The next Neighborhood Watch Association meeting will be Monday, September 14, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. in the auditorium of the Public Safety Center (725 N Cherry St). During this time we will recap National Night Out. The Crime Prevention Unit has added Neighborhood Watch groups to our Crime Statistics page. If you are a NW group and are interested in having your group added, please contact Officer McCoy, the NW coordinator, at 773-7944 or by email at cmccoy@wspd.org.

Web Links

Crime Prevention

Neighborhood Watch

Crime Stats.

Sales Tax Refund Offer

The North Carolina Department of Justice is  warning North Carolina citizens of phony sales tax refund offers.  North Carolina consumers are receiving phone calls offering a refund for six months worth of sales taxes on purchases made at Wal-Mart stores.  The caller will then ask for a debit or credit card number so that the refund may be provided.  In addition to the refund, the consumer is also promised an all-expenses paid three-day vacation.

Currently Wal Mart is involved in a civil lawsuit regarding under-refunding of sales tax between different states. These calls offering refunds are fraudulent.  Remember to be mindful about giving out your credit or debit card information over the phone.

'Cash for Clunkers'

The Car Allowance Rebate System or otherwise known as ‘Cash for Clunkers’ is a federal government program that allows individuals a discount when they trade in an older vehicle for a newer, fuel efficient vehicle.

Regrettably, scammers are taking advantage of this opportunity. Reports indicate that scammers are emailing or calling consumers and making them an offer to have their name added to an application list for the program. The scammer also asks for money to serve as a deposit or application fee. The actual ‘Cash for Clunkers’ program does not require a deposit or application fee. While asking for money the scammers are also seeking personal information such as Social Security numbers.

To avoid becoming a victim of this fraud:

• Do not give out and personal information to someone your do not know.
• Never pay a deposit to application fee to participate in ‘Cash for Clunkers.’
• Avoid anyone offering money orders, direct deposit, or a check as a ‘Cash for Clunkers’ rebate.

National Night Out 2009

National Night Out this year was a great success! At Pecan Ridge, we had a total of 305 attendees, while the official total number came to 1684 people in attendance. This is an increase of approximately 500 people over last year’s attendance. The Crime Prevention Unit and the Winston Salem Police Department wants to thank everyone who took the time to organize and plan the events for your individual neighborhood.

There is still time to submit results from both the coloring and the essay contest as the deadline is September 4^th. Please submit the results by mail or delivery to 725 N. Cherry Street Winston Salem, NC 27101.

National Night Out Photos

Back to School

It is that time of the year, school buses, bus stops, books, and homework.  School is back in session.  The Winston Salem Police Department wants to remind you and your children of a few school safety tips.

• Talk to your children about their day. Sometimes children won’t tell you right away if they are having problems at school. Ask your children if they see anyone bullied, if they are bullied, or if anything else makes them feel uncomfortable. Look for warning signs, such as a sudden drop in grades, loss of friends, or torn clothing.
• Encourage children to walk to school or the bus stop with a sibling or friend, and to wait at bus stops with other children.
• Make sure children know to stand on the sidewalk or on the grass while waiting for the bus.

Additional School Safety Information

 Stopped School Bus

Each year the Winston Salem Police Department investigates numerous school bus stop arm violations.  Also, nationally many children are injured as a result of a driver failing to stop for a stopped school bus.  Below is additional information on the North Carolina School Bus Stop Arm Law.

North Carolina Motor Vehicle Law - Stopped School Buses (GS 20-217)*

Crime Tips

Auto Breakings

The Winston Salem Police Department wants to remind you to secure your vehicle at all times.  While many auto breakings occur while a vehicle is locked, many also take place while the vehicle is unlocked.  These types of criminals walk around lifting door handles looking for an easy target.  Following these few steps can reduce or eliminate your chances of it happening to you.

• Lock all your doors at all times
• Secure valuables in your trunk, prior to your arrival at your destination.
• Don't leave items of value in view.
• Report suspicious activity to 911 or the non-emergency number (773-7700)

 Additional Auto Breaking Information

Spanish Crimestoppers