Crime Prevention Blotter
Tag: #SafetyTips
April 8, 2021 11:55 AM
Here are 10 things you need to know when meeting someone buying or selling something online: Always meet in a public place Tell someone Never meet at home Always meet during the day If it's a high-priced transaction, do it at a bank Don't pay in cash Disable caller ID Don't … [read more]
November 18, 2020 9:44 AM
It's that time of year for giving... and taking. With so many people shopping online because of the pandemic, we are expected to have a record-breaking year for home deliveries and Porch Pirates this holiday season. These adventurous thieves feast on crimes of opportunity and convenience, … [read more]
October 3, 2019 4:25 PM
There is an active group of persons in a convoy of vehicles going throughout communities in and around Madison, breaking into cars as well as homes. The MO is to check the car in the driveway and upon finding it unlocked, use the garage door opener to make entry into your home. This group is … [read more]
June 5, 2019 11:10 AM
On behalf of the Madison Police Department Burglary Crime Unit, Happy Summer! We hope it is a safe one for you and yours. To assist in that endeavor, we have some tips to keep you, your residences and properties safe. As the supervisor of the BCU, I review the vast majority of case reports … [read more]
May 16, 2019 10:15 AM
There have been 150 stolen vehicles so far in 2019, a 14% increase over same time period last year. In April of this year, the City had 34 stolen autos reported, representing a 36% increase over April of 2018. Of the 34 stolen autos reported in April, 28 had keys left in them. Two stolen … [read more]
April 17, 2019 12:33 PM
Most of us have felt it at some time or another: that sinking feeling when you can’t find your phone anywhere and realize you’ve lost it, or worse, that someone has stolen it. Mobile phones and the data they hold are very valuable to thieves. And for similar reasons — they hold so much important … [read more]
March 15, 2019 3:17 PM
In the coming weeks, students from the Madison Metropolitan School District and UW-Madison will be among those on Spring Break, heading to beaches and other (hopefully warmer) vacation destinations. Empty homes, apartments, and condos can be targets for opportunistic criminals, and with that … [read more]
February 25, 2019 10:32 AM
Caller ID Spoofing Content for this blog is courtesy of the FCC and can be found here If you think you've been the victim of a spoofing scam, you can file a complaint with the FCC. Caller ID spoofing is when a caller deliberately falsifies the information transmitted to your caller ID … [read more]
January 16, 2019 2:44 PM
Who wouldn't love to be that winner you see on TV holding a great big sweepstakes check? That's what con artists are counting on when they claim to be Publishers Clearing House. This trick is an oldie but goodie for scammers. The scam starts with a call or letter saying you've won the … [read more]
January 7, 2019 2:53 PM
Are you looking to escape the Wisconsin winter for some warmer weather? Whether you are going on a short vacation or consider yourself a snowbird, it is important to prep your home before you leave. Here are 10 safety tips and best practices for snowbirds and vacationers: Make … [read more]
December 11, 2018 11:09 AM
Carjacking Safety Tips: How to Avoid Becoming a Victim A carjacking is one of the scariest things that can ever happen to a driver. It’s a violent crime that involves stealing a car by force, often at gunpoint or knifepoint. According to the National Crime Victimization Survey, an average of … [read more]
November 19, 2018 10:50 AM
It's that time of year again when we come home to front porches full of boxes from online retailers where we find all of the best deals from the convenience of ordering from our phones. This joyous occasion is also the favorite time of year for #PorchPirates. These adventurous thieves feast … [read more]
November 14, 2018 12:04 PM
Recently, we have had approximately six robberies involving Facebook Marketplace transactions. Here are 10 things you need to know when meeting someone buying or selling something online: Always meet in a public place Tell someone Never meet at home Always meet during the day If … [read more]