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Captain Michael Lombardo WILTON POLICE DEPARTMENT In recent weeks there have been coyote attacks on animals in our community. In the most recent attack, a family's dog was killed. As alarming as this may seem, we are not the first community in Fairfield County to experience such an attack. For several years now this sort of occurrence to family pets, specifically dogs, has happened in lower Fairfield County towns. In an effort to protect against this type of thing happening repeatedly the Wilton Police Department is presently working to coordinate an informational session with residents and experts in the field to assist the community in better handling this problem. If an incident should be witnessed or you believe that there is a coyote that may present a danger to you or a pet, please contact Canine Control Officer Robert Napoleon at 563-0150 for assistance. You may also call the Department of Environment Protection Agency at 860-424-3333, 24 hours a day. As always the Wilton Police Department can also be contacted in the event of an emergency at 911 and at 834-6260 for routine matters. In an effort to assist residents the town of Wilton's Animal Control Officer has provided the following helpful ideas. Coyotes are territorial and may aggressively approach dog walkers, especially in the spring and summer when raising young. Dogs and cats should be leashed or under close supervision at all times while outside. If approached do not run. Calmly leave the area. To frighten coyotes shout, wave your arms and act aggressively. Do not pick up your animal. Coyotes may exhibit bold behavior around people; however aggressive behavior towards people is very rare. Any coyote acting aggressively towards people or supervised pets should be reported to the Department of Environmental Protection immediately.
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Connecticut Department of Transportation CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 2800 BERLIN TURNPIKE P.O. BOX 317546 NEWINGTON CONNECTICUT
06131-7546 FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION ANNOUNCES START OF BLASTING OPERATIONS
ALONG
For Immediate Release
The Connecticut Department of Transportation (ConnDOT) is announcing that daytime rock blasting will occur along Route 7 between 9:00 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday thru Friday beginning Thursday, November 2, 2006. The first blasting area will be in the vicinity of Route 7 and Route 33 along Station Road and Route 7 and will occur weather permitting.
Vehicles traveling in this area will be halted for approximately 10 minute intervals immediately prior to the blast occurring. Pedestrian traffic will also be prohibited during the same time period. These precautions are necessary to protect drivers, passengers and pedestrians during the rock blasting and permit subsequent inspection of roadways.
Changeable message boards and signing will be installed to advise motorists and pedestrians in the area. The public will be warned 15 minutes prior to blast by means of a series of whistles and once again immediately prior to blast. Additionally, local businesses and residences in the immediate area of the blast will also receive notification of blasting work scheduled in their area.
The work is part of the reconstruction and widening of U.S. Route 7 from Wolfpit Road to Olmstead Hill Road in the town of Wilton.
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Chief Edward Kulhawik State DOT Widening Plan: The Town of Wilton will undergo a major Rt. 7 widening project. The goal of this DOT plan is to facilitate four lanes of travel from Olmstead Hill Rd. to Rt.7 & 33 Westport Rd. The plan should help alleviate the clogged roadways most notable during commuter hours. Additionally, this plan includes the addition of traffic lights and turning lanes in key areas. OUR GOAL: Our goal is to plan, monitor, control and ensure the positive and safe flow of traffic specifically during this major construction period. Below are some areas that we hope will explain how this will be accomplished. It is also our intent to keep the public notified through the media and the Town's Websites, of changes and progress during this very difficult process. Planning: The Wilton Police Department and the State of Connecticut Department of Transportation have been communicating with each other regarding this project for sometime now. The starting date is tentatively planned for late summer or early fall of 2006. The police department will meet with DOT and the contractor when one is chosen. Those meetings will coordinate the planned construction work with traffic flow interruptions. Coordination is needed to ensure that rules will be followed and traffic plans are adhered to. We will have the opportunity to assess and make changes that will benefit traffic flow and general safety. Administration: The Wilton Police Department will be in close contact with DOT and construction officials throughout the project period which is expected to last several years. The widening project will be broken down into sections or areas of construction so as not to overwhelm traffic flow. As with past projects, the police department will receive daily "project" reports and updates will be listed on the Town or Police Department web site. The news media will be involved and is a large part of our communication link to the public. There will be a (Police Department) "Project" manager assigned to coordinate traffic flow, complaints, changes, scheduling and media information. He will also be responsible for informing Town Officials including Emergency Services. The Project Manager will be in close contact with all parties involved and coordinate changes. We intend to work very closely with the DOT and contractor officials to provide for the smoothest transition period that we can maintain. Traffic Direction: The Wilton Police Department will coordinate with DOT and the contractor regarding traffic flow and safety issues. Hours of operation will also be closely monitored to insure compliance with DOT and Town approved hours of operation. Police Officers will be used as primary traffic agents. This will be covered by Wilton Officers as permitted. Because of the current shortage of police personnel, it may be necessary to enter into an agreement with other local police agencies to facilitate the required amount of police officers for traffic duty. These officers will be certified police officers and monitored by the Project Manager from the Wilton Police Department. Traffic Agents may be used in conjunction with the police officers as a supplement. These agents are required to be certified by the State of Connecticut and responsible individuals. They will also be monitored closely. Signs: The State of Connecticut through DOT requires specific signage for these projects. The plan will be reviewed and changed if needed. Changes will be approved by all parties. Maintenance of signs is the responsibility of the general contractor. Notification will be made to the contractor regarding any problems with signs. Wilton STP: The Wilton STP (Strategic Traffic Patrol) unit was created to assist with traffic issues on a daily basis. The primary goal is to have the specialized unit monitor traffic problems and address areas that are problematic. It is the goal of the Wilton Police Department to commit four officers to this unit bringing it up to full staffing. By doing this, four officers will be available to constantly monitor traffic issues and address problem areas. The STP unit is staffed from the patrol division when manpower allows. Historically, the STP unit is effective in identifying, enforcing and monitoring problem areas. There are many facets of STP which address traffic related issues. Currently, the STP unit is assigned to assist traffic through the area of the Wilton Schools at Rt.7 at School Rd. This area is notorious for traffic volume and congestion which creates a chain reaction type back-up. By assigning this unit to that particular area, traffic flow has been much smoother and residents are able to access the area with less inconvenience in the morning. This unit will be available each day and particularly during the heavy traffic volume periods. STP will work with patrol units in an effort to effectively maintain the safe movement of traffic through the Town of Wilton. Tips to assist in traffic flow: The Wilton Police Department encourages parents to car pool with others when bringing their children to school or to use the bus system that the town provides. The Wilton Police Department will do it's best to facilitate traffic flow through town at various needed locations when manpower allows us to do so. We ask every citizen to assist us in this venture so that the community traffic can flow as easily as possible during this construction period.
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Detective
Christopher Isidro
Identity theft in its many forms is the fastest growing crime in the Nation. The individuals responsible for these acts are not without imagination when it comes to stealing your personal information. In most cases they aim to compromise your personal financial accounts or facilitate the creation of a fraudulent account for their own benefit. The question arises, how can the average person reduce their risk of falling victim to these acts? Understanding how the thief works is the first step.
How do they steal my identity?
Your personal information may be compromised at a business or institution because of a breach or lack of security measures. Records may be stolen from an unsecured filing system or may be left in plain view. Security of electronic files is a growing concern of many organizations across the country.
Your mail may be stolen including bank statements, credit card statements, credit card offers, new checks and government correspondence.
Persons may rummage through your trash, the trash of businesses or public trash in a practice known as “dumpster diving.”
They may take your personal information by abusing a legitimate source while posing as a landlord, employer or someone else that may have a legal right to access your documents.
It is possible to steal your credit or debit card numbers by capturing the information in a data storage devise in a practice known as “skimming.” They may swipe your card for an actual purchase or attach the device to an ATM machine where you may enter or swipe your card. When making a transaction, always keep your card in sight. Any card out of sight may be compromised.
Stolen wallets and purses are a common source of information.
A change of address form may have been completed to divert your mail to another location.
Personal documents could be stolen from your home without your knowledge.
Personal information including passwords may be obtained by e-mail or phone by individuals posing as legitimate companies and claiming that they have a problem with your account. This practice is known as “phishing” online or “pretexting” by phone. Don’t respond so quickly to e-mail requests. Confirm any request for sensitive information by calling back the institution with a known phone number. Only trust contacts initiated by you to any business.
What are some simple steps I can take to reduce my risk of Identity Theft?
The purchase and use of a document shredder is an effective practice to protect yourself. Bank statements, credit card statements and utility bills sent through the US mail are all sources of personal information. Once they are placed into the trash or recycling bin, you have lost control of the information.
Monthly reconciliation of your bank and credit statements is an effective way to monitor for fraudulent activity. Many financial institutions provide account holders access to transaction records updated every hour.
When using the internet be cautious of what you release to others. Wireless internet provides the convenience of portability but may put you at risk if your connection is not secure. Contact a local computer store to learn how to secure your wireless connections.
Don’t carry unnecessary personal documents in your wallet or purse. Documents such as a birth certificate or a Social Security Card are best left home in a secure location.
Order a copy of your credit report. The Federal Fair Credit Reporting Act requires each of the major nationwide consumer reporting companies to provide you with a free copy of your credit report at your request once every 12 months.
To order your free annual report, visit <www.annualcreditreport.com, call toll free 877-322-8228 or complete an “Annual Credit Report Request Form.” These forms can be obtained from ftc.gov/credit. Do not contact the three nationwide consumer reporting companies individually. Contact the web site given or call the toll free number.
What should I do if I fall victim to Identity Theft?
Without delay contact the three credit bureaus and have a fraud alert placed on your credit report. It’s important to cancel any compromised accounts. Change your passwords on those that remain. Contact the Police Department and immediately report the incident. It’s also wise to file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission.
For further information on Identity Theft you can go to the following web sites.
<http://www.consumer.gov/idtheft/con about.htm
<http://www.idtheftcenter.org/index.shtml
The problem of Identity Theft is relatively new to law enforcement as it is currently being perpetrated. As new as this problem is, there is no indication that it will go away in the near future. Following these suggestions to protect yourself could help you avoid many headaches in the future.
The author, Detective Christopher Isidro a Detective with the Wilton Police Department and has been serving the Town of Wilton since 1989.
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Chief
Edward Kulhawik On October 1, 2005 the State of Connecticut enacted legislation Public Act 05-220(2), to prohibit the use of hand held cell phones by drivers of vehicles within the state. In addition the law also prohibits the 16 -17 year old drivers from operating a motor vehicle with ANY telephone device including a hands free device. In addition, the law prohibits any driver from engaging in any activity not related to the actual operation of the vehicle. All of these changes were enacted to make our roads safer by having all drivers pay closer attention to the primary task at hand which is the operation of the motor vehicle. When the law came into affect in October of 2005, I asked for voluntary compliance by our residents and commuters through Wilton. Since October we have gradually stepped up our vigilance of this new law by first issuing verbal warnings, then written warnings and finally issuing summonses as of December 1, 2005. Despite the warnings, as I drive through our community I continually see many drivers ignoring the law as they travel through Wilton. I am surprised at the blatant disregard for a law that will only make our Town a safer place to drive. I am asking for all your support in spreading the word, our goal is for voluntary compliance of this law geared toward the safety of all our motorists. If you are someone who does not have a hands free device for your phone, purchase one today! Our officers will be enforcing this law vigilantly; don't be a violator, as you will receive a summons. Can you Hear Me now?
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The Wilton Police Department Youth Division would like to take this opportunity to express our concern about internet safety. Recent incidents in Connecticut have come to law enforcements attention that young children and adolescents are providing too much personal information over the internet. The Attorney Generals office has announced a formal investigation into the website “MySpace.Com”. This website allows people to create an account and post photographs and any information they wish to provide. Unfortunately not all people on the internet are honest law abiding people and it frequently is visited by internet predators. These predators use this site to seek out victims to commit crimes against. Predators will create accounts disguising them as teenagers. They will then chat over time with victims and eventually exchange cell phone numbers and later agree to meet somewhere. Currently Connecticut law enforcement agencies are investigating more then 7 cases of sexual assault against young girls. These girls all had accounts on MySpace.Com. The website was designed to be a fun website for people to post their favorite artists, books, movies, music. Unfortunately people are providing more personal information which allows a predator a point of contact. Besides providing information on account holders it also has been known to allow illegal access to pornography and other inappropriate materials that may be in violation of state law. Attorney General Richard Blumenthal has referred the matter over to the Chief States Attorneys Office for possible prosecution. Below is a list of some items that are considered to be personal information and should not be given out over the internet as a child or teenager.
Parents should also consider how much information a child is providing just in their screen name. (Example: Wiltongirl1990). Predators will get a large amount of their information by just a screen name or if the child has a profile.
Some other tips for parents are listed below:
If you feel your child is at risk of a predator or has been receiving unwanted contact by persons you should contact your local police department. Some of the information
obtained for this article were found at the below websites.
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As the Halloween season approaches I would like to remind parents and children of certain safety measures they should exercise as they send out the costumed trick-or-treaters. Parents please take the time to remind your children of these pre-cautions. Of the 165 miles
of twisting roadways in town, children can become excited and careless
as they walk from house to house. Always walk facing traffic and stay
to the side of the roadway. Avoid costumes that allow poor visibility
and choose your trick or treat course accordingly. Children should have a parent inspect all treats collected to make sure that they have not been tampered with. Treats should be in original manufacturer sealed wrappers. If you have reason to believe that a treat has been tampered with and made unsafe for consumption you can contact the local police to assist you. The police department has the ability to contact the Food and Drug Administration to determine if the questionable treat is unsafe or possibly just a manufacture error. Know your child's route for the evening. Where will they be? Who are they with? What supervision will be present? What time will they be home? Know what type of costume they will be wearing. This information is important should you need to summon the police to assist in locating an overdue person. Parents of high school aged youths should keep in mind that some youths use Halloween as a time for mischief or vandalism. It is not uncommon that parents receive phone calls from the police requesting them to come to the police department to claim their child after they have been picked up by the police for a violation of law. Trick-or-treaters are not the only ones to be reminded of safety measures. Residents should keep walkways clear and use plenty of illumination. This will help avoid the risk of injury and may also assist you in preventing any acts of vandalism on your property. Motorists need to use extra caution when driving along the roadways. Remember that children are out walking around and at times it may be difficult to see them. Let's all use a little extra caution and make this Halloween season a safe and entertaining one. |
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