crime prevention Tips

Fraud Information About "Skimming"

The Palm Bay Police Department would like to make its citizens aware of a growing trend among criminals.  The crime is referred to as "skimming" and it involves the illegal capture of personal credit card information.

A person intent on perpetrating a crime like this can use any number of legally obtained electronic devices which are designed to collect the information contained in the magnetic strip on the back of a debit or credit card.  The electronic device can be held in the palm of the hand or can be installed inside a gas pump or on the exterior of an automated teller machine.  Some cards containing RFID (radio frequency identification) chips can be read as far away as four feet.  The use of RFID "readers" has been called "electronic pick-pocketing."  MORE

Tips to Avoid Becoming a Theft Victim

Don’t open your doors to theft!

The on-going financial crisis affects more than budgets and your pocketbook.   Now more than ever criminals are turning to crimes of opportunity.  In the past few months, Palm Bay has seen a widespread increase in burglaries of unsecured cars and homes.  It is not financially or physically possible to have an officer patrol every street corner.  But there are several tips and measures you can follow to help decrease your risk of becoming a theft victim.

Don’t keep valuables in plain sight.  These items include wallets, cell phones, mp3 players, GPS systems or laptops.  Car burglars feel like they’ve struck gold when they see valuables left in an unattended car.  If the item is easy to grab and run with, no locked window will keep a burglar from breaking it and taking off with your valuables.  Don’t forget to keep your garage door opener hidden as well.  Once a burglar gets their hands on it they will have easy access to your home.

Always close your windows and lock all doors.  It may sound easy, but make it a nightly routine.  A two minute walk around the house or your car is the first step in preventing a possible burglary.

Park in well lit areas.  If you are travelling at night, even a quick run to the grocery store, make sure you park in well lit areas.  Burglars work in secrecy and are less likely to strike an area of the parking lot that is clearly visible.  If you park your car in the driveway, consider installing motion detector lights.  This preventative measure will help alert you and your neighbors if someone is in your driveway in the middle of the night.  Not to mention the light coming on may also deter the burglar from continuing any farther. MORE

Safety Tips

Things A Burglar Won't Tell You

REPORT SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY TO THE POLICE

Emergency:  911 / Non-Emergency: 321-952-3456

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