ENA
Today's Date

Police Crime Reports
updated: March 9, 2010

The Wilton Manors Police Department has been working closely with the Fort Lauderdale Police Crime Analysis Unit to develop a Crime Data sheet that we can share with our Neighborhood Associations in our endeavor to foster Community Policing.  The map IS UPDATED EACH WEEK and has the incidents color coded and the key should help explain.  

Starting January 2010, the weekly crime stats data will no longer be posted on this site. You will have to go the police web site www.wmpd.org and look under the area called "Your Police Department" where citizens can view this information weekly.

Hurricane flyer
Download a printable Pdf version for distribution in your neighborhood

VEHICLE BURGLARIES
Between April 3rd and April 4th six (6) vehicle burglary vehicle reports were initiated with the Wilton Manors Police Department.  The vehicle burglaries occurred overnight in the residential neighborhoods between Federal Highway (east), Dixie Highway (west), 28 Drive (north) and 20 Street (south).  The below subjects were identified as suspects in these burglaries of UNLOCKED vehicles and they were arrested and charged accordingly. (shown is John A. Hughes - his accomplice, a 16 year old black female is a juvenile so no photo is posted)
John A. Hughes
  Since their release from jail additional burglaries have occurred in these same areas and our agency again identified these two as suspects.  Upon Hughes being arrested for possessing a stolen motor vehicle he was found to have pawned several stolen items taken from the second set of burglaries to UNLOCKED vehicles.  Hughes has again been charged accordingly and police continue to investigate this rash of crimes.  Police need assistance in identifying the owners of unclaimed stolen property that has been recovered during these investigations.  Please review the attached list of stolen property and if you know the owner of these items please contact Det. Biagio Balistreri at (954) 390-2163.  Also contact Det. Balistreri if you have any further information regarding these crimes/subjects.  This is also a great time to remind our citizens to be vigilant, secure your valuables and immediately report suspicious activity that is in progress.        

The below listed items were recovered during the course of our investigation, but as of today we have not been able to identify the rightful owner.  Please contact Det. Balistreri at (954) 390-2163 if you know who the owner of these items is.

1.    TomTom GPS unit
2.    2 knives
3.    Change purse with coins
4.    Gray power converter
5.    Retractable I-Pod charger
6.    Guitar
7.    Prada sunglasses
8.    Samsung YP-S3 music player
9.    Brown sunglasses
10.    Cigarette lighter speaker
11.    2” x 1” aqua I-pod player


 I am please to announce that the assessors for the Florida Police Accreditation Commission have just left WMPD after three (3) intense days of reviewing every aspect of the police department’s operation.  In the exit interview on Thursday morning with Mayor Gary Resnick and Commissioner Scott Newton, they expressed what a wonderful community this was and stated they would highly recommend to the Florida Police Accreditation Commission that Wilton Manors Police Department be granted full State of Florida accreditation status at their meeting in June.  Below are some of the benefits to the community for being an accredited agency.  Thank you all for your support and assistance in making this happen. 

Benefits of Accreditation

          Accreditation increases the law enforcement agency’s ability to prevent and control crime through more effective and efficient delivery of law enforcement services to the community it serves.
Accreditation enhances community understanding of the law enforcement agency and its role in the community as well as its goals and objectives. Citizen confidence in the policies and practices of the agency is increased.

Accreditation, in conjunction with the philosophy of community policing, commitsthe agency to a broad range of programs (such as crime prevention) that directly benefit the public.

Accreditation creates a forum in which police and citizens work together to control and prevent crime. This partnership will help citizens to understand the challenges that confront law enforcement. Law enforcement will, in turn, receive clear direction from the community about its expectations. Thus, a common set of goals and objectives will be arrived at and implemented.


Richard E. Perez
Chief of Police
Wilton Manors Police Department
2020 Wilton Drive
Wilton Manors, Fl. 33305
954-390-2155 954-390-2189 (Fax)


WWW.WMPD.ORGThe census count is extremely important, and as any good function of government there are those who would use this opportunity to take advantage of our citizens.  The Wilton Manors Police Department Detective Bureau has put together a flyer to alert our citizens to fraudulent activities involving the census takers.  Please take a moment to download, read and pass the flyer on to friends and neighbors. 

Thank you,
Chief Perez

“An accurate count of the U.S. population forms the basis for many important but often overlooked political, economic, and social decisions that are made that end up affecting our daily lives."

-- C.N. Le, Professor at University of Massachusetts, Amherst

The Police Force in Wilton Manors

Wilton Manors Police

PRESS RELEASE

DATE: 03/09/2010  NUMBER 2010-002    SUBJECT Stolen Video Machines (WMPD Case #10-1540 & #10-1541   


Wilton Manors Police Department received a report of a stolen video machine from Mickey’s 19th Hole Bar & Grill at 2735 N Dixie Hwy creating loss in the amount of approximately $3,500.  Suspect posed himself as a video repairman, showed a fake work order and removed the machine from the premises.  The suspect, Mark Block, arranged to sell the stolen machine to an undercover police officer for $3,200.  He was arrested and confessed to police that he had stolen eight additional video machines over the past couple weeks from bar establishments in Corals Springs, Davie, Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, and Lighthouse Point. Further investigation identified a second suspect, John Rogan, who knowingly purchased the stolen video machines from Mark Block. Police arrested Rogan, and eight out of nine known stolen video machines were recovered from his residence. Subsequently, cases were cleared from several other jurisdictions.

Suspect #1            Suspect #2
Mark Block            John Rogan
DOB/04231957        DOB/06031967


residential burglary

Vehicle Owner Shoots at Persons Repossessing His Car NUMBER 2009-017


On December 21, 2009, at 1a.m. Wilton Manors Police Officers responded to three calls of shots fired in the 2300 block of NW 9 Terrace. The suspect's car alarm went off, and the owner retrieved a .45 caliber semi-auto handgun from inside his home and went outside to investigate. He found a tow truck removing his 1995 Chevy car from the parking space. He fired at least seven rounds at the tow truck, five of which struck the tow truck as it was driving away.

It was determined that the tow truck was a hired repossession company (Dedicated Repo) that had an order to remove the vehicle from the property. There were three employees of the repo company inside the truck at the time, and two of the bullets entered the passenger compartment of the tow truck. Fortunately, no one was injured.

Thomas C. James was arrested and charged with Aggravated Assault with a deadly weapon. He gave a full confession stating that he believed they were stealing his car. A .45 caliber handgun was recovered inside the suspect's home.

SCAMS

On December 2, 2009 on the west side of Wilton Manors, in the 800 block of NW 30th Street, the victim, an elderly female, answered her front door to find a male and female asking to use the restroom.  The victim allowed both persons inside her residence.  Once inside the victim was distracted by one suspect while the second suspect went towards the bathroom but continued to the bedroom.  The suspect was able to locate $100.00 in cash and gold rings, bracelets and assorted jewelry.  The second suspect continued to distract the victim which allowed the theft of her property to happen.  Both suspects left the residence and fled in a black unknown make or model pick up truck.  Both suspect appeared Latin and in their twenties.  Given the time of year, the method of distraction their appearance and the vehicle used, the suspects are most likely “Gypsies”.
 
Please beware of strangers in your neighborhood selling magazines or other items door to door.  Another scam the “Gypsies” like to use is coming to your house and offering to re-do your driveway at a reduced cash price because they have left over materials from a job they just did down the street.

In any of these situations if you are not sure or have any doubts, please call the police.  We will be happy to respond and check the people out.  If they are legitimate, they won’t mind the police checking.  Have a safe and happy holiday.

SEXUAL PREDATOR ALERTS

Due to the volume of this information and its ever-changing nature, the Wilton Manors Police Department makes no representations regarding its continued accuracy. We direct you to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement website (www.fdle.state.fl.us) for daily updates.


September 2008 to 2009 YTD (year to date) stats for Wilton Manors Police Department:

·        Traffic Citations up13% 

·        Parking Citations up 54%

·        Misd. Arrests up 26%

·        Felony arrest up 2%

·        Capias (warrants) arrest up 19%

·        Civil/domestic disturbances are up 52% (very indicative of the economy)

·        Burglaries are up 37%

·        Robberies are down - 45%

·        Motor vehicle theft down -24%

·        Battery is down – 37%

·        Traffic accidents YTD same (298 & 298) 0% change

 
Richard E. Perez
Chief of Police


The Police Department instituted a program called “Volunteers In Policing” (VIP’s) in March 2007. VIPs contribute so much and help us a great deal, from fingerprinting the public, bookkeeping, Citizens on Patrol, coordinating special events such as Kiwanis Christmas In July, Kids Day which is coming up September 19th, and National Night Out against crime and the list goes on and on… BUT most importantly they give us …. Their time. The unit is supervised by Sgt. Chuck Howard and coordinated by PSA Kay McCammon. If you are interested in becoming part of our VIP Program, please contact Sgt. Howard at (954) 390-2160 or by email choward@wmpd.org.
VOLUNTEERS

Introducing our volunteers & staff, from left to right: Betty Winslow, Ruby Tucker, Gloria Sylvestry, Chief Perez, Sgt. Howard, Fred Neely, PSA McCammon, David Morgenstern, and Laura Wheeler 

WARNING: 2010 Census Cautions from the Better Business Bureau
2010 Census Cautions - By Susan Johnson -

Be Cautious About Giving Info to Census Workers

With the U.S. Census process beginning, the Better Business Bureau (BBB) advises people to be cooperative, but cautious, so as not to become a victim of fraud or identity theft. The first phase of the 2010 U.S. Census is under way as workers have begun verifying the addresses of households across the country. Eventually, more than 140,000 U.S. Census workers will count every person in the United States and will gather information about every person living at each address including name, age, gender, race, and other relevant data.

The big question is - how do you tell the difference between a U.S. Census worker and a con artist? BBB offers the following advice:

** If a U.S. Census worker knocks on your door, they will have a badge, a handheld device, a Census Bureau canvas bag, and a confidentiality notice. Ask to see their identification and their badge before answering their questions. However, you should never invite anyone you don't know into your home.
** Census workers are currently only knocking on doors to verify address information. Do not give your Social Security number, credit card or banking information to anyone, even if they claim they need it for the U.S. Census. While the Census Bureau might ask for basic financial information, such as a salary range, the Census Bureau will not ask for Social Security, bank account, or credit card numbers nor will employees solicit donations.

Eventually, Census workers may contact you by telephone, mail, or in person at home. However, the Census Bureau will not contact you by Email, so be on the lookout for Email scams impersonating the Census.


Never click on a link or open any attachments in an Email that are supposedly from the U.S. Census Bureau.


For more advice on avoiding identity theft and fraud, visit www.bbb.org .

PRESS RELEASES

NUMBER:2009-014    DATE: 10/29/2009
SUBJECT:HOUSEKEEPER CHARGED WITH ELDERLY EXPLOITATION  

     Wilton Manors Police have been investigating a case where the victim, who is seventy five years old, began discovering missing jewelry from her residence.  The victim who suffers from memory loss told her Power of Attorney that she was missing jewelry from her residence.  The Power of Attorney after looking into the missing jewelry contacted Police. 

Police then discovered the housekeeper has visited local Pawn Shops approximately thirty seven times and on each occasion has pawned jewelry.  Some of the missing jewelry has been located and will be returned to the victim however a majority of the jewelry will not be recovered as it has already been melted as scrap gold.  The theft occurred over a six month period and was just recently discovered.  The loss of jewelry is estimated at more than $20,000.
    
Police have arrested and charged housekeeper Carolyn Falconer, 44, with Grand Theft, False Verification of Ownership, Exploitation of the Elderly and Dealing in Stolen Property.

The new Code Enforcement Team assigned to the Police Department supervised by Detective Sergeant Gary Blocker has done an outstanding job of getting our businesses and residents to comply with Code Ordinances.
 
The Sept’ 2nd 2009 Special Magistrate hearing originally had 15 cases to be heard.  Prior to the hearing, 11 of the cases came into compliance.  The 4 cases that were heard on September 2nd were all found guilty by the Special Magistrate.  One citizen attended the hearings simply to thank the team because he lives next door to a pool that is black and breeding mosquitoes.  He stated that only since the Code Team has been addressing these pools has he been able to enjoy his backyard once again.
  
It is the goal of the Code Team to enforce the ordinances in a professional manner to obtain compliance in our community.  A big thank you goes out to Sgt. Gary Blocker, Code Officers Jo Forti, Kim Holinko, David Cameron and Robert Frymoyer.


posted 07/10/2009: NUMBER: \2008-009 SUBJECT: Burglary Suspect Tased

 Wilton Manors Police responded to a burglary that just occurred. The resident at 1549 NE 26 Drive came home to find the suspect leaving with his bicycle. The victim reclaimed his bicycle and entered his apartment. The suspect followed the victim into his apartment and after a short confrontation the suspect broke windows as he left the victim's apartment.
Based on a description provided by the victim, Wilton Manors Police Officers located the suspect in the 3000 block of NE 16 Ave. The victim was brought to the scene and he positively identified the suspect.
The suspect identified as Jose Perez, 36, was arrested and transported to Wilton Manors Police Department for booking. While being walked to the booking area Perez became combative and while handcuffed attempted to kick Ofc. Oliva who responded to the active resistance by deploying her Department issued Taser. Perez was treated by Ft. Lauderdale Fire Rescue as per Department policy and transported to Broward General Hospital for medical clearance. Perez is charged with Burglary, Criminal Mischief and Resisting an Officer.

 


V.I.P.S.
(VOLUNTEERS IN POLICE SERVICE)

Today the demands on law enforcement have never been greater. In the new post-September 11 world, agencies are struggling to protect their communities from the threat of global terrorism. Law enforcement faces increasingly sophisticated challenges from computer crimes, identity theft, narcotics trafficking and other crimes. All these efforts take place against a backdrop of shrinking budgets and limited resources.

Agencies use volunteers in numerous ways. Administrative volunteers can help with data entry, fingerprinting, filing, supply distribution and many other office duties.

Volunteers gain a high sense of purpose by helping to keep their community safe and contributing to the agency’s mission. They come to the law enforcement arena with different agendas and various backgrounds. What they all have in common is a very high regard for law enforcement and community involvement. Given adequate training, a friendly work environment and a strong sense of belonging, volunteers can become extremely loyal and help the agency achieve its goals and objectives.  If you have time on your hands or know of someone who would like to volunteer some of their time, please let us know.

If you would like to volunteer at the Wilton Manors Police Department, please call Captain Edward Costello at (954)

***Alert*** Alert*** Alert***

ATM SCAM

The Wilton Manors Police Department has seen a rise in reports of ATM frauds.  Investigators have found that criminals are able to place devices that capture your ATM card information over a bank’s ATM slot.  Criminals are also installing small pinhole cameras so that they can capture the victim’s PIN number.  The Wilton Manors Police Department is recommending you cover your hand while typing in your PIN number with a book, magazine, or even your other hand.  If you find that an ATM machine has been compromised, you should immediately contact bank personnel.  If it is after hours or on a weekend, you should call your local police department and then call the phone number on the back of your ATM card advising them of what you found.  Click on the link below to watch how this crime is being facilitated.

ATM Skimming Scam
We have attached a link to Power Point presentation provided to us by Suntrust Bank.  This is an actual incident where a subject was able to trap an unsuspecting victim’s ATM card and then use it once the victim leaves.  Please feel free to forward this slideshow to all your friends and family, as it is not sensitive material.  Note* The link will open a new browser widnow to downlad the 662 KB file.  You will need Power Point to view this slide show.

Detective Biagio Balistreri
Wilton Manors Police Department
954-390-2161 (Office)
954-390-2189 (Fax)

Wilton Manors Police Launches Click It or Ticket
Enforcement Blitz Buckling Down on Those Not Buckled Up – Day and Night.


Wilton Manors, FL – In 2006, 15,046 passenger vehicle occupants died in traffic crashes between the nighttime hours of 6 p.m. and 5:59 a.m., according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) – and 64 percent of those passenger vehicle occupants killed were NOT wearing their seat belts at the time of the fatal crashes.

The proportion of unbuckled deaths at night is considerably higher than the alarming 46 percent of passenger vehicle occupants who were killed and were not wearing their seats belts during daytime hours across the nation that same year.

That’s why Wilton Manors Police announced today that it is joining with state and local law enforcement agencies and highway safety officials May 19 to June 1 to launch an aggressive national Click It or Ticket seat belt enforcement mobilization to increase seat belt use and reduce highway fatalities – with a new emphasis this year on convincing more motorists to buckle up – day and night.

“Research shows us that there is a problem with drivers and passengers not buckling up at night – when the risk of a fatal crash is greatest,” Chief Richard Perez said. “Clearly this is an indication that these individuals are not taking the law seriously. That’s why we’ll be out in force making sure that all passengers, in all vehicles, are buckled up – day and night.”

Chief Richard Perez said regular seat belt use is the single most effective way to protect people and reduce fatalities in motor vehicle crashes. He said that in 2006, 72 percent of passenger vehicle occupants involved in a fatal crash who were buckled up survived the crashes, and that when worn correctly, seat belts have proven to reduce the risk of fatal injury to front-seat passenger car occupants by 45 percent – and by 60 percent in pickup trucks, SUVs, and minivans.

Yet nearly one in five Americans (18% nationally) still fail to regularly wear their seat belts when driving or riding in motor vehicles, according to NHTSA’s observational seat belt studies.

Stepped-up law enforcement activities will be conducted during the national Click It or Ticket enforcement mobilization. The mobilization is being supported by a projected $7.5 million in paid national advertising and additional state advertising to encourage all motorists, but especially motorists at night, to always buckle up.

“Seat belts clearly save lives. But unfortunately, too many folks still need a tough reminder, so we are going to be out in force buckling down on those who are not buckled up,” said Chief Richard Perez. “Wearing your seat belt costs you nothing, but not wearing it certainly will. So unless you want to risk a ticket, or worse – your life — please remember to buckle up day and night – Click It or Ticket.” 
For more information, please visit www.nhtsa.gov.



The Alarm Systems Ordinance, in its entirety, can be viewed on the Wilton Manors Police Department’s website at www.wmpd.org.  If you have any further questions please contact the Alarm Administrator, Officer Grant S. Gundle, at (954) 390-2106.
wilton manors police department
Excellent press on the good works of WMPD officers.  view the pdf A Child is Missing
D.A.V.I.D. 
Emergency Contact Information for Florida's Licensed Drivers and ID Card Holders

Most law enforcement agencies in Florida use Florida’s Driver and Vehicle Information Database (D.A.V.I.D.) which is maintained by the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.  D.A.V.I.D. provides officers information on drivers licensed in Florida and those who have Florida Identification Cards.  This information includes a photo of the person, vehicles registered to them, their driving record, addresses, etc.

D.A.V.I.D. was enhanced a couple of years ago to allow collection of emergency contact information (ECI) into the database.  Now, licensed drivers or ID holders can enter their emergency contact information into D.A.V.I.D. and it is then available to law enforcement officers in the event of an emergency. This information may save crucial time if ever it becomes necessary to contact family members or other loved ones.  Almost 1.5 million people have already entered their ECI into D.A.V.I.D.

Here’s a link to information about ECI http://www.flhsmv.gov/EmerContInfoHistory1.html
and the direct link to the on-line form to add your emergency contact to D.A.V.I.D.  https://www6.hsmv.state.fl.us/dlcheck/findcustomer

We recently added information about this service to our new employee on-boarding process and encourage each of you to also make the information available to new and current employees.

Please contact Rene Knight, DHSMV at 850-617-3207 or via email reneknight@flhsmv.gov if you need assistance.

Crimes of Opportunity

The Wilton Manors Police Department is committed to providing our residents with prompt, courteous and professional police services. While we offer a committed effort to ensure your safety, we can not provide you total isolation from crime. Crimes of opportunity, such as vehicle break-ins continue to occur through out the county.

"It's a crime of opportunity," said Administrative Sergeant Ed Costello. "There are a lot of bad guys out there just looking and waiting.”  A thief can open a locked car, remove what he wants and get away in a matter of seconds. They rely on the carelessness of their victims.

Vehicle break-ins can happen any time of the day, so it is important to always be aware of your surroundings. Top spots for vehicle break-ins include malls, apartments, stores, churches, gas stations and office buildings. By taking just a few simple precautions you will greatly reduce your chances of being victimized:

You just parked your car. Have you secured it?
When you leave a car unlocked or valuable property in plain sight, you attract thieves. If you leave your car running unattended (to grab a “quick” cup of coffee from a convenience store), you attract opportunistic thieves.
 
Lock the ignition and the doors.
Remember that a lock is only effective if you choose to use it. At attended parking lots, leave only the ignition key (or valet key) with the car. Take the rest of your keys with you

Keep personal and valuable belongings out of sight.
Do not invite a break-in! You invite a break in by leaving valuables in plain sight; either take them with you or discreetly lock them in the trunk. If you do not have a trunk, place them in an out-of-sight location such as under a seat (it’s best to do this before you get to your parking spot). Radios, cd players, briefcases, lap tops, purse, and shopping bags are items which are valuable and popular, and are also items frequently stolen from cars.

Personal safety and crime prevention efforts are the responsibility of the entire community and it is important that everyone takes responsibility for the safety of their person and property.  Members of the police department are committed to providing a safe enjoyable environment for our community. The key to preventing crime is awareness, which can be best accomplished through education and community partnerships; we invite you to stop by. Someone will always be available to answer questions.


“A HOME SAFETY TIP” video  called “Lock-Bumping”
Has been added to the Wilton Manors Police Department web site, click on the above link to view it and be sure to visit the website for more information www.wmpd.org
 
 
IDENTITY THEFT

     I recently attended a Fraud Seminar that was hosted by the Palm Beach Police Department.  The guest speaker was a leading authority on fraud and identity theft.  I looked forward to attending and was certainly not disappointed.

    The guest speaker was Frank Abagnale who is one of the world’s most respected authorities on the subject of forgery, embezzlement and secure documents (i.e.; vehicle titles, birth certificates, social security cards, etc.).  Mr. Abagnale was the subject of the major motion picture “Catch Me If You Can (2002)” starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Tom Hanks directed by Stephen Spielberg. 

     As Mr. Abagnale began speaking I was amazed by the fact that here was a man, who from the ages of 16 to 21 years old, successfully cashed 2.5 million dollars worth of fraudulent checks.  He successfully posed as an airline pilot, an attorney, a college professor and a pediatrician.  He served time in French, Swedish and US prison systems.  After five years he was released on the condition that he would help the United States Government, without remuneration, by teaching and assisting federal law enforcement agencies.  It is quite a story and fortunately for us Mr. Abagnale continues to lecture to financial institutions, corporations and government agencies around the world.

    The most informative information that was learned from this seminar was ways of how to protect ones identity.  Unfortunately, the criminals of this nature are really good at what they do.  A major problem with identity theft/fraud is that it is considered a white collar crime (no violence) and even when the criminals are apprehended the sentences are lenient to say the least.  People should not make it easier for the criminals to commit these crimes.  Inevitably, it is up to the individual to take all precautions they can to protect their identity. Because of computers, printers, scanners and mail it is becoming more difficult to catch the identity thief.  The quality of these documents that are duplicated is incredibly accurate.   The thieves always seem to be one step ahead of you. 

    How many of you shred your mail?   One would be amazed at how much is thrown away, junk mail or not, your name is on it and that is all that is needed for a thief to get started.   A paper shredder is a great investment. When shopping for one, a MICRO shredder would be the best choice.  Mr. Abagnale says with a ribbon shredder a document can be reproduced in about ten minutes.   A cross cut shredder is better, but a document could actually be reproduced in about eight hours. With a MICRO shredder it is impossible to recreate the document.

    How many of you reconcile your checkbook or even look at your bank statements?  One should always keep tabs on your accounts.  Accounts can be accessed and money lost and you would not even know it until it was too late.
   
Pay attention when using your check cards or writing checks for purchases.  Be aware of who is around you.  Some identity thieves are good enough to remember your name and address just by looking over your shoulder.  They then take that information and with a little computer research your identity has been stolen.

     Most never realize how much attention should be paid to ones credit.  Individuals never think to check because they have not applied for credit or made any large purchases.  But, monitoring the credit bureaus can help prevent or at least slow down your identity being stolen.

     One solution used by Mr. Abagnale is a company or service called Privacy Guard.  This service continually monitors your credit and will notify you of any activity in real time.  They notify you by phone, email or text as the inquiry is happening.     

     The only real solution to help prevent identity theft is YOU!  Be aware of your surroundings when making purchases.  Continually check your bank accounts and reconcile your statements.  It only takes a few minutes to protect yourself.

You may also check the Department of Justice Website http://www.usdoj.gov/criminal/fraud/websites/idtheft.html
  
        
                                     Chief Investigator, David C. Jones,  (954)390-2165

Mailbox theft
This time of the year we have encountered suspicious individuals driving through the neighborhoods looking for outgoing mail that residents place in their mailboxes.  When you place outgoing mail in your mailbox, and raise the flag for the Mail Carrier to let them know there is outgoing mail, you are also alerting the criminals that there is mail which may contain bills, checks, and account numbers to credit card accounts, bank accounts and mortgages.  All your important information is there unattended for them to take.

This is easy for criminals to obtain information and thereby commit identify theft.  Please be extra careful, especially this time of year.

Traveling ?
 Doing house checks for our citizens is just another service you receive by having your own police department that is committed to Community Policing.  All you need to do is let us know when you will be gone and when you will return by filling out our "House Check Form".  To make it easy for you, we have added this form to our website.  Go to www.wmpd.org  and on the left column under “Your Police Department” you will see House Check Forms.  Just open it up, print it our and either mail it or drop it off at the police department.

Richard E. Perez
Chief of Police
More...................
  • Most of us take those summonses for jury duty seriously, but enough people skip out on
     their civic duty, that a new and ominous kind of fraud has surfaced. 

    The caller claims to be a jury coordinator. If you protest that you never received a summons for jury duty, the scammer asks you for your Social Security numbe r and date of birth so he or she can verify the information and cancel the arrest warrant. Give out any of this information and bingo;
     your identity was just stolen.

    The fraud has been reported so far in 11 states, including Oklahoma, Illinois, and Colorado. This (swindle) is particularly insidious because they use intimidation over the phone to try to bully people into giving information by pretending they are with the court system. The FBI and the federal court system have issued nationwide alerts on their web sites, warning consumers about the fraud.

     Check it out here: http://www.fbi.gov/page2/june06/jury_scams060206.htm
     And here: http://www.snopes.com/crime/fraud/juryduty.asp

  • Door-to-door inquiries being made by ‘high school’ students in the NW 20 Street area.  It’s that time of the year where the student asks to help him/her earn points towards college by purchasing something, this time it was magazines.   Today’s student was well a dressed male of African-American descent. I told him he’s the 3rd one in the past week and “No Thank You.”   
    When we called Fort Lauderdale High School they were unaware of any sales going on.

    Our officers responded quickly to the neighborhoods concerns, and at 7:30 PM on Tuesday found a young man going door to door without a permit.  A concerned neighbor who read about this on the web sites called police.  Officers Cohen and Sweat issued a $150.00 citation in violation of city ordinance 10-138, soliciting without a permit.

    I want to thank the concerned citizens for work with the police to address quality of life issues.  As I have said all along, “it is a partnership with the community to solve problems”. 

    Should you see someone in your area that does not seem right, please call the     police department 954-390-2150.
  • We are still experiencing Gas Station Thefts where purses are left, unattended, inside the vehicles while the customer is pumping gas.  Some victims are vigilant and lock the vehicle, but that old adage “out-of-sight … out-of-mind” holds true here.  If the suspects see it, they can get it.  Take the time carry it on your shoulder at all times or put it under the seat, with nothing visible.  There are usually (2) culprit vehicles involved, one is strictly the lookout and drives around the parking lot.  This is a countywide problem, not just Wilton Manors.
  • Identity Theft - culprits are opening up installment loans or credit card accounts by finding a vacant house that is “For Sale” or “For Rent”.  Unbeknownst to the victim their mail is forwarded to this fictitious address.  The culprit makes frequent visits to the house to pick up the mail.
  • Armed Robbery / Kwik Stop - 1103 NE 26 St:  Several men armed with handguns stormed the convenience store.  They tied up the clerk and a customer and making off with several thousand dollars in cash and lotto tickets.  Culprits fled in two separate vehicles.  (2) suspects were apprehended, the money and lotto tickets were recovered.  It was later discovered that the pair were involved in a countywide crime spree in the past (2) weeks robbing several check cashing stores.  The pair confessed to a Margate and Fort Lauderdale robberies that also netted several thousands of dollars.
  • Ebay car “For Sale” Scheme - an organized group is posting cars for sale over the internet on Ebay.  Customers are told to wire a deposit to Western Union (usually $2,000 to $4000).  The suspects(s) claim to have money in a security / escrow account with Ebay to protect the consumer against fraud.  The suspects collect the money from Publix (a Western Union dealer) and show a counterfeit passport as Identification.  This operation has been going on for over a year and with net losses exceeding $1 million dollars, all over the United States.  Wilton Manors PD has taken several reports from Publix involving this same group.  One victim was even serving in Iraq, protecting our country when he was defrauded out of his money.  Wilton Manors PD apprehended one of the suspects at Publix (Andrews and Oakland Pk Blvd) and we are cooperatively working this investigation with the US Secret Service.
  • Shooting - 2417 NW 9 Ave:   a suspect went by the victims house in Wilton Manors to confront him as to why he was telling people he shot and killed a man in Fort Lauderdale.  The suspect threatened the victim, pulled out a handgun and shot several rounds into his pickup truck.  The lead investigator (Det. Jones) contacted the Broward Sheriffs Office and confirmed there was an unsolved murder in their jurisdiction.  After learning this new information, BSO was able gathered enough information that led to arrest in their case and Det. Jones gathered enough evidence to charge the suspect in the Wilton Manors shooting.
Richard E. Perez
Chief of Police
Report prepared by: Sergeant Charles "Chuck" Howard #109
Wilton Manors Police Department
2020 Wilton Drive
Wilton Manors, Florida 33305
Tel: (954) 390-2163    Fax: (954) 390-2189


*** PLEASE NOTE:  Florida has a very broad public records law. Most written communications to or from local officials regarding city business are public records, and are available to the public and media upon request. Your e-mail communications may therefore be subject to public disclosure.  Furthermore, documents, attachments accompanying this email transmission contain information from the Wilton Manors Police Department.  The information is intended for use by the individual or entity named therein.  If you are not the intended recipient, be aware that disclosure of this transmission is prohibited.  If you have received this email & attachments in error, please notify us by telephone immediately.