POLICE BEAT--From the Desk of Captain Denise Moore

 From the desk of Captain Denise Moore--

Holiday Safety Tips: Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones

As we dive into the holiday season, it's crucial to prioritize safety and security. Here are some essential tips and tricks to ensure your holidays are joyful and worry-free:

Secure Your Home:

Keep your home safe by locking doors and windows. If traveling, use timers for lights to give the illusion of someone being home. Consider having a trusted neighbor collect mail or packages to avoid piling up.

Beware of Scams:

Stay vigilant against holiday-themed scams—whether it's fake charities, online shopping scams, or enticing deals that seem too good to be true. Always verify the authenticity of websites and be cautious with sharing personal information.

Travel Smart:

If hitting the road, ensure your vehicle is in good condition. Plan your route beforehand, share it with someone you trust, and have emergency supplies on hand. Avoid leaving valuables visible inside your car.

Online Shopping Safety:

When shopping online, stick to reputable websites. Look for the padlock symbol and "https" in the URL to ensure a secure connection. Avoid public Wi-Fi when making transactions.

Fire Safety:

Keep fire safety in mind when decorating. Check lights for damage, don't overload sockets, and never leave candles unattended. Make sure your smoke detectors are working correctly.

Set Spending Limits:

Plan a budget for gifts and expenses. Avoid overspending by setting limits and keeping track of your purchases. Consider homemade gifts or experiences instead of expensive items.

Avoiding Package Theft:

If receiving packages, track deliveries and schedule them when someone is home. Consider using secure delivery options or installing a doorbell camera for added security.

Remember, the holiday season is about joy and togetherness. Stay mindful, take precautions, and cherish moments with loved ones. If you notice anything suspicious or need assistance, don't hesitate to reach out. Let's make this holiday season safe for everyone!

Stay safe and enjoy the festivities!

Springfield Township Police Arrest Fraud Scheme Suspect Targeting Elderly Citizens.

Springfield Township Police have successfully apprehended a suspect involved in a fraudulent scheme that preyed on elderly citizens, extorting thousands of dollars from unsuspecting victims.

In November, the Springfield Police responded to a call from a senior citizen who fell victim to an elaborate scam, resulting in substantial financial losses. The scheme was initiated with a deceptive pop-up message on the victim’s computer, seemingly from Microsoft. Believing the message to be genuine, the senior contacted a provided phone number seeking assistance.

The fraudulent activity then escalated into a banking-related scam, where the scammers posed as representatives of the Social Security Administration. A fake agent from the Social Security Administration manipulated the victim into urgently sending money to an undisclosed location, claiming it was necessary to protect her funds. The elaborate ruse coerced the senior into making multiple cash withdrawals, which were handed over to supposed co-conspirators arriving at her doorstep.

Concerned about the legitimacy of the situation, the victim contacted the Springfield Township Police Department to report the incident. Subsequently, on December 4, 2023, the Springfield Township Police Department conducted a sting operation leading to the arrest of Junyi Yang 33 years old from New York as he arrived to collect a cash delivery.

The Springfield Township Police Department is cautioning senior citizens to remain vigilant and to contact law enforcement whenever they feel pressured to provide money. Scammers often exploit emotions and fabricate emergencies to coerce victims into hasty actions.

This incident underscores the importance of community awareness and collaboration in combating fraudulent activities. The Springfield Township Police Department remains committed to protecting its residents, particularly vulnerable populations such as seniors, from falling victim to scams.

If anyone has additional information about this incident, please contact Sergeant Brian Troyer at 330-784-1609 Ext. 3170.

 

POLICE BEAT . . . CAPTAIN REPORTS

POLICE BEAT...from the desk of Captain Denise Moore--

At the Springfield Township Police Department, our commitment to ensuring your safety and wellbeing is unwavering. We understand that our community may sometimes perceive us as a "small" department, but we'd like to shed some light on just how busy we've been since mid-August.

📊 Let's talk numbers:

📞 We've received 8538 calls for service during this period, which averages to over 50 calls per day.

🚨 Some types of calls are below (2.5-month duration):

✅ Crashes = 133

✅ Alarm drops = 67

✅ Animal complaints/dog bites = 110

✅ Assaults = 13

✅ Burglary = 26

✅ Domestic violence = 93

✅ Fights = 27

✅ Investigation follow-ups = 236

✅ 911 calls = 126

✅ General reports = 254

✅ Neighbor disputes = 34

✅ Vandalism = 24

✅ Noise complaints = 42

✅ Stolen vehicles = 21

✅ Suspicious persons = 162

✅ Thefts = 239

✅ Threats/menacing = 50

✅ Traffic stops = 458

✅ Trespassing = 38

✅ Warrant service = 34

✅ Welfare checks = 108

👥 Our dedicated officers have been working tirelessly to address each of these calls promptly, ensuring your safety and peace of mind.

While we may be a smaller department, the dedication and commitment of our officers are second to none. We take immense pride in serving our community with the utmost professionalism and care. Our goal is to make Springfield a safer and more secure place for all its residents. We address all calls from the most minor to the most serious in nature. Trespassing calls are as important to us as drug calls.  We do not discriminate between calls…we tackle both just the same, never ignoring one for the other.

We sincerely appreciate the trust you place in us. We want you to know that regardless of the size of our department, our officers are always prepared and committed to keeping our community safe.

If you ever have questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. Your feedback is invaluable as we work together to build a stronger, safer, and more connected community.  Thank you for your ongoing support.

TWO CAR SHOWS COMING UP IN OCTOBER, 2023!!

Here is all the info you need to know for the upcoming car shows. 

These shows are on back to back weekends!

Mark your calendars so you don't miss  OUT!

POLICE BEAT---Dog Parks around Summit County and Leash Law details.

We all love our furry family members. The Springfield Township Police Department offers information on the Leash Law in Summit County.  Ensuring Safety and Control

 

At the department they strive to promote a safe and harmonious environment for both humans and animals in the community. In line with this commitment, they are providing you with information regarding the leash law in Summit County. The leash law is designed to ensure the safety and control of pets in public spaces. Let's explore the details:

 

🐶 Leash Requirement

According to Summit County regulations, it is mandatory for pet owners to have their dogs on a leash or securely restrained when outside their property. This applies to all dogs and is applicable in public areas such as parks, sidewalks, trails, and other shared spaces. The leash serves as a means of physical restraint and helps prevent incidents and conflicts with other animals, people, or property.

 

🔒 Purpose of the Leash Law

The leash law serves several important purposes:

1️⃣ Safety: Keeping dogs on a leash helps protect them from potential dangers such as traffic accidents, encounters with aggressive animals, or exposure to hazardous substances.

2️⃣ Community Safety: Leash laws prevent dogs from approaching or intimidating other people, pets, or wildlife. This ensures a safe and peaceful environment for everyone.

3️⃣ Control: By maintaining control through leashes, pet owners can prevent their dogs from engaging in behaviors that may cause harm, damage property, or disturb the peace.

 

🚩 Exceptions and Designated Off-Leash Areas

There are designated off-leash areas within Summit County where dogs are allowed to exercise and socialize without being physically restrained. It is important to familiarize yourself with local regulations and signage in these areas to ensure compliance and appropriate usage. However, it's important to note that even in designated off-leash areas, dogs must still be under the owner's control and responsive to commands.

 

🐾 Responsible Pet Ownership

Beyond the legal requirements, responsible pet ownership entails being attentive to your dog's behavior and needs, ensuring proper socialization and training, and cleaning up after them to maintain cleanliness in public areas. By adhering to these practices, we create a welcoming and considerate community environment.

 

👮‍♂️ Enforcement and Cooperation

As your Springfield Township Police Department, we are committed to enforcing the leash law in Summit County. Our officers work diligently to ensure compliance and promote the safety and well-being of our community. We kindly request your cooperation and adherence to these regulations to help maintain a secure and enjoyable environment for all.

 

For more specific information regarding the leash law or other pet-related regulations, we encourage you to visit the official Summit County government website or contact our department directly.

 

#LeashLaw #PetSafety #CommunityResponsibility

🌳 Cascade Valley Metro Park - Bow Wow Beach

Location: 5027 Stow Road, Stow, OH 44224

Bow Wow Beach, nestled within Cascade Valley Metro Park, is a picturesque and popular dog park that provides a delightful off-leash experience for dogs of all sizes. With a beautiful lake for swimming, a sandy beach area, and ample green space to explore, Bow Wow Beach offers a fantastic setting for canine recreation.

 

🌳 Munroe Falls Metro Park - Tallmadge Meadows Area

Location: 1088 North Ave, Tallmadge, OH 44278

The Tallmadge Meadows Area, situated within Munroe Falls Metro Park, features a designated off-leash dog park. This fenced-in area allows dogs to roam and play freely while interacting with other dogs. The park provides a mix of open space and wooded trails, creating a diverse and enjoyable environment for both dogs and their owners.

 

🌳 Silver Springs Park

Location: 5238 Young Road, Stow, OH 44224

Silver Springs Park offers a spacious, fenced-in dog park where your furry friends can socialize and stretch their legs. With separate areas for small and large dogs, this park ensures a safe and comfortable experience for dogs of all sizes. The park also provides benches, water stations, and waste disposal stations for convenience.

 

🌳 Portage Lakes State Park - Canine Meadows

Location: 5031 Manchester Road, Akron, OH 44319

Canine Meadows, situated within Portage Lakes State Park, is a delightful off-leash dog park offering ample space for dogs to run, play, and explore. This fenced-in park provides separate areas for small and large dogs, ensuring a harmonious environment for all. With open fields, shaded areas, and access to the water, Canine Meadows is a favorite spot for both dogs and their owners.

Farmers Market on the Lake pictures and info!

YUM....fresh produce, tomatoes, cucumbers, corn, and so much more will be available at the Springfield Farmers Market on the Lake. Each Thursday from now until October 19. The market will be buzzing with vendors from jewelry, baked goods, food to more and more produce as the season continues. Here are some pictures and info.

Who will you see this week, July 20 at the market.

POLICE BEAT--Vacation Crime Prevention Tips

Here is some information with tips for vacation safety of your home while you travel.

Summer is a time of year that many families go on vacation. Being on vacation can lead to crime victimization if appropriate crime prevention measures are not followed. Most families do not think about being victimized while on vacation because of all the excitement of going on vacation. The following crime prevention tips are designed to allow the vacationer to enjoy a safe and secure trip and to return to a secure residence.

Secure Your Residence

o    Make sure all the locks on the doors and windows function properly and use them.

o    Make sure your residence looks lived in and not empty.

o    Leave the shades and blinds on doors and windows in a position that you would normally have them.

o    Ask several neighbors to keep an eye on your residence while you are away. Leave your vacation address and telephone number with the neighbors so you can be reached in an emergency.

o    Make sure your smoke and burglar alarms are functioning properly and armed.

o    Arrange for a neighbor to pick up your deliveries: mail, newspaper, and any other packages.

o    Arrange for someone to maintain your yard so your home appears occupied.

o    Have someone place your garbage cans at the curb for normal pickup and put them away after the pickup has been made.

o    Make sure you have timers for lights, television, or radios so they turn on and off at the appropriate times.

o    Turn the ringer on the telephone down low or off. A possible intruder will not be alerted to your absence by a ringing telephone. If you can, forward your calls to your cellular phone or a trusted individual.

o    Leave a normal message on your answering machine; do not announce your absence on the answering machine.

o    Ask a neighbor to park in your driveway while you are gone so it will appear that someone is home. If you leave your car at home, park as you normally would.

o    Consider taking valuables that you cannot live without to a safety deposit box.

o    Call local police to advise them that you are on vacation.

On The Road

o    Try not to carry large amounts of cash; use traveler’s checks. If you must carry large sums of money do not openly display it.

o    Do not carry more credit cards than you will need. Keep a list of all traveler’s check numbers and credit card numbers in a safe place. Have telephone numbers to call if either are lost or stolen.

o    Never advertise your plans to strangers; this includes travel routes and the amount of cash you are carrying.

o    Do not stop for hitchhikers or stranded motorists. If you want to help, call for assistance for them.

o    If you suspect that someone is following you, drive to the nearest well-populated place and call 911 or use your cellular phone for emergency assistance.

o    Do not leave any tickets (airline, train, bus) in open view. They are as valuable as cash.

o    Males are advised to carry wallets in an inside pocket or the front pocket of their pants. Females should carry their purses under their arm with a firm grasp.

o    Mark your luggage so it is easily identified. Take pictures of your luggage so airline personnel can identify it if it is lost.

o    Be sure your luggage is locked and labeled with your name and telephone number. Someone can call you if your luggage is found. If you have a business address, label it on the luggage for a return address.

Car Security

o    Always lock your vehicle after entering or leaving it.

o    Park in well-lighted areas.

o    Check the backseat before entering your vehicle.

o    Always place valuables out of sight, preferably in the trunk. Do not leave wallets, checkbooks, or purses in your vehicle.

o    Try not to advertise that you are a tourist.

Hotel & Motel Security

o    Place all of your luggage in your room; do not leave anything in your vehicle.

o    Do not leave valuables in your room when you are not there; take them with you.

o    Keep a daily check of all your belongings.

o    Place extra cash, jewelry, or valuables in a hotel / motel safe.

o    Use the door viewer to identify anyone requesting entry into your room. Do not open the door if you do not believe the person has a legitimate reason for being in your room.

o    Unpack your luggage. Arrange all your belongings so that you will notice if anything is missing.

Remember that vacation should be an enjoyable relaxing experience. If you are prepared properly, you will lower your chances of being victimized and having your vacation ruined.