS
Washington County Sheriff Otto Hanak is reminding citizens to stay safe during the upcoming holiday season.
Saying the holiday season is a time criminals take advantage of others, Sheriff Hanak encourages everyone to be vigilant and aware of their surroundings.
Below is the full release issued by Sheriff Hanak on Thursday:
As the holiday season approaches, I want our citizens to know that my office will do all it can to protect our citizens while they are home and away. As past history suggests, the holiday season is a time for criminals to take advantage of those that work hard for what they have and I ask that we are all vigilant and aware of our surroundings. As your Sheriff, keeping our county and its citizens safe is and will continue to be my primary goal. During this holiday season I would like you to take note of the following reminders to help keep you and your families safe.
Keep your eyes open for strange vehicles and individuals in your neighborhoods and do not hesitate to contact our 911 Dispatch center should you feel the need to report suspicious activity. (The non-emergency number is 277-7373) The eyes and ears of our citizens are vital in helping us prevent crime. In shopping center parking lots and while walking to and from your vehicle, take note of what is taking place around you and be alert. Criminals often choose victims that appear distracted or look like easy targets. Carry the essentials on your person if possible, and do not turn your back on your bags, purse or other belongings even for a moment. If you are licensed to carry concealed, I recommend that you do so, and do so diligently. But remember, once you draw that weapon, you must be prepared mentally and physically to use it legally.
Over the past several years it seems that neighbors have become strangers to one another. Get to know your neighbors and look out for one another. If you are leaving for an extended period of time and live outside the city limits, you may fill out a form found on our website so that your home is on our close patrol list. This form may be printed from our website (washingtoncosheriff.org) and dropped off, emailed, or mailed in to the Sheriff’s office.
Scams are alive and well nationwide. It seems each day these criminals develop another scam that catches some off guard. Criminals now contact us on cell phones we once thought were protected. These criminals know that it is difficult, if not impossible, to track them down for arrest and prosecution so they will be persistent and often threatening. They are now able to utilize non-existent phone numbers that appear in a Caller ID as local.
The possibility that your grandson or granddaughter has been arrested in Canada and transferred to a prison in New York does not exist so please do not rush to the bank and wire transfer money to another country to secure the release of that relative. No parking ticket or ‘strange’ fine by persons claiming to be with law enforcement agencies will require you to make a payment via a credit card over the phone to avoid penalty or arrest. Also, law enforcement agencies do not call in an effort to solicit donations. Be cautious and smart about email and computer scams as well and do not allow a stranger to access your computer from an offsite location. Lastly, the IRS will contact you if necessary by mail, not by phone, so do not fall prey to that scam either.
Please educate yourself and your family about posting photos on social media from your vacation or an out of town trip, at least until you return home. Having knowledge that a home is vacant is what a criminal thrives on.
Last but not least, if you are going to attend holiday gatherings, please be sure and designate a driver. We want everyone to make it home safely and without incident.
We are honored to serve the citizens of this county and I hope and pray that each and every one of you have a blessed Thanksgiving, Christmas and a prosperous New Year!
Sheriff Otto H. Hanak
Washington County
(Story courtesy Washington County Sheriff's Office)