Identity Theft

The crime of identity theft is on the rise. By using a variety of methods, criminals steal credit card numbers, driver's license numbers, Social Security numbers, ATM cards, telephone calling cards and other key pieces of individuals' identities. They use this information to impersonate their victims, spending as much money as they can in as short a time as possible before moving on to someone else's name and account information.

Read More >>

Home Invasion Burglaries/Diversion Thefts

These burglaries and thefts usually target elderly citizens distracted by one subject while others enter the residences and steal items of value. In these incidents, typically one subject approaches the home, lures the resident(s) to the rear of the property by saying he was surveying the property, checking property lines to install a fence for a neighbor, or removing trees or other items at the direction of the municipal authorities or a neighbor.

Read More >>

Protect Your Automobile, Bicycle or Motorcycle

• Always lock your car. (one in five stolen cars was left with keys in the ignition.)
• Lock bikes to immovable objects or bike racks with hardened alloy locks and chains or U-shaped lock
• Do not leave tempting valuables or property visible inside the car. Lock these items in the trunk.

Suspicious Persons/Behaviors

If you see a suspicious person in your neighborhood or building, ask if you can help them. If the person has legitimate business, he or she will appreciate your assistance. If not, call 911. Be prepared to describe the person when you call. The following are examples of behaviors that could be considered suspicious:

• A person or persons you, or the other residents/employees, do not recognize going from room to room or office to office.
• A person or persons standing in a hallway or street for a long period of time.
• A person or persons waiting outside of the building near the time that the building will be closing.
• A person walking around your house or that of your neighbor.
• Anything that “doesn’t belong” or isn’t normally seen in your neighborhood.

Drug Abuse

For the most current information concerning drug abuse, especially among children, the Somerset Borough Police recommend you visit the National Crime Prevention Council website at http://www.ncpc.org/

Internet Crime

For the most current information concerning internet crime the Somerset Borough Police recommend you visit the Internet Crime Complaint Center website at http://www.ic3.gov