From the desk of Sheriff Bob Hansell
Did you know only 2 years ago, identity theft was the second fastest growing crime in the United States? Over the last year, we've seen the number of identity theft cases increase. Here?s some basic information you should know to keep you safe.
"Identity theft" refers to crimes in which someone wrongfully obtains and uses another person's personal data (i.e., name, date of birth, social security number, driver's license number, and your financial identity? credit card, bank account and phone-card numbers) in some way that involves fraud or deception, typically for economic gain (to obtain money or goods/services). Criminals also use identity theft to fraudulently obtain identification cards, driver licenses, birth certificates, social security numbers, travel visas and other official government papers.
Unlike your fingerprints (which are unique to you and can't easily be given to, or stolen by, someone else for their use), your personal data can be used, if it falls into the wrong hands, allowing criminals to profit at your expense. On average, most victims don't even know their identity has been stolen until more than a year later.
Identity theft can have devastating consequences for you, as the victim, who may face long hours of closing bad accounts, opening new ones, and repairing your wrecked credit record. And, it may take significant out-of-pocket expenses to clear your good name.
Here are some ways to protect you and your family against identity theft:
- Monitor the balances of your financial accounts. Look for unexplained charges or withdrawals.
- Other indications of identity theft include:
- failing to receive bills or other mail, which may signal an address change by the identity thief,
- receiving credit cards, and/or statements of accounts, for which you did not apply
- a lender tries to repossess a car you didn't know you owned
- being contacted by law enforcement after a crime is committed in your name.
- being denied credit for no apparent reason...
If you're ever denied credit, FIND OUT WHY, especially if you haven't reviewed your credit report lately. This may be the first indication you get that someone has stolen your identity and is racking up charges in your name.
If you think you are a victim of identity theft, call the Osceola County Sheriff?s Office at (407) 348-2222. Arm yourself with knowledge. The more you know, the more you can guard yourself against this growing crime.
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Security
It is every residents responsibility to help keep their property secure!
Always lock and secure your home and vehicles.
Report any suspicious happenings to the Osceola County Sheriffs Department by calling
407-348-2222 (for non-emergencies)
ALWAYS CALL 911 FOR ANY EMERGENCY
Please help us help you!
Also, we are asking all homeowners that utilize management companies to please notify HOA, via email of their management company contact information. Of all the home security issues within our community, the majority were vacation rentals, where lack of security was on the part of the renter. We are looking to host a training session with management companies and sheriffs department and code enforcement.
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Tips on Ways to Deter Crime
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Please remember to close and lock your car and home doors and windows.
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Residents should install home alarm systems. This should include glass breaker sensors in all rooms. Please provide your management companies and tenants with the information to use the alarm when they are not home.
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Turn on lights! Place motion sensors on the front and rear of your property. Place indoor lights on timer system. Staggering them to create the illusion of someone in the home.
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Install screws in the upper tract of your sliding doors so that thieves cannot lift the sliding door off the track from outside.
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Robbers do not like noise they will run. If attacked make noise and scream. Even if your alarm is not monitored, arm it with your same password so it will make noise in case of intrusion.
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Leave a radio on when out to create the illusion someone is home.
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Close blinds and shades. Do not provide criminals with a shopping list of what your have for them to take.
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If you do not have a house or car alarm, you can place signs on them so an intruder will believe you have alarms.
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Trim all shrubs no taller than two feet. Trees should have a five foot clearance from the ground to the bottom of the umbrella. Thieves can use overgrown bushes and trees as hiding spots.
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Always close your garage doors once you pull in. Thieves can sneak in as you pull in and you can be in a dangerous situation.
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Always be alert to your surroundings. Remember to call the Osceola County Sheriffs Non-Emergency number,407-348-2222, if something or someone seems suspicious.
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Back to School
School is back in session. All school buses will pick-up and drop-off at the Indian Point Recreational Complex. Parents dropping off students are asked to park in the parking lot and not on the street blocking the bus access. Please proceed with caution when traveling through our community when students and school buses are present.
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Slow Down!!!
Please slow down! We are addressing the issues of traffic speeding throughout our community. The Osceola County Sheriff Department is in the community and enforcing the speeding laws. They are issuing tickets to both residents, as well as thoughs who cut through our community. The speed limit in our community is 25 miles per hour and additional signs have been posted. The new radar traffic signs on Prairie Point have been installed to assist with slowing traffic for the safety of our residents. If you forgot, this is not the community law, this is the national law of 25 miles per hour in a residential community. This was on your driving test when you got your license.
Please obey the speed limit for your safety and the safety of our residents.
Remember that stop signs mean stop!!
Please come to a full and complete stop, or you can receive a ticket. Also, parking on the street in our community is permitted, but you must be facing in the right direction or you will be ticketed.
Also, please put down the cell phone! This is for your safety and the safety of our residents!
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