Informational Safety Message from the 1st Precinct
Tuesday, January 31, 2017 at 4:10AMVia a January 30 e-newsletter from Renee Allen, Crime Prevention Specialist with the Minneapolis Police Department, First Precinct:
The theft of a purse or wallet are among the most common crimes. Many thefts are considered crimes of opportunity. You can reduce the opportunity by not leaving your purse unattended; don’t leave it hanging on the back of a chair or by being distracted. If you are carrying a small clutch/wristlet type purse, DO NOT walk with it dangling by the small strap; keep it secured in your hand or pocket. Stay aware of your surroundings and who may be near you. Coffee shops, restaurants, bars, grocery stores, or while walking are all places where the opportunity for theft can occur.
Ask yourself these important questions:
- What was in your wallet or purse?
- Do you know your credit card numbers?
- Do you know the number to call to cancel your credit cards?
- Is your Social Security Card missing?
- Are you missing a check book or ATM card?
- How can I get a new Driver's License?
A great way to have an answer to all of these questions and more is to have an inventory sheet for your financial belongings. This, obviously, needs to be made before a theft occurs, and should be stored in a safe place other than your wallet!
If possible, keep your phone separate and secured with a lock code.
If your wallet or purse is lost or stolen you should take a few simple actions immediately. A thief most likely will attempt to use your cards within the first hour or two after your items are taken.
Call your credit card company and cancel your cards.
For Discover, call 800-347-2683 (800-DISCOVER); for American Express, call 800-528-4800 for Green card or 800-327-2177 for a Gold card; for Visa/Mastercard you must contact the bank that issued your credit card. This information is probably on your latest bill. If you know the bank name but not the 800 number, call 800-555-1212.
Check for unauthorized activity on your credit cards.
You will want to know amounts, times/dates, and location of all unauthorized activity of your credit cards.
Contact your bank and advise them of any ATM cards or checks that were stolen.
You'll need to know the name of your bank, your account number and which checks are missing.
What were your last few transactions on your ATM card?
Contact the Social Security Administration for a new card.
(800-772-1213) or https://www.ssa.gov/
Contact all 3 major credit monitoring agencies:
· Equifax: 1-800-525-6285; or http://www.equifax.com
· Trans Union: 1-800-680-7289; or http://www.transunion.com/
· Experian: 1-888-397-3742; or http://www.experian.com
Contact the MN Department of Public Safety/Drivers Licenses.
https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/dvs/Pages/default.aspx
Contact the Police at 911 or 311 to file a report.
For questions, contact:
Renee Allen, Crime Prevention Specialist
Minneapolis Police Department, First Precinct
renee.allen@minneapolismn.gov
(612) 673-5163
