Officers have received at least three complaints from residents who have fallen victim to an apparent mail fraud scheme and are warning the public to be aware.  The complaints involve bogus checks in varying amounts being mailed to residents from a "Mystery Shopper" and/or "Secret Shopper" based in Canada.  The checks, some of which were made out for $4,000, advise the recipient to deposit the check into their local bank account.  The instructions advise the recipient to spend several hundred dollars within 48-hours at various retail outlets and to send approximately half the total check amount via wire transfer to a designated site, typically Canada or overseas.  "People don't get checks in the mail like this from total strangers," said Officer Marjorie Will who handled some of the complaints.  "There is no such thing as free money."

In one case a victim lost over $4,000 after following the instructions.  The check failed to clear. Residents receiving this type of correspondence are advised to ignore it as it is most likely a scam.

A team of assessors from the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation (CFA) will arrive August 25, 2010 to examine all aspects of the Palm Bay Police Department’s policies and procedures, management, operations, and support services.  The Palm Bay Police Department must comply with approximately 250 standards in order to renew its current accredited status. Click here to access standards.

As part of the on-site assessment, agency members and the general public are invited to offer comments to the assessment team.  Comments must be in writing and must address the agency’s ability to comply with CFA standards.  A copy of the standards is available through the Public Information Officer in Palm Bay at 321-952-3400 ext 4678.

For more information regarding CFA or for persons wishing to offer written comments about the agency’s ability to meet the standards of accreditation, please write:

CFA, 3504 Lake Lynda Drive, Suite 380, Orlando, Florida, 32817.

“The assessment team is comprised of law enforcement practitioners from similar agencies,” said Sgt. Diana Blackledge who leads the accreditation team for the Palm Bay Police Department.   The assessors will review written materials; interview individuals; and visit offices and other places where compliance can be witnessed.

The CFA Assessment Team Leader is Assistant Chief Mike Cochran of the Lauderhill Police Department.  Other team members are Chief Robert Vincent of the Gulfport Police Department and Sergeant Joe King of the Punta Gorda Police Department.  Once the Commission’s assessors complete their review of the agency, they report to the full Commission, which will then decide if the agency is to receive accredited status.  The accreditation is for 3 years.  “Achieving accreditation means this agency will have been recognized for professional excellence,” said Chief Bill Berger.  “The public is encouraged to participate in this process to make sure we are delivering the professional level of service they deserve.”

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Detectives with the Major Case Unit are currently attempting to identify three suspects wanted in connection with an armed robbery that occurred on June 23rd in the area of Palm Bay Rd. and Forrest Knoll.  The suspects robbed two victims at gunpoint and stole cash before fleeing.  Images of the suspects were captured as they entered a local convenience store in the area just prior to committing the robbery. 

Anyone with information on the identities of the suspects should contact the Central Florida CRIMELINE at 1-800-423-TIPS. Callers can remain anonymous and can be eligible for cash rewards of up to $1,000.

Over a period of several weeks we have had 10 commercial vans broken into while parked at the employee or business owner's residence.  The vans were broken into overnight and entered by prying the rear doors open. Items removed were various tools and equipment associated with air conditioning companies, painting companies, and other companies using similar items.

Eight of the burglaries occurred in the northwest section of Palm Bay along the Americana Blvd. area from Minton Rd. to Jupiter Rd. and two in the south area of Palm Bay.

Anyone with suspect information or knowledge of where the stolen property is going is asked to call Detective Don Bauman or Detective Scott Searles at (321) 952-3456.

What is happening in your neighborhood? Click below to view calls for service, which details the types of calls police responded to each day:

• July 23, 2010
• July 24, 2010
• July 25, 2010
• July 26, 2010
• July 27, 2010
• July 28, 2010
• July 29, 2010
• July 30, 2010