Beware Of Door-To-Door Burglar Alarm Scam

Be cautious of people going door to door asking about resident’s alarm systems, as they do not appear to be working for the city and could be casing homes for burglaries.

Oakland Police warned that a community member reported that a man wearing an orange safety vest and a tag reading “Oakland Public Safety” knocked on her door inquiring about how up to date the resident’s alarm system was.   The man also asked whether or not it was monitored and whether it was tied to a cell phone or landline.

The Redwood City Police are not aware of any city-sponsored program making this sort of inquiry, it is likely that the questions were aimed at gathering information for criminal use.  Criminals usually use these tactics to case the house and attempt to find ways to defeat alarm systems.

Residents should not answer any questions about home alarm systems, and should report anyone asking similar questions to police immediately.

Another consumer rip-off that shows no sign of abating is the invasion of door-to-door salespeople who use dubious and intrusive tactics to sell burglar-alarm systems to unwary homeowners.

Law-enforcement and consumer-protection officials warn you to be wary of an alarm salesperson who:

• Attempts to alarm you by citing rashes of burglaries in their neighborhoods.

• Claims to represent or wear clothing with logos from major alarm manufacturers like GE and Honeywell. These firms don't sell directly to consumers and don't allow their logos to be used by door-to-door salespeople.

• Tries to gain entrance into your home

• Offers a free system. Experts say "free" systems usually come with higher monthly service fees.

• Says the company is ready to install your system right away. Experts say legitimate alarm companies don't mind taking the time to talk to consumers to get a comprehensive view of their security needs.

• Claims your current alarm company is defunct.

Non-emergency calls can be made to (650)780-7100, or dial 911 for emergencies.

Redwood City Police Social Media Connections

The Redwood City Police Department engages with our community on several social media platforms.  We post news releases, crime prevention tips, crime statistics, photos and videos, and human interest stories.  We encourage you to connect with us!

Twitter
	Join the conversation at www.twitter.com/redwoodcitypd
Facebook
www.facebook.com/redwoodcitypd	Give us a “like” at www.facebook.com/redwoodcitypd, and get our most robust social media content delivered straight to your News Feed.
Vimeo
Nixle	Watch all of our videos at http://vimeo.com/user11653973  We post crime prevention videos, wanted subjects, and information on our video chat
	Go to: http://www.nixle.com/ and subscribe to us.  You can elect to receive text message alerts, e-mail alerts, or simply view our content on Nixle’s website.  Check out our Nixle page at http://local.nixle.com/city/ca/redwood-city/ and subscribe to us for free.

            Netop Video Chat

Join our award winning video chat by visiting www.redwoodcity.org/police  Click on the link and be connected to an Officer.

Our social media presence is maintained by members of our Social Media Team, but it is not a substitute for 9-1-1.  Please do not use social media to report criminal activity that requires a police response. If you have an emergency, please call 9-1-1. If you require non-emergency police assistance or want to report suspicious activity, please call our 24-hour dispatch center at 650-780-7100.

Tattoo Removal Program

Helping Change Futures

The Tattoo Removal Program Has Been in Existence for 16 Years Serving Thousands of Participants and is in desperate need of a new laser machine. The mission of the program is to provide tattoo removal to people who have proven they are transitioning out of the gang life style

The program is also helping the domestic violence victims with healing from the abuse suffered as many perpertrators force their victims to tattoo their names on them to mark the victim as property.

Participants that are trying to change their lives find that the tattoos are stigma that follows them through life.  Tattoo removal is an important part of breaking your identity from the gang life style and creating a person, free of marks or symbols, that stand in the way of establishing employment and building relationships.  This is the final step in rehabilitation.

This much needed program serves San Mateo County residents.  many are on probation, parole, or in treatment.

Besides providing innumerable new-found freedoms, the Tattoo Removal Program was also designed to give each former gang member the opportunity to give back to society.  Each participant completes community service hours to participate in the program and to date they have performed thousands of hours of public work for the community.

Requirements to be eligible for participating in the program include being at least 10 years old, attending school and/or work, performing 20-plus hours of community service, being willing to meet regularly with a program sponsor and commitment to live a gang-free lifestyle.

The program has assisted hundreds of individuals in removing regrettable tattoos that they either acquired as a youth, in prison, or after succumbing to the gang lifestyle.

Who is Involved?

This program is a collaboration between the Redwood City Police Department, San Mateo County Probation Department, San Mateo County Shreiff's Office S.A.L. and the Redwood City P.A.L.

Since the inception of the program;

• 2200 participants with over 44,000 tratments.
• Doctors and nurses have volunteered over 2,000 hours.
• Clients have provided over 20,000 community service hours.
• Clients have participated in hundreds of community outreach programs
• Clients range from 10 years old to 50 years old.

How Can You Help?

We are looking to raise $125,000 to continue this life changing program. 

The current laser machine which wa donated to the program is no longer operational, so the need for a new laser machine is urgent.  The proposed new laser is a Cynosure ConBio C6 with an extended warranty.  This unit has three Q-switched wavelengths that make it possible to treat all types of tattoo colors.

Direct gifts of cash to the Tattoo removal Program are fully tax deductable.

Pledges to the Tattoo Removal Program may be made over a period of three years. A signed pledge card or letter of intent is required.  Tax deductions are earned only on amounts paid on the pledge in the year the payment was made.

Marketable or closely held securities may be given to the Tattoo Removal Program.  As a direct gift, it is always to the donor's advantage to make a gift of appreciated securities in avoidance of capital gains tax. 

For more information on the Program or to make a donation please call;

Manuel Velarde 650-780-7195
John Domeniconi 650-363-4232
Carrie Cross 650-877-7028

Your contribution is fully tax deductable, Tax ID#94-3229506

How To Beef Up Home Security And Stop Garage Door Hacking

If you have an older garage door opener or remote that does not employ the newer rolling code technology, you could be putting the safety of your home and family at risk.

Today more than ever, hackers have expanded their focus to many other electrical devices besides the computer. Hackers have found that older style handheld remote garage door transmitters can be bypassed with a little bit of electrical wiring finesse. Hackers can easily modify a standard door opener to accept a USB port, and software is readily available on the web to modify how it operates.

This deceptive action communicates with your garage door opener and allows hackers to gain entrance to your garage. Homeowners might be surprised that this task is possible and can be an alarming and somewhat unsettling prospect.

Professional Hackers have even gone so far as to demonstrate their prowess by spotlighting their “how to” videos on YouTube and other video sites.

As a homeowner, you can stop this from happening to you by properly protecting your garage door with rolling code technology. Rolling code technology is used in keyless entry systems, garage door openers for example, to prevent someone from stealing the code you use to open your garage door. Rolling code, also called Intellicode or CodeDodger, replaces the old technology of setting dip switches on the garage door opener operator.

"Dip switches were used back in the 1950′s through about the early 1970′s. This technology sent out a single code to open or close the garage. As garage door openers became more common, codes were often duplicated, as a set of dip switches can only have a maximum of 256 possible combinations. This caused quite a problem. Imagine driving down the street and being able to click your remote control and open your neighbors garage! What a security nightmare! Not only were there not enough variation of codes for the dip switches to handle, it was very easy for someone in the know to capture the signal, and use it at a later time to get into your home." This capability means that they can never be repeated or bypassed; thereby making stolen codes useless to pesky burglars looking to rob you blind.

Staying connected and plugged in to new security features for your home is critical these days. The wonderful World Wide Web can provide a wealth of information on how you can upgrade your old garage door remote and opener. Using a rolling code transmitter can make home security systems even more secure and purchasing an updated opener is your first defense against intruders from entering your home.

"What if I don't Have Rolling Code Technology?"

Here are some safety tips if you do not have Rolling Code technology;

•While on vacation or away from home for extended periods of time, unplug the garage door opener unit or use a vacation lock on the wall console switch, which is an optional accessory on some garage door openers.

• Wireless keypads, which activate the garage door opener with a personal identification number (PIN), are available on most garage door systems. This allows family members to open the door without the use of a key or remote. Never disclose the PIN or leave it written down.

• Never leave the remote control in the car or with a parking attendant. It should be treated like a house key.

•Always lock the door from the garage to the inside of your home for greater safety and security.

•Check to make sure your garage door is closed when you lock your entry doors at night.

excerpts from agaragedooropener.com

Back to School Safety Tips

Here are some simple reminders for drivers


Slow down and be especially alert in the residential neighborhoods and school zones

Take extra time to look for kids at intersections, on medians and on curbs
Enter and exit driveways and alleys slowly and carefully

Watch for children on and near the road in the morning and after school hours

Reduce any distractions inside your car so you can concentrate on the road and your surroundings. Put down your phone and don’t talk or text while driving

Reminder for your kids:

They should cross the street with an adult until they are at least 10 years old

Cross the street at corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks

Never run out into the streets or cross in between parked cars

Make sure they always walk in front of the bus where the driver can see them

4th of July Safety Tips

The Redwood City Police Department wants your holiday to be safe as well as fun. We would like to provide the following safety information while you plan your holiday celebration.



Fireworks are the cause of thousands of fires and injuries throughout the United States on the 4th of July, as well as during the days before and after this holiday. These fires and injuries are preventable, when people comply with local laws prohibiting the use of fireworks. The International Fire Code adopted by the City of Redwood City prohibits any type of fireworks, including the so-called “safe and sane” variety. The only permitted use of fireworks is for professional fireworks shows.

Celebrating the 4th of July by shooting a gun into the air is not only illegal; it can hurt or kill people. The Redwood City Police Department uses a "Shot Spotter" gunshot locater system, which determines the location of any firearm discharged in the city. The reckless discharge of a firearm is a felony under section 246.3 of the Penal Code and carries up to a three-year prison sentence. A gunshot telephone hotline is available at (650) 780-7639, which the public is urged to call in the event gunfire is heard, particularly during the 4th of July holiday.

Redwood City Police and Fire staff will be making an extraordinary effort this year to be on the lookout for fireworks and gunshots throughout the 4th of July holiday period. Any person caught in possession of fireworks will have them confiscated and will be subject to a citation. Fireworks obtained in other jurisdictions may not be brought into or used within Redwood City. The Police Department will investigate and track down any individuals shooting guns into the air. Arrests will be made when possible and violators will be booked at San Mateo County Jail.

In California possession of illegal fireworks is considered a misdemeanor, which is punishable by a fine of not less than $500 nor more than $1000 or by imprisonment in a county jail for up to one year. If you are found to be in possession of a sufficient amount of illegal fireworks, you may be guilty of a felony and punished by a fine up to $5000 and/or imprisonment in a state prison or county jail. Parents may be held liable for any damages or injuries caused by their childrens use of illegal fireworks.

Fireworks are illegal in most parts of San Mateo County, and other jurisdictions share Redwood City’s desire to maintain a safe 4th of July holiday. To fully inform the community of Redwood City’s prohibition on fireworks, all main roadway entrances into the City will be posted with a sign saying “No Fireworks in Redwood City.” The signs feature bright red letters on a white background to make them very visible to passing motorists. The City’s goal in this effort is for the community to have a safe, fun 4th of July holiday, and to prevent fire or injury incidents related to fireworks.

For the most accurate parking, festival, and firework information delivered directly to your cell phone text the keyword: RCJULY4 to 888777 and you will be automatically added to the Redwood City 4th of July information group through Nixle.com.

The Redwood City 4th of July Information group was created to provide specific, festival-related information to our residents, businesses and visitors. you can sign up for all alerts via text or e-mail by signing up at Nixle.com

The Redwood City Police Department wishes you a safe 4th of July!

Oakland Police, In Remembrance

Today marks one of the most tragic days in the history of the Oakland Police Department — indeed, in the history of law enforcement.

Three years ago today, four Officers from the Oakland Police Department were murdered by a paroled felon and rape suspect.

Today we remember Sergeant Mark Dunakin, Sergeant Daniel Sakai, Sergeant Ervin Romans, and Officer John Hege.

Today, the Oakland Police Officers Association will unveil a new memorial sign to be placed along the 580 Interstate on the Keller Avenue overpass. Today, a special ceremony will be held at OPD Headquarters for the families and friends of the fallen four.

Today, we remember these men who made the ultimate sacrifice— in their memory.

St. Patrick's Day Safety Tips

Let’s be honest—most people look forward to St. Patrick’s Day for the drinking. Pinching people for not wearing green is fun, but the event’s spirit rests at the bottom of a good bottle of whiskey and a few pints of Guinness. And Irish stereotypes aside, that’s as it should be. After all, the levity and good natured exuberance of St. Paddy’s help make it such a popular and care free celebration.

However, the greater levels alcohol consumption also make it a day to be responsible. Check out these five St. Patrick’s Day Safety tips to help you successfully navigate the hoopla and festivities on March 17th.

Safety Tips

Predetermine a safe way to get home for you and your friends. Whether you’re watching a parade or going to or hosting a party, ensure everyone in your group has a safe means of returning home if you plan to drink. Select a designated driver, arrange for a cab, plot a bus route, or figure out a nearby place you can crash for the night. It’s a good idea to keep route maps of local public transportation, as well as the numbers for taxi companies handy during the day.

Eat. Drinking on an empty stomach is a good way to end your St. Paddy’s day a lot earlier than planned. Make sure to get some nutrients in you to help absorb that alcohol.

Stay hydrated. Getting enough water will decrease the likelihood you’ll have a March 18th hangover.

If you feel impaired, don’t get behind the wheel. In the eyes of the law, impaired driving is drunk driving, and even if you feel fine, a breathalyzer might not concur. With all the checkpoints on the roads, it’s best to play it extra safe. If you have even the least bit of doubt, don’t drive.

Be extra cautious on the roads. Just because you’re a safe and sober driver doesn’t mean other people are. A disproportionate of traffic accidents on St. Patrick’s Day are caused by people driving under the influence. Whether you’re driving or just crossing the street on foot, keep your awareness levels high.

St. Patrick’s day calls for drinks with friends, a heap of green, and a healthy dose of responsibility. With that formula and the above tips, you can make March 17 a greater and safer night out for you and your loved ones.

Redwood City Police Chief Gamez presentation to City Council, February 6, 2012

Super Bowl Sunday DUI Prevention “Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk”

Super Bowl Sunday DUI Prevention “Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk”

Football is one of America’s favorite pastimes, but fans can put themselves in serious danger if they don’t plan ahead.  Whether you’re at the game or watching from a sports bar or a friend’s house, designate a sober driver before the game.  Remember, Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk!

The following are some recommendations of what you can do if you are hosting a Super Bowl party:

Make sure all of your guests designate their sober drivers before kick-off or help arrange ride-sharing with other sober drivers

• Find unique ways to recognize the designated drivers at your party

o Give them a great spot to watch the game
o Whatever non-alcoholic beverage they are drinking, make sure their glass is always full
o Let them have the first pass at the buffet table
o Make sure their cars are easy to access when it is time to start driving people home

• Serve plenty of food
• Offer a variety of non-alcoholic choices like soft drinks, juice, and water
• Serve one drink at a time and serve measured drinks
• Only serve alcohol to guests over 21 years of age
• Determine ahead of time when you’ll stop serving alcohol, such as one hour before the end of the party or at the end of the third quarter of the game (just like NFL stadiums) and begin serving coffee and dessert
• Add the numbers of local cab companies into your phone so they are just one touch away
• Take appropriate steps to prevent anyone from driving while impaired
• Be prepared for guests to spend the night if an alternative way home is not available

If you are attending a Super Bowl party or watching at a sports bar or restaurant:

• Designate your sober driver before the party begins and leave your car keys at home if you plan to drink
• Find unique ways to recognize the designated drivers when you are out at a bar or restaurant

o Offer to be the designated driver the next time you go out
o Cover the cost for parking or even pay for a tank of gas
o Whatever non-alcoholic beverage they are drinking, make sure their glass is always full
o Pick up the tab for their food and drink

• Before you go out, add the numbers for local cab companies in your cell phone so if you find yourself in need of a ride, it is just one touch away
• Avoid drinking too much alcohol too fast. Pace yourself—eat enough food, take breaks and alternate with non-alcoholic drinks.
• Take appropriate steps to prevent anyone from driving while impaired. Remember, Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk.

Always buckle up – it’s your best defense on the road.

Mountain Lion Safety

Mountain Lions are occasionally sighted in Redwood City. They are very shy and elusive animals. Chances are you will never get to see one of these majestic creatures in the wild, but if you do, the California Department of Fish and Game recommends that you take the following actions, which are based on behavior analysis of attacks by mountain lions, tigers and leopards:

Try to remain standing to protect head and neck and, if attacked, fight back with whatever is at hand (without turning your back) people have utilized rocks, jackets, garden tools, tree branches, and even bare hands to turn away cougars.

• When it comes to personal safety, always be aware of your surroundings, wherever you are; conduct yourself and attend to children and dependents accordingly.
• Landscape for safety. Remove vegetation that provides cover for cougars. Remove plants that attract wildlife (deer, raccoons, etc.). By attracting them you naturally attract their predator the cougar. 
• Don't feed wildlife. Don't leave pet food outside. Both may attract cougars by attracting their natural prey. 
• Keep pets secure. Roaming pets are easy prey for cougars. 
• Confine and secure any livestock (especially at night) in pens, sheds, and barns. 
• Don't approach a cougar. Most cougars want to avoid humans. Give a cougar the time and space to steer clear of you. 
• Supervise children, especially outdoors between dusk and dawn. Educate them about cougars and other wildlife they might encounter. 
• Always hike, backpack, and camp in wild areas with a companion. 
• Never run past or from a cougar. This may trigger their instinct to chase. Make eye contact. Stand your ground. Pick up small children without, if possible, turning away or bending over. 
• Never bend over or crouch down. Doing so causes humans to resemble four-legged prey animals. Crouching down or bending over also makes the neck and back of the head vulnerable. 
• If you encounter a cougar, make yourself appear larger, more aggressive. Open your jacket, raise your arms, throw stones, branches, etc., without turning away. Wave raised arms slowly, and speak slowly, firmly, loudly to disrupt and discourage predatory behavior.
• Try to remain standing to protect head and neck and, if attacked, fight back with whatever is at hand (without turning your back) people have utilized rocks, jackets, garden tools, tree branches, and even bare hands to turn away cougars.
  
  Visit www.keepmewild.org for more information.

PLEASE REPORT ALL MOUNTAIN LION SIGHTINGS IN REDWOOD CITY TO THE REDWOOD CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT IMMEDIATELY.

RCPD Supports the Blue Star Moms of San Mateo County

San Mateo County Blue Star Moms and Applebee’s of Redwood City would like to invite you to enjoy a short stack for a tall cause!

When:             January 28, 2012 Time: 8AM to 10AM

Where:           Applebee’s 1135 Veteran’s Blvd, Redwood City

Cost:               $10.00

You’re invited to an Applebee’s Flapjack Fundraiser Breakfast to benefit the troops through your support of the San Mateo County Blue Star Moms. 

The San Mateo County Blue Star Moms organization is a 503(c) non-profit.  We are a group of mothers and associate members who come together to support the troops and their family members here awaiting their arrival back home. 

The San Mateo County Blue Star Moms send care packages to members of the military deployed in combat zones, support military personnel and their visiting family members at Veterans Administration Hospitals.  We attend ceremonies for honored military members and provide miscellaneous support for military families in need.   

We attend the funeral services and participate annually in the “Wreaths Across America” ceremony at the Golden Gate National Cemetery in honor of those who have paid the ultimate price for our freedoms and to ensure they will never be forgotten. 

Please help us to support the thousands of troops still deployed along with those service men and women recovering from the effects of war back home.  Eighty percent of the proceeds will be donated to our cause.  On behalf of the San Mateo County Blue Star Moms, we thank you.

RCPD Honors Fallen Officer Herman Fleishman

The members of the Redwood City Police Department will honor Officer Herman Fleishman on the anniversary of his death that occurred while on duty with RCPD on January 22, 1939.  Flags in front of the Police Department will be lowered to half staff on the true anniversary date, Sunday, January 22nd.  All of our sworn personnel will be dressed in a formal class "A" uniform  to honor the sacrifice given by Officer Fleishman and his family.  A historical summary of the events leading to the service death of Officer Fleishman is described below.

Officer Herman Graham Fleishman

Tour of Duty: 1927 – January 22, 1939

        

On Sunday, January 22, 1939, at about 2:15 AM, Officer Fleishman was working patrol when he observed a car speeding about 60 miles per hour along El Camino Real. Fleishman and his partner, Special Officer Mark Ryan gave chase and pursued the car north on El Camino Real from Five Points into the City of San Carlos, where it was stopped near Brittan Avenue.  The driver, George Devin, stopped the car in the number two lane and Fleishman pulled the patrol car off the right side of the road behind Devin’s car. The two were standing behind Devin’s car as Fleishman was issuing a citation. A call on the police radio summoned Officer Ryan to the patrol car. Seconds later, a crash to the rear of the violator’s car pinned Fleishman and Devin between the two cars. Fleishman’s left leg and both of Devin’s legs were sheared off. It was reported that after the accident, Fleishman attempted to get up from the pavement and crawled to Devin’s side to give him first aid. He then reportedly directed Officer Ryan to issue a citation to the driver of the car that hit them.

The impact sent Devin’s car more than 200 feet across the highway (El Camino Real), over a curb, and into a vacant lot. Fleishman and Devin were rushed to Mills Memorial Hospital where they died of their injuries just before noon. The driver of the other vehicle, Robert Lee, was charged with negligent homicide.

Officer Fleishman is the only officer killed in an on-duty collision in the department’s history. Forty two years old, Fleishman was survived by his wife and two daughters. In July 1939, city officials dedicated Fleishman Park in his honor. On this date, we remember and honor our Brother Officer, Herman Fleishman. 

Introducing Your Child To Social Networking: Ten Must-Know Tips For Parents

Introducing Your Child To Social Networking: Ten Must-Know Tips For Parents
You’ve likely joined Facebook because you understand that social networking can be a valuable tool to keep up with family and friends. Or perhaps you are a business professional and use Twitter and LinkedIn because of the value it brings to your business.  Maybe you don’t social network, but your friends do and you’ve heard them say “Facebook me”. Either case, you know that social networking is a powerful tool that influences all our lives.

When it comes to your children, these tips will help to make sure your child has a safe, age-appropriate and engaging social networking experience.

Tip #1: Don’t Be An Ostrich.

Burying your head in the sand just won’t work. Believing “I’m not going to let my child join a social network until…..” isn’t the best tactic to take. If you don’t get involved in steering your child in the right direction then they’ll sign themselves up without you knowing.

Tip #2: Know The Rules.

The Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act is a law that protects your child online. It’s against this law for any child under the age of 13 to join social networks like Facebook or MySpace. We never teach our children to lie, so don’t let them lie to join a site.

Tip#3: Not Okay Offline = Not Okay Online.

Mainstream social networks like Facebook are adult intended. Whether it’s the inappropriate photos that are allowed; our personal data being tracked and sold; or the illegal content that is sadly shared, the fact is we wouldn’t knowingly allow our children to be surrounded by these activities so we shouldn’t online.

Tip #4: The Sooner The Better.

Don’t wait until your child says: “I want to join XYZ site.” Start them out early as a member of a kid-centric site that you have researched and feel comfortable with. Social networking will be a part of your child’s life, so make sure you’re involved in helping them make a healthy choice early.

Tip #5: Set Limits.

As with all our kids’ media time, limit it. Make sure they have a healthy dose of outside activities before sitting down to enjoy their social media time.  And when they do, limit their screen time.

Tip #6: Dialogue.

Talk to your kids about what they are doing online, and don’t stop talking. It’s important they know you’re interested and involved.

Tip #7: Protect Your Child’s Identity.

Your child’s identity and online safety is immediately at risk if they provide their first and last name, birth date, school, phone number or physical location. A website asking for this information should be a “red flag”. A kids social network that complies with privacy laws – asks for your email for permission, your child’s birth date (to determine if <13), and a desired screen name.

Tip #8: Round Out Your Family Safety Net.

After you’ve set your children up with their age appropriate safety-focused social networking account, be sure to activate the rest of the safety controls across all devices and tools.  For starters, safety enable all idevices, Google SafeSearch and YouTube Safety Mode.

Tip #9: The Kids Channels Are Here! 

It used to be only ABC, CBS, NBC, then along came cable where suddenly kids could enjoy programming just for them. The same has happened in social media.  Networks made specifically for your children offer kid-specific activities while safety and privacy are key.

Tip #10: Have Fun With Your Kids.

There’s so much exploring, creativity, education and engagement that your children will gain from their social networking experience. Be sure you sit down with your child and enjoy the experience together.