NEWS RELEASE: The Sheriff’s Department to hold distracted driving enforcement in Mission Viejo
Package Theft Safety Tips
Black Friday and Cyber Monday means great deals, but it also means packages arriving at your door and thieves lurking for the perfect opportunity. With the majority of deliveries left on doorsteps and not requiring a signature for release, package theft is expected to be on the rise this holiday season.
In some instances, thieves will follow or watch for the UPS, Fed Ex or other delivery trucks and then target a home after a delivery is made.
Here are some tips you can follow to keep your presents safe from porch pirates:
• Install a security camera on your porch, put thieves on the defense by recording their every move
• Use your workplace as the shipping address
• Track your shipments by phone, on-line, or by carrier app so you know what day they should arrive
• Ask your neighbor to watch for your delivery and then hold the items until you arrive home
• Keep an eye on your neighborhood and report suspicious persons and vehicles sitting or cruising the area – See Something, Say Something!
• Request a signature delivery option, if available
• Have the shipment be held at the shipping facility such as a UPS office or an Amazon Pick Up Point
• Utilize a "mailbox" businesses in your town and see if they will accept shipment of your item for a fee
• If you do not receive your shipment on time, check with the company of origin and confirm the delivery. If the item was delivered and you did not receive it, then report the theft or loss to the original company, the shipping company, and your local police.
Remember, if you see something suspicious, say something!
NEWS RELEASE: Distracted driving enforcement slated for Dana Point
NEWS RELEASE: OCSD to hold distracted driving enforcement in San Juan Capistrano
Black Friday Safety Tips
Here's some safety tips to keep you and your family safe while shopping this Black Friday:
Park your vehicle in well-lighted areas. If you are an early morning Black Friday shopper, be sure to park your vehicle underneath a light and lock it before heading inside. Avoid parking next to vans and large trucks that block your space from the vision of others. If possible, walk to your car and to the store with a partner, and remember to always have your keys in-hand when approaching your vehicle.
Don’t leave tempting items visible in your vehicle. Conceal your merchandise at all times. Either putting your items in the trunk or underneath the seats where they are out of sight.
Make a plan. If you are shopping with children make a plan in case you get separated. Ensure that they your phone number memorized and select a central meeting place ahead of time. Remind them that they should ask mall personnel or store security employees if they need help.
Always be aware of your surroundings. Keeping yourself safe means being aware of your surroundings at all time. Beware of strangers, and anyone approaching you. Thieves and scammers are masters of distraction and sometimes work in pairs to take your valuables. Keep your eyes peeled, and alert security or call your local law enforcement agency of suspicious activity, if you see something, say something.
There is safety in numbers. Thieves are less likely to target a group of shoppers. Try convincing a friend or family member to brace the crowds with you for a good deal.
Don’t make yourself a target for pickpockets. Only take the essentials when you’re shopping. If you can, leave your purse at home. Bring only the credit cards and cash you’ll need. Make sure to keep your wallet in a front pocket. Back pockets are much easier for pickpockets to steal from.
Set yourself up for success. Pack a bottle of water and some light snacks for your shopping trip. This will help prevent you from experiencing any dehydration or extreme fatigue.
AB748: Officer-involved Shooting
On August 21, 2019, deputies in the city of Stanton were involved in an officer-involved shooting. This information is being released in response to AB748. Link to responsive records- https://cpraazlrshotprod1.blob.core.usgovcloudapi.net/cpraprod1/Mediazip/OIS/OIS.19-032109%20AB748.zip
Please note that due to the size of the files, and depending on download speeds, it could take several minutes for the files to open.
OCSD participates in annual GRIP turkey giveaway
More than 1,000 students were rewarded with a full Thanksgiving meal for their commitment to live a gang-free life. Every year, OC GRIP (Gang Reduction & Intervention Program) partners with local law enforcement, Ralphs and Food 4 Less to provide Thanksgiving meals to students who improved their attendance, worked hard in school and said no to gangs. Nearly 200 families from 11 schools in the Orange County Sheriff’s Department jurisdiction were awarded turkey dinners for their participation in GRIP, including 45 students from San Clemente elementary schools. “As a law enforcement community, it is important to find ways to support students who continue to make positive choices, despite many challenges they face,” said Capt. Mike Peters, former San Clemente City Chief and Las Palmas alumnus. “These turkey dinners are one way we recognize their efforts encourage them to continue putting in the hard work.” OC GRIP is a nonprofit that supports the initiatives of the GRIP program in the Orange County District Attorney’s Office. This program has more than 200 partners in 13 cities, including police departments, probation departments and more than 100 private businesses and non-profit organizations. Over the last four years, through a partnership with selected schools that are at-risk for gang violence, GRIP has put thousands of kids between 8 and 12 years old through their program
Crisis dogs provide comfort for Saugus High School families
Sometimes in crisis it’s not encouraging words, prolonged hugs or a sympathetic shoulder squeeze that provides the most comfort. $0 $0For some, it’s the nuzzle of a wet nose, a furry head resting on a lap or the quiet presence of a four-legged friend that just sits and stays for as long as needed. $0 $0The Orange County Sheriff’s Department Crisis Response Dog and Peer Support Team member, Henry, provided such comfort to nearly 400 students, teachers, staff and families impacted by the Nov. 14 shooting at Saugus High School in Santa Clarita. $0 $0Henry, along with his human partner Steve Booth, joined crisis response dogs from the Fullerton, Hawthorne and Corona police departments to provide compassion and comfort at a vigil Nov. 17 to remember the two students killed in the shooting and the hundreds of others affected by the tragedy.