The Winston-Salem Police Department would like to remind you to use caution when answering the door. In the past, we have investigated home burglaries where someone poses as a service worker or salesperson. These criminals are great communicators and can easily distract you while their partner commits the theft. Below are a few things to remember when someone knocks at your door:

Confirm the identity of the person at the door before you open it.
If you do not recognize the person at the door, tell them to go away or you will call the police.
If you open the door, ask for credentials from the person. If they cannot provide any, call the company they represent and confirm they are there for a reason.
Be cautious of pushy salesmen. Ask them to leave, and if they refuse, call the police.
Report suspicious persons and vehicles to the police. Be as descriptive as possible.
Most often companies will notify you in advance of unexpected service work.
If a representative is there for a legitimate reason, they will understand and cooperate.

For more crime prevention information, please visit the crime prevention section of our web site, by e-mail at crimepreventionunit@wspd.org, or by calling the Crime Prevention Unit at (336) 773-7835.

Census 2010

Census As required by the United States Constitution, the US Census must take place every 10 years. The Census Bureau does not conduct business over the internet nor do they collect money.

A Census taker is a person from your community who is employed by the Census Bureau. Their primary responsibility is to collect census information from those residences who have not returned their forms. The Census Bureau will provide the Census taker with a binder of addresses that did not return a form. The Census Taker will visit those addresses and record the answers to the questions on the form. If there is no answer, the Census Taker will leave a door hanger with a phone number. The phone number allows you the option to call and schedule an appointment. The Census Taker will visit the address up to three times each time leaving a door hanger. Census Takers are sworn for life to protect your information. Failure to do so can result in up to $250,000.00 in fines or up to 5 years in prison.

The Census Taker will only ask the questions on the form.

Here is what you should look for should a Census Taker come to your door.

Ask to see their ID. All Census Takers carry a government-issued ID with their name, and they may have a US Census Bureau Bag.
Please note that a Census Taker will never ask to enter your home.
If you are still unsure, call the regional census center to verify their identity.

Important Dates for Census 2010

March 2010 – Census forms are mailed or delivered to households.
April 1, 2010 – National Census Day – Use this day as a point to mail your forms back.
April – July 2010 – Census Takers visit households that did not return a form.

U.S. Census Bureau
Charlotte Regional Office
901 Center Park Drive, Suite 106
Charlotte, NC. 28217-2935
(704) 424-6400 or 1(800)331-7360
Fax: (704) 424-6944
TDD:(704) 424-6963
E-mail:mailto:charlotte.regional.office@census.gov

2010 Census Office
U.S. Census Bureau
Charlotte Regional Census Center
Whitehall Corporate Center IV3701 Arco Corporate Drive, Ste 250
Charlotte, NC. 28273
(704) 936-53001-866-861-2010

Sample Census Form [pdf/6p/346kb]

2010 Census Information on the Planning web site

Daytime Housebreaking Information

woman looking out through a door peephole Recently, the Winston Salem Police Department has seen an increase in daytime house break-ins. The suspects are ringing doorbells or knocking to see if anyone will answer the door. If no one answers the door, the suspect will breach the front or back door. If someone does open the door, the suspect will make up a story saying their vehicle has broken down, they lost their dog, they’re looking for work, etc. We would like to remind you to never open your door for someone that you do not know. It is suggested to acknowledge the person’s presence at the door by saying, “go away,” “I’m calling the police,” etc. When you look outside to identify the subject at the door, get a good description: height, weight, age, clothing description, mode of travel (on foot or in a vehicle). Be as specific as possible, did the jacket have a different color liner, was there fur around the hood? Please report these incidents to the police as soon as possible.

Crime Prevention Tips

Most Important – Lock your doors and windows at all times (both your home and vehicle).
Complete a home inventory of your property

Make
Model
Serial Number
OAN (Owner Applied Number) usually your NCDL # but NEVER your SS#
Personal Identifiers (Scratch on top of TV, paint splatter, etc.)
Take pictures of your property.
Photograph jewelry (make a specific description of the items).
Personal messages engraved in rings or pendants.
Photograph old coins and document their value.

If you have a safe, remember to lock it. Also, bolt it to the wall or floor. If you can move it, so can they.
Secure your out buildings. Document serial numbers for your lawn equipment as well as your tools. Remember to lock the door.
Cut off bushes at about 3 feet and tree limbs at about 6 feet from the ground.
Maintain a lived-in appearance while away from home.

Use timers for lights and radios
Have a trusted neighbor collect the mail and newspaper, or suspend those services while away.

Display alarm decals and signs.
Close blinds and windows. By leaving them open you are allowing the criminal to window shop.
Take part in Neighborhood Watch – attend meetings and take an active role.
The police can’t be on every street corner every second of the day. You are our best eyes and ears, and we need your help to catch those responsible.
Change your daily patterns. Criminals look for the easiest opportunity given to them.
Home Repairs – Don’t let anyoneyou don't know in your home to complete repair work. Use trusted and reputable companies. They may not take anything, but they may tell their friends about the nice things you have.

Please visit the Crime Prevention section of the Winston Salem Police Department web site for more Crime Prevention information.