West Hennepin Crime Alerts

West Hennepin Public Safety provides this crime alert page to provide alerts regarding criminal activity that affects local residents of Maple Plain, Independence and surrounding areas.

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January 2007 - Identity Theft

Over the past few years Identity Theft has become the new crime wave for thieves. Identity thieves can work under the cover of their computer and it can take weeks before you even realize you’re a victim of identity theft.  No longer does a thief need to confront you face to face to steal your hard-earned money.

Despite your best efforts to manage the flow of your personal information, skilled identity thieves may use a variety of methods to gain access to your personal information. Here are some ways imposters can get our personal information and take over your identity.

• Steal wallets and purses containing your id and bank information
• Rummage through your mail, stealing bank statements, cell phone
  records, credit cards, tax documents.
• Complete a “change of address form” to divert your mail to another location
• Contact your bank pretending to be you and change the address on your account
• Use personal information you may share on the Internet.
• Open a bank account under your name and write bad checks on that account.

While you can’t prevent identity theft entirely, you can minimize you risk by managing your personal information wisely.  Once you become aware of identity theft you can protect yourself from it. Here are some helpful hints to help guard against identity theft.  

·        Pay attention to your billing cycle.  If bills don’t show up on time, call to find out if there is a problem.

·        Guard your mail from theft.  Try delivering your outgoing mail to the post office instead of leaving it in your mailbox, especially if your envelope contains a personal check, your social security number or any personal information.

·        Do not give out personal information over the phone, through the mail, or over the Internet unless you have initiated the contact.

·        Keep personal information in a safe place. Do not throw any personal information in the trash. This included doctor’s bills, bank statements and insurance forms.

·        Never give out personal information if you don’t feel comfortable about it. Trust yourself.

In the event you become a victim of identity theft, you must immediately contact your local police department to report the incident. West Hennepin Public Safety treats Identity theft as a serious offense and we will strive to make sure all suspects are prosecuted under the law.

If you would like a free brochure on how to protect yourself from Identity theft, please contact West Hennepin Public Safety at (763) 479-0500. 

Sgt. Gary S. Kroells