Memorial Day 2010

To those that are serving and those that have served, we wish you the best on this Memorial Day 2010. To the men and women who served our country and gave the ultimate sacrifice, we salute you! Take the time to say "Thanks" to our vets and current members of our military, not just today, but everyday.

Remember to proudly display your American Flag at half-staff today, from sunrise to noon in honor of our service personnel who have given their lives for our Country.

Activity Highlights for May 16-22, 2010

http://www.ci.arcadia.ca.us/docs/weekly_5-16.pdf

Weekly Tip - Mature Drivers

When collisions or other traffic incidents occur involving a "mature driver", questions are often raised that ask whether or not the person should still be driving. Family members or friends sometimes take this a step further and ask what they can do to help or even how can they take the license away. There is no easy answer.

Officers in the field have the ability to require a driver to participate in a "reexamination" with the DMV. If an Officer observes that the driver lacks ability, is physically incapable or is displaying signs that their driving is unsafe, the Officer can refer any driver, not just an older driver, to DMV. However, family members, a friend or neighbor can also contact DMV with their concerns. You may write a letter to DMV describing why you believe that a driver is no longer capable of driving safely. This action could initiate a reevaluation as well. Under certain medical conditions, a physician is also required to submit information to DMV.

The best step for anyone with a concern about a friend or loved one's driving is to become involved. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) has information on the topic and links to pamphlets that can be downloaded. Another great resource is AARP. The AARP website has a page dedicated to driver safety which includes a link to warning signs, information on classes, a driver safety IQ test, and other information applicable to the topic. The Automobile Club (AAA) has launched a website called AAA Seniors that is also loaded with tips and resources for mature drivers.

Take a look at these references. Gather information and knowledge on the topic and get involved. Deciding when not to drive is a tough choice and hard to breach with a loved one. Reasons for driving such as independence or even the simple desire to continue driving, need to be weighed against the probability of the driver injuring themselves or even worse, someone else.

Two Unrelated Robberies Over Weekend

An armed robbery occurred late Friday night, May 21, 2010, at about 11:15 pm, in the 600 block of Fairview Avenue. The victim was sitting in his parked vehicle and was approached by a male suspect asking the victim to use his cell phone. As the victim rolled down his car window, the suspect displayed a handgun and demanded that the victim turn over his phone and property. The victim complied and the suspect fled to an awaiting vehicle which drove northbound Baldwin Avenue out of sight.

The suspect was described as a male, white or Hispanic, 6'-00", muscular build, wearing a light blue button-down shirt with a white long sleeve shirt underneath. The suspect vehicle was a 4-door, dark green Honda Civic.

Early Saturday morning, May 22, 2010, at about 2:55 am, a "DJ" was loading equipment into his vehicle after working at a party in the 500 block of West Leroy. The victim "DJ" was accosted by 4-5 male suspects and was struck about the head and body, knocking him into the ground. The suspects stole the stereo equipment and made off in an unknown vehicle. The suspects were only described as male Asians. The victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment of his injuries.

Click It or Ticket

The Click It or Ticket campaign for 2010 kicks off today and runs through Sunday, June 6th. This a National mobilization where Law Enforcement conducts targeted enforcement of seat belt and restraint laws.

California State Law requires that everyone use a restraint device while travelling in a vehicle. Drivers and passengers may be cited for this violation. And don't forget the little ones! Child passenger restraints, seat or booster, must be used for young children until they reach 6 years of age AND 60 pounds. The seat or booster must be placed in the back seat of the vehicle.

The threat of a citation should not be your motivation to use your seat belt! Seat belts save lives - Buckle-Up!

Southend 7-Eleven Robbed

Early this morning, the 7-Eleven store at Live Oak and Tyler was robbed at gunpoint. The crime occurred at about 2:13 am. The store clerk was alone inside when the lone suspect entered the store displaying a handgun tucked in his waistband. The clerk handed over the money and the suspect fled on foot. The suspect was dressed in dark clothing, a hooded sweatshirt, wearing gloves and possibly a bandana covering his face. He was described only as a male, about 5'08" tall with a thin build. The suspect description and crime are similar to a robbery that occurred on May 10, 2010, at the 7-Eleven store in West Arcadia. It is possible that the two robberies are related and surveillance video is being reviewed.

Weekly Tip - Card Skimming

Card skimming involves the unauthorized copying of electronic data from your debit card or credit card. Thieves will use hidden equipment, such as pin-hole cameras and card reading devices to obtain your PIN and card data. The stolen data is then encoded onto a counterfeit card, which is used to withdraw funds or make purchases without your knowledge.

This type of crime can occur anywhere, but most commonly occurs at gas stations, ATM machines, or restaurants. Gas pump and ATM machines can be tampered with and thieves will place devices that resemble the actual equipment on the machine in order to read your card as it is used. Restaurants are used by suspects who carry handheld skimming devices to trap credit and debit card magnetic information. The suspect may be the server of your table. Some restaurants have actually gone to use of portable card readers so that the transaction can be performed at your table, directly in front of you. This type of device helps to secure the transaction for your protection.

There are many resources on the web that give you information on this type of theft and fraud. Read the Wikipedia entry on the topic and it will give you some insight and topics to query. Here is another link to a helpful website, "Bustathief", where they actually have photos of modified ATM machines and what to look for to prevent your information from being taken.

Some quick prevention tips:

• Keep your cards in sight. If the sales clerk moves to a different register, accompany them. This may be difficult at a restaurant but you may consider asking to pay at the register.
• Pay attention to the number of times your card is swiped and make sure that any transaction that is not the actual sale is voided.
• Use the credit option as opposed to entering your PIN.
• Check the machine for any loose or unusual "reader" or equipment. Immediately report any tampered machine or out of order machine to the bank or business.
• Do not accept "assistance" from a good Samaritan at an ATM. If the machine does not properly work, move on!
• Use ATM machines inside the bank or business, visible and open to the public.
• Check your bank records and statements often. Look for unusual or unauthorized activity.
• Report any lost or stolen cards immediately.
• If you see anything or anyone suspicious near an ATM machine, call the local police!