“This will give us the opportunity to quickly restore lost pets to their owners during nights and weekends when veterinary offices are closed and unable to help us “, said Police Chief Joe Miller.  

The chip reader will also give the police department the opportunity to reunite a lost pet with its homeowner, instead of it being taken to the Animal Humane Society.  

The Palos Park Police Department would also like to remind pet owners to chip their pets, and to register the chip with their local veterinarian.

PALOS PARK POLICE OFFER PARENTS OF YOUNG CHILDREN THE BASICS ON HOW TO AVOID AND ESCAPE POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS SITUATIONS.

• Never Accept Candy Or Gifts From A Stranger.
• Never Go Anywhere With A Stranger, Even If It Sounds Like Fun.
• Predators Can Lure Children With Questions Like “Can You Help Me Find My Lost Puppy” Or “Do You Want To See Some Cute Kittens In My Car”.
• Run Away And Scream If Someone Follows Them Or Tries To Force Them In To The Car.
• Say ”No” To Anyone Who Tries To Make Them Do Something You’ve Said Is Wrong Or Touch Them In Any Way That Makes Them Feel Uncomfortable.
• Always Tell You Or Another Trusted Adult If A Stranger Asks Personal Questions, Exposes Himself Or Makes Them Feel Uneasy.
• Reassure Children That It Is Ok To Tell You Even If The Person Made Them Promise Not To, Or Threatened Them In Any Way.

Keep These Other Tips In Mind Too:

• Have A Current Photo Of The Child Readily Available.
• Keep Your Childeren’s Medical And Dental Record Up To Date.
• Set Boundaries About The Places Your Children Go. Supervise Them In Places Like Malls, Movie Theaters, Parks, Public Bathrooms Or While Fundraising Door To Door.

The Palos Park Police Department would like to offer the following tips to protect you and your family from impaired drivers:

• Drive defensively—Be alert to potential danger on the highways.
• Wear your seat belt. Insist that others in your car buckle up. Use proper restraints for children younger than eight years old. Using your seat belt is the best defense against a drunk driver.
• Educate teenage drivers and younger children about the effects of drinking and driving. Talk to them about what they should do if they find themselves with a driver who is under the influence. Encourage them to refuse rides with any driver under the influence and to call home for a ride if they or their friends are under the influence and unable to drive.
• Set an example for your children on the safe and responsible use of alcohol.
• If you drink, plan ahead and designate a non-drinking driver.
• Be a responsible host. Serve food and have nonalcoholic drinks available. Don’t let your guests drive after drinking alcohol and never serve alcohol to someone under the age of 21.
• Report suspected impaired drivers to the police by dialing 9-1-1. Make sure to get the license plate number, description of the vehicle, and the direction in which it was traveling. Keep a safe distance from anyone driving erratically and do not try to intervene yourself.

Driving is a privilege, not a right…
Please drive safely.

Zero tolerance: A person under the age of 21 who has a blood alcohol concentration higher than 0.00 but less than 0.08 will have their driving privilege suspended.

Transportation of alcohol in a motor vehicle: No driver or passenger may transport, carry, or possess any alcohol within the passenger area except in the original container with the seal unbroken, (however no person under the age of 21 may possess any amount of alcohol).

Reckless driving: It is unlawful for a person to drive any vehicle with a willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.

Drag racing: A person convicted of drag racing is guilty of a misdemeanor and shall have their license revoked.

Operation of motor vehicle: No person shall operate any motor vehicle in such a manner as to cause or allow to be emitted squealing, screeching or other such noise from the vehicle’s tires due to rapid acceleration or excessive speed around corners or other such reason.

Licenses issued to drivers: For a person less than 17 years of age, the license shall be invalid during the times the license is prohibited on the street in violation of curfew.

Curfew: It is unlawful for a person less than 17 years of age to be at or upon any public assembly, place, street or highway between the times listed except when in the company of a responsible adult. The times are between 12:01 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. on Saturdays, Sundays, and between 11:00 p.m. on Sunday to Thursday, inclusive, and 6:00 a.m. on the following day.

Senate Bill 58: Teen Passenger Restriction—This new law provides that a person under the age of 18, who receives a graduated driver’s license, may not drive with more than one person in the vehicle who is under the age of 20 during the first six months of their license or until the person reaches the age of 18, whichever occurs sooner, unless an adult is present. Exceptions to this passenger restriction are provided for siblings, stepsiblings, children and stepchildren of the driver.

Senate Bill 50: Seat Belt Usage —This new law now enables officers to stop vehicles solely on the basis of a seat belt violation. All drivers and passengers (front and backseat) must wear their seat belt. In addition, any child under the age of 8 must be in a booster seat.

TELEPHONE SCAM
Chicago-Attorney General Lisa Madigan recently warned consumers, particularly senior citizens, about a new telephone scam aimed at stealing their personal bank account numbers.

Madigan said her office has been notified that some customers of Illinois banks are receiving unsolicited calls from representatives of a company calling itself Nationwide Verification Office. The caller asks for their account information so that it can be deleted from a so-called “federal banking system.” Consumers are asked to verify their bank account number and the bank routing numbers found at the bottom of their checks.

Noting that similar schemes have been reported in other states, Madigan warned consumers to never provide identifying or financial information, such as Social Security numbers, bank account and credit card numbers to anyone that calls on the phone. In many cases, such information can be quickly and illegally used by the scammers to raid their account.

Madigan also reminded consumers that neither banks nor the government will ever call and ask consumers for account information or Social Security numbers.

Consumers contacted by National Verification Office are urged to hang up and report the call to Madigan's Consumer Fraud Hotline at the following numbers:
Chicago: 1-800-386-5438 and 1-800-964-3013
Springfield: 1-800-243-0618 and 1-877-844-5461
Carbondale: 1-800-243-0607 and 1-877-675-9339

 ON YOUR GUARD SAFETY TIPS FOR RESIDENTS

Personal Safety in… 

Routine Banking
Protect your ATM personal identification number (PIN).  Stand directly in front of the ATM when you enter your PIN so no one can look over your shoulders to view your number entry.  When in your car, look in your mirrors and all around you, to ensure nobody is watching. Be prepared to conduct your transaction before you draw near the ATM or Night Deposit.  Complete your business promptly, secure money in your pocket or purse, always take your receipt (it shows your account number) and don’t linger in the area. Use care when going to and from your bank entrance and foyer. Be observant, and don’t display cash, checks or important documents.  Always be cautious of “odd” lurking strangers.  Watch over your deposit slips and check books.  These items present essential account information that should be safeguarded. 

While Walking
Stay alert and attentive to your setting and surroundings.  Walk confidently at a steady pace on well-traveled routes, and avoid walking at night.  Exercise caution when strangers (pedestrians or motorists) ask for information, and keep a safe distance to avoid being grabbed, clutched or dragged.  Carry a fully charged cell phone and participate in the In Case of Emergency (ICE) Program.  (The ICE program is simple!  In your cell phone  phonebook, place the numbers of family members or friends you would like emergency first responders to call if you are injured, incapacitated or involved in some catastrophic event.  List the numbers in your cell phone under the acronym ICE.) 

At the Workplace
Always lock your car in the parking area before entering the building.  If you are the last person to leave the building at night, go ahead to your car in an observant and watchful manner.  Know the locations of all fire exits and fire extinguishers, report malfunctioning exterior and interior lighting, and steer clear of allowing strangers access to the workplace.  In your work area, keep your purse, wallet and other valuables out of open view.  Keep track of all office keys in the event of emergencies or other urgent situations.  Don’t give out personal information to strangers, unfamiliar persons or unknown callers.  Lock doors and keep the lights on when working after normal hours.  Avoid entering elevators with persons who look “out-of-place” and don’t use stairwells by yourself.  Whenever possible, let your spouse, friend, or relative know you are at work.  Call 9-1-1 for police and fire. 

When Driving
Park in highly visible areas in full view; in the evening, make certain that the lighting is satisfactory.  After parking, turn up windows and lock the doors.  When returning to your vehicle, approach your car cautiously with keys in-hand, looking around and inside the vehicle before entering.  Know the “Bump-and-Rob” scam.  That is when a vehicle jolts your car to force you to stop, thus making you a potential crime victim.  If it happens, remain in your locked vehicle, call 9-1-1 if you have a cell phone and drive to a busy, noticeable area.  Be very guarded if you spot a stranded motorist; if you wish to help them, call 9-1-1, instead of stopping.  If you are having serious car trouble, pull to the shoulder, raise your hood, engage four-way flashers and stay in your locked vehicle.  If you sense that you are being followed or pursued, call 9-1-1 and drive to the nearest police station.  When stopping allow sufficient room to maneuver around cars, in case an urgent situation arises or to avoid an accident.  If an auto thief threatens you with a firearm or weapon, exit the vehicle and give up your car.

CODE RED IS UP AND RUNNING!

MAYOR CAROLYN A. BACA &, POLICE COMMISSIONER JOHN MAHONEY HAVE ANNOUNCED THE CODE RED MASS NOTIFICATION SYSTEM IS  NOW OPERATIONAL  

The Code Red system allows for specific targeted notifications within the community or mass notifications within the community.  A notification message is generated from the Palos Park Police Department and then all phones within the affected area are called with the notification information. 

Some examples of way the system can be used would be if a small child was missing from a home or business in Palos Park.  After a description of the child was obtained, a Palos Park Police officer would record a message to be sent to all homes in the area asking they keep an eye out for the child.   Another example would be A Crime Pattern Alert, i.e... two male subjects in a blue truck are going door to door posing as village employees and seeking entry into senior citizens’ homes. 

Code Red is overseen by South West Central Dispatch, who will maintain the system and often times will make the notifications in emergency type situations.  For more information on the system, or if you would like to include your cell phone in the Palos Park Code Red system call Chief Joe Miller at 7008 671 3770.

Download CodeRED Pamphlet>>
View CodeRED Info on-line>>

BEAT AUTO THEFT  

Palos Park Police Commissioner John Mahoney, has announced that Palos Park officers are offering a new program which could become a major deterrent to auto theft.  The new program, which is in conjunction with the Illinois Secretary of State, is referred to as B.A.T. (Beat Auto Theft). 

The B.A.T. program is an auto theft prevention program that alerts police that your vehicle is not normally  driven between the hours of 1AM and 5AM.  There is a B.A.T. decal that is given to the resident and is placed in the vehicle’s rear windshield (lower corner on the driver’s side).  If Police officers observe any vehicles with the B.A.T. decal during this time, they will be stopped and the officer will request a valid drivers license and registration to verify ownership.   

Police Commissioner Mahoney reports, “The B.A.T. program has been very successful in New York, Texas, and Virginia and it is hoped that the program will also be a success in Illinois.  B.A.T. is one way to reduce auto theft and hopefully it will have an impact on auto theft.” 

Residents are also encouraged to park smart:  close all windows, take keys out, lock the doors, and whenever possible, try to park in well-lit areas. 

Any Palos Park resident interested in participating in the B.A.T. program is encouraged to come into the police station and fill out an application form, or call the Police Chief, Joe Miller at 671-3770.  There is a $5.00 charge for the B.A.T. decal which helps fund the B.A.T. program.

UNDERSTANDING DUI’S IN ILLINOIS 

By Michael F. Carroll, Attorney-at-Law
Legal Affairs Officer, Palos Park Police 

More litigated than perhaps any other criminal or traffic matter in Illinois, DUI’s have become a very complex and misunderstood segment of our Criminal Code.  Crossing boundaries between civil law and criminal law, misdemeanor and felony, this offense (or group of offenses) has grown as our political and social climates have changed. 

DUI (or Driving Under the Influence) replaced the previous charge (in many states) of Driving While Intoxicated (DWI).  No longer does the States Attorney need to prove that a motorist is intoxicated.  Now, the State need only show that the motorist is operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or a combination thereof. 

A police officer, who suspects a motorist of being Under the Influence, after stopping the motorist for a traffic violation, typically requests the motorist to perform standardized Field Sobriety Testing.  These tests often consist of walking a straight line, standing on one leg and taking a portable roadside breathalyzer, among other tests.  The motorist has the right to refuse to participate in the roadside tests.  Currently, there is no statutory penalty for refusing to take these tests. 

If the officer decides to arrest the motorist, the arrestee is transported to a police station.  The officer reads the arrestee what is known as a Warning to Motorist, explaining to the person the consequences of taking or refusing a breathalyzer, or other chemical tests at the police station or a hospital.  For a first time offense, if the motorist refuses to take the breathalyzer or other chemical test (blood or urine), his or her driver’s license is automatically suspended for a minimum of six months.  That suspension begins on the 46th day following the arrest, which gives the motorist’s attorney a time period to challenge the suspension in court.  A first time offender who takes the breathalyzer and fails, loses his license for a minimum of three months.  A breath alcohol reading of 0.08 or more is considered a failure. 

The statutory suspension of one’s driver’s license is enhanced for someone with a previous DUI.  A failure of chemical testing results in a minimum one year suspension, and a refusal to take the test brings about a minimum three year suspension.  The automatic suspension (known as the Statutory Summary Suspension) is civil in nature, and is between the motorist and the Secretary of State.  Assuming there are no other violations affecting the motorist’s license, when the statutory time period has expired (three months to three years), as long as the motorist pays a reinstatement fee, his  license will once again become valid.    

DUI law has become increasingly complex over the last ten to twenty years.  DUI law is easily the most complex area of law, at least in the misdemeanor category, in Illinois.

IDENTITY THEFT 

There is a type of Internet theft called “phishing”  (pronounced fishing), and that is exactly what these thieves are doing...  “fishing” for your personal financial information.  The robbers want your account numbers, passwords, Social Security numbers, and other private information to raid your checking account or run up bills on your credit cards. 

In a typical phishing swindle, you receive an e-mail that appears to come from an legitimate company like your bank.  Sometimes, the e-mail may appear to come from a government agency.  The e-mail may warn you of a serious problem requiring your urgent attention, using phrases like “Contact us immediately about your account.”  Then, you are encouraged to click on a button to go to the institution’s Web page. This phony Web site may look like the real thing, or it may be the company’s actual Web page from which a pop-up window will quickly appear for harvesting your financial data.  In either case, you are asked to update your account information.

 If you provide the information, you may find yourself the victim of identity theft. 

You can protect yourself, and here is how.

 *Never provide your personal information in response to an unsolicited Internet or phone request if you did not initiate the communication.

*Do not be intimidated by an e-mail that suggests grim consequences if you fail to immediately provide or verify financial information.

*In no way click on the link provided in the e-mail if you believe it could be a sham.  Besides, it may contain a virus that will contaminate your computer.

*If you think that an e-mail (with link) is legitimate, go to the company’s Web page by typing-in the site address

directly rather than using the e-mail link, or call your bank to verify they need the information. 

*Monitor your bank and credit card statements to discover unusual account activity.

*Report strange e-mails to the Federal Trade Commission online, at www.consumer.gov/idtheft, or by calling 1-877-IDTHEFT. 

Don’t become a casualty of identity theft.  “Phishing” charlatans can acquire loans, procure money from accounts, obtain credit cards and even secure driver’s licenses— ALL IN YOUR NAME—and the devastation to your financial history and personal standing could take years to untangle!

ALL NICOR GAS EMPLOYEES WEAR IDENTIFICATION

Ask To See It Before Allowing Anyone Into Your Home 

If you receive an unexpected visit from someone stating he/she is an employee or contractor working on behalf of Nicor Gas and wants to enter your home, please request to see their company-issued photo identification badge before allowing them into your home. 

The identification card features the employee’s photo, name and the Nicor Gas logo on the front side. The backside states the company’s address and toll-free customer care telephone number, 1 888 Nicor4u. 

Nicor Gas also wants to remind you that your Nicor Gas account and meter numbers are confidential.  Therefore, in the event Nicor Gas would need to contact you, our representatives will already have access to this information.  If you choose to enroll in an alternative supplier program, such as Customer Select, please be careful to only share this information with a supplier once you’ve decided to sign up with them.

Palos Park Police Department Issues Senior Scam Alert
Alarming Increase in Targeted Victims 

They then seek change for a $100 or $50 bill in an attempt to find out where the money is kept and they keep the homeowner busy while their accomplice searches the house for money or jewelry. 

A number of victims reported the Black pick up truck being used by these senior predators.  They will always wear a cap to hide their face and grow or shave off facial hair as they commit these crimes.   The offender’s utilize distraction and confession to gain entry into the home and commit the burglary.  Seniors are their target and seniors should by extremely cautious. 

The Palos Park Police Department is working with other communities to locate identity and charge these potentially dangerous predatory offenders.   Any one approached by these offenders should call 9 1 1 and anyone with any additional information is urged to call the Palos Park Police Department at 708 671 3770.

GET INVOLVED IN YOUR COMMUNITY - C.O.P.S Meeting

THE PALOS PARK CITIZENS ON PATROL SERVICE (C.O.P.S.) GROUP IS ALWAYS LOOKING FOR NEW MEMBERS; THEY MEET THE 2^ND WEDNESDAY OF THE MONTH AT 7PM AT THE POLICE STATION.  THEY ALL MEET TO HELP OUR OFFICER’S  PATROL THE VILLAGE EVERY FRIDAY NIGHT AT 7 PM. 

IT IS YOUR COMMUNITY, GET INVOLVED!

Palos Park Police Crime Tip  -  Bad Checks 

1. Amount of check:  limit the amount for which a check may be written or limit the amount of purchase; require management approval for any check written in excess of a set dollar amount. 

2. Two party checks.  Two party checks have a higher incidence of unreliability and can be more difficult to collect. 

3. Local vs. Out of state checks.  Local check writers are easier to contact for collection.  Illinois courts cannot prosecute out of state check writers unless they can be contacted within our state. 

4. Identification.  The primary identification for collection purposes is a driver’s license or special identification card issued by the state of Illinois 

5. Other limits.  Specify any other limits so they will be clearly understood by customers and employees. 

6. Returned check fee.  Collect a returned check processing fee of up to $20.00.   All checks should accurately reflect the name, address (mailing & physical) divers license number of the check writer.  If this information is not on the check, your employee should write it clearly on the check. 

Basic rules of thumb: 

• Make sure the name and picture match the check  writer’s signature

• Correct date is on the check (not post dated)

• Make sure the written & numerical amounts agree

• Check any erasures, alterations or abnormalities

• Low check number (new accounts can be less reliable) 

Please contact the investigations division of the Palos Park Police Department at 708 671 3770 for further information regarding the passing of bad checks at your business.

(John Mahoney, Police Commissioner)

Other types of repair cons include:

• Weather-stripping.... for those cold and drafty windows
• Insulation, because your heating bills are so high
• Driveway seal coating, to protect against cracking and deteriorating
• Basement waterproofing, for controlling damp basements
• And just about any other thing you can imagine.

Again, there are legitimate businesses and professionals who can correctly identify a maintenance or home repair concern. These are people, for example, who are listed in the YELLOW PAGES, or registered and licensed with the Village. As wise and business savvy as we perceive ourselves, con artists are expert at separating you from your money. Con artists spend a great deal of time preparing to penetrate a community. In other words, they do their homework. They will appeal to any weakness possible. The law enforcement community tracks these con artists as they move throughout the country. For example, recent tornadoes and severe weather in the southern regions of the U.S. has evidenced an increase in the activities of these types of con artists. 

These are unscrupulous people. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Protect yourself by confirming the legitimacy of the business, or by asking for references in the area. Again, be aware of the fact that the Village requires businesses to be licensed and insured. This requirement is a protection against unprincipled businesses who are out to con you. If you are in doubt as to the legitimacy of a business, call to confirm them as licensed with the Village.