POLICE DEPARTMENT

600 11th Street

Ambridge, PA 15003

Dispatch: 724-266-3270

Fax: 724-266-0860

EMERGENCY – Dial 911

MISSION STATEMENT

“Recognizing the inalienable rights of all and our oath to protect life, liberty and property, we officers of the Ambridge Police Department pledge service and partnerships with the citizens, merchants and visitors in Ambridge Borough to maintain the highest quality of individual, political and economic life through honest, fair and effective delivery of our sworn duties.”

Beware of Scams!

Seems like there is a new scam in the news every day. They target everyone but most people will not give up money or their private information such as social security numbers, bank accounts and/or credit card numbers. However, there are those few that think it sounds like a great deal and give up their information.  These scammers try to target older people, why??? Because these scammer are fast slick talkers and the older generation seem to trust everyone.

Let it be said that NO LEGITIMATE company from whom you may have won money from will ask you to put up your money first or send them “gift cards” before they can send you the prize money. DO NOT give them your checking or savings account numbers so they can direct deposit, they will clean out your account faster than you can blink your eyes.

What you should do is… HANG UP THE PHONE. Report the scam to your local police department. DON’T BE THEIR NEXT VICTIM.

Recently, it was reported to our police department that there is a PUBLISHER CLEARING HOUSE scam. Here is their website telling you all about the scammers using their name.

info.pch.com/fraud-protection-2/

Here is a link to the CONSUMER PROTECTION advice on scams.

consumerprotection.govt.nz/general-help/scamwatch/

When you are faced with what you think is a scam – report it. Like the old saying is true “If it seems too good to be true – it probably is a a fake”

Police Officer’s Prayer

WHAT IS A POLICEMAN

Tips from the Ambridge Police Department

This holiday season, don’t let the spirit of giving lull you into giving burglars, muggers and pickpockets a better chance to do their dirty work. Crooks love the holidays as much as everyone else, especially because it’s an opportune time for crime.

Homes are jam-packed with glittering gifts. Stores and streets are teeming with unsuspecting shoppers. People are rushing around, stressed out and careless, looking for last-minute gifts, trying to get everything done. It’s enough to make a crook giddy with holiday joy.

Here are some tips on how to celebrate safely this holiday season:

If You Are Traveling

• Get an automatic timer for your lights.
• Ask a neighbor to watch your home, shovel snow, and park in the driveway from time to time and pick up mail and newspapers if you don’t have them stopped.

If You Are Out for the Evening

• Turn on lights and a radio or TV so it looks like someone’s home.
• Be extra cautious about locking doors and windows when you leave, even if it’s just for a few minutes.
• Don’t display gifts where they can be seen from outside.

If You Are Shopping

• Stay alert and be aware of what’s going on around you.
• Park in a well-lighted space, and be sure to lock the car.
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash; pay with a check or credit card whenever possible.
• Don’t overburden yourself with packages. Be extra careful with purses and wallets. Carry a purse close to your body, not dangling by the straps. Put a wallet in an inside coat or front pants pocket.
• Shopping with kids? Teach them to go to a store clerk or security guard if you get separated.

If a Stranger Comes to the Door

• Criminals sometimes pose as couriers delivering gifts, so be cautious when accepting a package.
• It’s not uncommon for people to try to take advantage of others’ generosity during the holidays by going door-to-door for charitable donations when there’s no charity involved. Ask for identification, and find out how the funds will be used. If you aren’t satisfied, don’t give. Help a charitable organization you know and like instead.

Protect Your Vehicle

• Loading up on all those gifts is a sign of progress in the holiday shopping. But if those packages are left out in the open after they’re in the car, your car has become a likely target for thieves. Remember the old cliché “Out of sight, out of mind?” The same idea applies to items in your car.
• Always lock your vehicle and store all items out of sight. Breaking into an empty car isn’t worth a thief’s time. However, anything left in plain view—from your holiday gifts to spare change, sunglasses, CDs, cell phones or briefcases—may tempt a thief.
• Help prevent your vehicle from being stolen by always locking your car and using anti-theft devices. And although it’s cold, never leave your vehicle running while you run inside your home or a store—even if for only a minute or two.

After You’ve Opened the Gifts

Burglars know that many households have new, and oftentimes expensive, items in their homes following the December holidays—especially items such as new computers and peripherals, stereo components, televisions, cameras and other electronic equipment. In too many cases, residents make it easy for burglars to figure out which homes to target by putting boxes that identify their new gifts in plain view with their other garbage. Avoid becoming an easy target for post-holiday burglars by not leaving boxes for new electronics and other items in the garbage pick-up locations for several days at a time. Instead, break down any boxes you are throwing out, put them in garbage bags and place them inside a trash can. (In many cases, especially with computer equipment, you might consider keeping the boxes for safe storage, shipping or moving in the future.) Think about keeping broken-down boxes inside—in a garage, for example—until the evening before your regular garbage pick-up. Some burglars actually look inside garbage cans for evidence of holiday gifts. And, of course, if you see someone suspicious casing your alley or if you see a burglary in progress, call the Ambridge Police Department at 9-1-1.

Holiday Package Theft

• Track deliveries online and confirm delivery has occurred. You can sign up for email notifications to track your packages from initial shipment to its arrival at your home, or the recipient’s address if you have the gift delivered directly.
• If you know a family member or neighbor will be home, ask them to pick up the packages as soon as they are delivered. Reward them with fresh baked cookies.
• Switch delivery location to work where it can be received by someone and not left on the porch.
• See if the post office or store the product is being shipped from can hold the package for pick up.
• The post office will allow your package to remain safe and secure for up to 30 days.

Celebrate Responsibly

The holiday season is a time of celebration and revelry. Drinking and driving is a danger to yourself and everyone on the road.  Drugs, even if lawfully prescribed, can impair your ability to drive safely. Remember that the risk isn’t worth it—if you choose to drink alcohol at a party, don’t drive; take a cab, use public transportation or a designated driver. Have fun, but remember to celebrate responsibly.