This is the third and final series of blogs addressing the abuse of prescription medications for non-medicinal purposes. This information comes to us courtesy of Officer Jason Weber who is the Community Liaison for the Town of Menasha PD and also sits on the Board of Directors of the Wisconsin Crime Prevention Practitioners Association (WCPPA / www.wicrimeprevention.com).

Community wide effort

We must work together to develop and implement effective strategies to combat prescription drug abuse in Wisconsin.  Assembly Bill 227, is working its way through the Wisconsin Capitol. This bill would create a Prescription Drug Monitoring Program which will curb the practice of “doctor shopping” (where patients get multiple prescriptions from different doctors.

Health care professionals such as doctors and pharmacists also play a critical role in this prevention effort. Doctors can begin asking their patients about their current prescription and over the counter use, and reason for use. Doctors should also be aware of other potential signs of abuse, such as rapid increases in the amount of medication their patient needs, or refill requests before the refill date. Pharmacists also play a role in the front line of defense in recognizing prescription drug abuse, as it is their responsibilty to provide clear information on how to take the medications appropiately; however in addition to that, they should also be making their customers aware of the potential abuse and crimes associated with certain pharmaceuticals at that consultation.

This will truly require a “team” effort to combat this problem. A good team will have all sorts of players: parents, youth, concerned community members, schools staff, business owners, pharmacists, law enforcement officers, prevention workers, health care professionals and more. All of us play a critical role in this prevention campaign and so can you.

This is the second in a series of blogs addressing the abuse of prescription medications for non-medicinal purposes. This information comes to us courtesy of Officer Jason Weber who is the Community Liaison for the Town of Menasha PD and also sits on the Board of Directors of the Wisconsin Crime Prevention Practitioners Association (WCPPA / www.wicrimeprevention.com).

Analysis – Localized problem

We are starting to see risk taking people experimenting with these medications. More and more people are starting to use prescription and over the counter medication as a way to achieve a quick high. People view these medications as safe, in a sense that they are prescribed and approved by the FDA. These medications are also easily accessible and people don’t even have to venture out of their home to access them.

We are no stranger to that trend here in Wisconsin. In a recent press conference, WI Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen stated, “sixty (60) percent of our teenagers report that they have access to controlled substances in and around their homes. Two in ten (20%) have abused them to get high! None of us would drop our kids off at a ‘drug house’, yet many of us do not safeguard our own prescription drugs.” 

Teenagers have started abusing these medications at “pharming” parties. This is a party where everyone brings a bottle of medication and they combine all of them in a candy dish or bowl. The more varied colors of pills the better, another term used for these parties is “skittling” because the pills resemble the candy of the same name. Recently in the Town of Menasha, WI, the Police Department arrested a 15 year old girl that had almost 200 prescription pills that she had taken from relatives and was attempting to sell at her high school!

Some people may view this as a “victimless” crime, in a sense that the only damage being done is to the abuser. Law enforcement agencies in Northeast Wisconsin can attest to the fact that this is not the case. In recent years, law enforcement has investigated many thefts and burglaries where pharmaceuticals were the primary target. In many cases, money and jewelry were bypassed! These addicts and criminals have become increasingly brazen in their crimes and we have started to see home invasions where innocent residents have suffered serious injuries. Pharmacies have also been the target of armed robberies, something that was unheard of ten years ago! According to the DEA, nearly a third of all armed robberies of pharmacies in Wisconsin occurred in Northeastern Wisconsin.

Even more disturbing is the number of people that have been hospitalized and even died due to this abuse. In 2008, almost half of the drug relatd emergency room visits in the Fox Valley were the result of a pharmaceutical. We also saw 36 drug related deaths, of which 27 had a pharmaceutical present.

Now although this refers heavily to Northeastern Wisconsin, this is an ongoing issue throughout the entire country and we all need to be aware of what is going on in your community and our own homes.

This is the first in a series of blogs addressing the abuse of prescription medications for non-medicinal purposes. This information comes to us courtesy of Officer Jason Weber who is the Community Liaison for the Town of Menasha PD and also sits on the Board of Directors of the Wisconsin Crime Prevention Practitioners Association (WCPPA / www.wicrimeprevention.com).

Scanning -Identified problem
When people speak of drug abuse, one immediately thinks of drugs such as marijuana and cocaine. However, people rarely think of the common drugs found in their homes and medicine cabinets. These pharmaceuticals typically are used for medicinal or “good” purposes; however we are starting to see an alarming trend of abuse of this medicine. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, nearly 7 million Americans abuse prescription drugs. That’s more than the total number abusing cocaine, heroin, ecstasy and other drugs – and the number has increased 80% in the past 6 years.

Prescription drug abuse cuts right across all sectors of the community: from young teens to the elderly, from high school students and college students to health professionals like doctors, nurses and veterinarians. It can affect the unemployed in economically depressed areas to the wealthiest of Hollywood celebrities.

People fail to realize the significant impact medications have on our body chemistry. When they are taken in a non-prescribed fashion outside that which is intended by the manufacturer, or in combination with other substances like alcohol, pharmaceuticals can be hazardous and even deadly! Prescription drug abuse and misuse has silently risen to become one of the most serious prevention issues in the country.

If you missed last weeks meeting at Cranky Al's don't worry; we are working closely with Milwaukee's North Ave BID as well as the Milwaukee Police Department's Disctrict 3 Community Liaisons on having a joint meeting in the coming weeks.

Also in the works is a phone calling system that can get word of issues concering our North Ave Merchants out in a very short amount of time!

If you would be interested in being the Business Block Watch Captain for you block please contact me with your information.

Officer Don Semega

Wauwatosa Police Department

414-471-8430

dsemega@wauwatosa.net

CALLING ALL TETNA BUSINESS OWNERS TO HAVE A REPRESENTATIVE JOIN US AT

CRANKY AL's AT 7:00PM ON WEDNESDAY 02-24-10

The Wauwatosa Police Department’s Community Support Division is pleased to announce that we want to bring the Business Watch Program to Tosa East Towne and we need your assistance. Crime prevention is an integral part of our program and as business owners and managers you are a valuable asset in crime prevention. A partnership between law enforcement and business is crucial in preventing and reducing crime. To achieve this crime reduction and crime prevention we need help from every business in Tosa East Towne.

Do you wish you knew more about crimes that could affect your business?

Do you wonder what crimes are happening in your area?

Do you want to communicate with other businesses in TETNA and Wauwatosa?

Business Block Watch can offer you:       

• Insight in how the police work and how to better protect your business  
• Free Security Surveys for your business property.
• Crime Alert emails and Crime Prevention Tip
• Help with organizing Business Watch groups
• Possibility of regular meetings with the Wauwatosa Crime Stoppers to discuss concerns
• Affiliation with other crime prevention committees and organizations within the City
• A reporting system that allows you to remain anonymous (Crime Stoppers)

This worthwhile program has been in effect in Wauwatosa in our residential neighborhoods since the early 1980’s and in full force in the Village Business District for a couple years now. Time after time this program has helped prevent crime and aided greatly in solving those crimes that are committed. This is an opportunity for Tosa East Towne to join in on an already established program that creates community bonding and a safe business district that promotes Wauwatosa as a great City in which to live, work and do business.

What do we need to get started? One or two business people from every block or two to act as Captains. The Captains would gather contact information for the businesses, distribute our quarterly newsletter to the businesses on their watch and hopefully institute and maintain a phone tree for communicating things of an urgent nature.

Below is a list of existing block watches that do not have an active captain; because the neighborhoods listed have already established Block Watches most of the work has already been done. The new captain will simply be responsible for distributing the quarterly newsletter after the packet is delivered to your door. We also encourage, although not required, the new captain to host a refresher neighborhood watch meeting where a Wauwatosa Police Officer will come out and discuss information important to your neighborhood and the City.

If you can help or know of someone in your neighborhood who may be interested in delivering the Tosa Watch Newsletter four times a year, please call Laura at the Wauwatosa Police Department's Community Support Division at 471-8430, Ext 5111

The Wauwatosa Police Department does not publish or share any information of our Block Watch participants with any entity outside of the Police Department.

The snow is falling again and as such I wanted to remind you about the Wauwatosa Ordinances regarding snow removal.

12.24.010 - Removal of snow and ice from sidewalks.

The owner, occupant, or person in charge of each and every building or property in the city of Wauwatosa fronting upon or adjoining any street, and the owner or person in charge of any unoccupied building or lot fronting upon or adjoining any city street, the public sidewalk and the adjoining crosswalk by twelve noon of the day following any snowfall or accumulation of ice and shall cause the same to be kept clear from snow and ice. Crosswalks are to be cleared to the plowed area of the street. When ice is formed on any sidewalk or crosswalk and it cannot be removed, the owner, occupant, or person in charge of the adjacent property shall keep the sidewalk and crosswalk sprinkled with calcium chloride, sodium chloride, other acceptable deicing materials or sand. Where snow continues to fall for some time, it shall be removed immediately after the snowfall ends.

12.24.060 - Throwing snow and ice on street unlawful.

It is unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to throw or put or cause to be thrown or put any snow or ice from private property into any street, avenue or other public place in the city of Wauwatosa.

Tosa United is presenting Milton Creagh, the author of “Nobody Wants Your Child” for a one night presentation on Monday February 1, 2010, 7:00pm, Wauwatosa West Highs School Auditorium, 11400 West Center Street.

Milton Creagh will be presenting ideas to parents on how to get children on track for a successful life. He will be addressing some things that parents do that make it difficult for their children to do well in adulthood including their professional and personal relationships.

To learn more about Milton Creagh visit www.answers.com/topic/milton-creagh  If you have questions about his presentation contact Rebecca Huenink of Tosa United, 414-773-2966, hueninre@wauwatosa.k12.wi.us  

Thursday February 18, 2010
6:30 to 8 PM
Wauwatosa School District
Fischer Building – Board Room
12121 West North Avenue

The board room is accessed from the doors on the south end of the east parking lot, these are the doors closest to the field and playground.

Scheduled Speakers:

Rebecca Huenink
Tosa United Liason
Wauwatosa School District

Nora Cord MA, LPC
Child and Family Therapist
Children's Service Society of Wisconsin

Officer Donald M. Semega
Community Policing Officer
Wauwatosa Police Department

Topics
• Abuse prevention
• Abuse warning signs
• What to do if abuse is suspected
• Stranger danger parenting tips
• Block watch updates
• Cyber safety issues
• Local efforts underway to help protect our kids

This event is sponsored by the Wauwatosa School District, Wauwatosa Police Department, CAP Fund, Tosa United, Wauwatosa Neighborhood Associations Council and organized by community volunteer Sandy Krause (Skrause20@wi.rr.com)

Everyone is welcome whether from Wauwatosa or neighboring communities.
 

When you are unpacking those great electronic gifts you received for Christmas, do not leave the boxes at the curb. Doing so only advertises what kind of really cool new goodies are in your house. The “Bad guys” do drive around and “Shop”, making note of where the flat screens and laptops are based on the boxes at the curb. Then they will actually “Case” the homes where the boxes of the desired items were observed.

So please, break down all your boxes and take them yourselves to proper recycling facilities such as the cardboard dumpsters at the City dump located just east of the Police Station; the Police Station is 1700 N 116^th St and the dump is 11100 W Walnut St. The dumps hours of operation are Tue – Sat 7:30AM – 4:30PM except holidays. There is a $10 annual dump permit fee.

Operation ID is a program that can help the police return your property if it is stolen. This simple program has proven effective in the past and when followed can actually be a deterrent to crime. To make it even better The Wauwatosa Police Department provides all the materials needed at no charge. With just a simple phone call to the police department we will reserve a loaner engraver and some stickers for you to pick up.

When you get the engraver home make sure you engrave all your property with a unique but memorable number so it can be identified as yours. I strongly suggest using the last four digits of your Social Security Number followed by a dash, followed by the last two digits of your Driver’s License. Using these numbers will not compromise your identity but will keep the number easy to remember. Your number will appear similar to this “9014-07” and in the case of a theft or burglary we can enter the item description along with your unique number into a nationwide database. Then, should these items be found by any law enforcement agency throughout the country they can be returned to you. For smaller items develop a single mark that can be distinguished from just a simple scratch. The real deterrent part of the program is when you display the sticker(s) we provide you with, this will announce to the thieves and burglars that all your property is marked for easy identification.

If you would like to participate in this program contact the Wauwatosa Police Department’s Community Support Division at 414-471-8430 Ext. 5111 to reserve an engraver. Also, you are reminded that if you are currently part of the Operation ID Program please engrave all your new purchases, the engravers are available to you as many times as you may need them.

Upon arrival at the office this afternoon I was alerted by a co-worker of a survey she began taking because of an invitation to participate was received via an email. This survey, supposedly hosted by Wal-Mart, promised $150 gift card upon completion. As she worked her way through the survey she found that it was asking for her Social Security Number and credit card information.The very astute co-worker did not supply that information, terminated the survey and advised me as soon as she could.

I contacted Wal-Mart corporate offices today and spoke with their representative who stated it is not their survey because Wal-Mart would never ask for that kind of information. Wal-Mart is asking that no one participate in this survey and does invite you to call if you find any other suspicious circumstances.

Please remember that no legitimate business would solicit this kind of information during a survey or via an email; and the only time you would be asked for credit card information is if you are making an online purchase.

Here is the link should you receive a similar email http://signupstaff-on.com/walmart/survey.html

1.      Dubious Web Merchants. Each holiday season features an item so desirable that many store shelves are quickly emptied of it. To exploit scarcity, scammers set up websites offering this product, as do dishonest online auction sellers.

After raking in the money, the scammers shut down their "stores" and disappear. If you're "lucky," you are simply left with no gift item. If you're unlucky, you are further victimized by a phishing scam.

2.      Phishing Scam, run by someone who will use your credit card information to charge more products and services to your account and/or sell the information to identity thieves.

In most cases, however, phishing scammers launch websites that look nearly identical to those of larger, reputable merchants or financial institutions. Typically you're contacted by email with a tempting offer or dire warning, and then directed to click on a link, which takes you to a fake website. Once there, you're told to enter personal and financial information wanted by the thieves.

Remember, your financial institution will never ask you for any personal information online or over the telephone as they already have that information.

3.      Charity Scams. Scammers may pose as representatives of charitable organizations that are real (or merely sound real). At this time of year, their emotionally-charged appeals are more likely to sway normally savvy people and those with a giving nature.

Avoid "charities" whose representatives won't answer reasonable questions, such as how the money will be spent, those that will not send you printed information or cannot provide an address of a physical building instead of just a PO Box. Whether you're approached by email, telephone or in person, be very wary of high-pressure and those donate “NOW” pitches.

Never supply credit card, checking or savings account information via email or telephone. Don't write checks payable to an individual solicitor. If you've never heard of an organization, confirm for yourself that it's real.

4.      Gift Card Scams. Nearly every major retailer offers gift cards, many of which hang on racks at checkout counters. Today, most cards are protected by scratch-off security codes and protective packaging to prevent information theft.

If cards are not protected, however, scammers can write down the numbers while the cards are on display, and then call a toll free telephone number to learn when the cards have been activated and the balance available. After that, stealing is as simple as rushing to the merchant and or more likely, going to the merchant’s website to make purchases before the real cardholder can.

5.      Holiday E-Card Scams. You may receive an email from an unnamed relative, neighbor, or friend who has supposedly sent you an e-card that can be viewed by clicking on a link. Clicking on that link, however, may unleash anything from spyware and pop-up ads to viruses and Trojans. In some cases, nothing bad happens until you first download software from the e-card website; the software is supposedly needed to "run" your e-card.

It is highly recommended that you install antivirus and anti-spyware software and keep it up to date.

Special thanks to the folks at ScamBusters.Org

The busiest retail day of the year, the Friday after Thanksgiving is just three short weeks away; and as such its time for the annual shopping safety tips to be posted. Please take the time to review the tips listed below and should you think of some additional tips, add them in the comments section or give me an email.

Ø      Always park in a well lit area.

Ø      Remember where you parked.

Ø      Keep your car locked at all times.

Ø      Walk with authority, always making eye contact with others.

Ø      Have your keys in hand before leaving the building and returning to your vehicle.

Ø      Shop with friends and travel in the same vehicle, it is much safer than shopping alone.

Ø      Dress casually, comfortably and weather appropriate.

Ø      Leave the expensive or even expensive appearing jewelry at home.

Ø      Avoid carrying a purse if possible.

Ø      If you carry a purse, drape it only over your shoulder and not around your neck.

Ø      Take only the cash, credit cards and identification needed.

Ø      If carrying cash, credit cards and identification on your person, keep it in your front pocket.

Ø      Don’t flash large amounts of money around.

Ø      Always double check to make sure you have your credit cards back.

Ø      Never allow your credit card to leave your sight. If at a restaurant, pay with your credit card on the way out.

Ø      Always be alert to your surroundings.

Ø      Do not allow yourself to be overloaded with packages. Make several trips to your vehicle if needed.

Ø      Never leave packages or anything of value in view in your vehicle.

Ø      When returning to your vehicle, look around, inside and out of your vehicle before opening it up.

Ø      If using an ATM, use one in a busy area, have a friend with you.

And from the Better Business Bureau, here are some online shopping tips.

Ø      Shop only at Internet Merchants you know and trust. If in doubt visit www.bbb.org

Ø      Beware of emails offering cut-rate prices, if it sounds too good to be true, it most likely is.

Ø      Check the merchants refund policies before making a purchase.

Ø      Make sure the merchant is using a secure server.

Ø      Refrain from using a debit card or online check; this can expose your personal account to fraud.

Ø      Always print and save any confirmation or order forms.

Ø      Frequently check your accounts online, there is no need to wait for a paper statement.

Ø      Your creditors will never initiate emails or phone calls asking for personal or account information, they already have that on file.

Every year we are reminded about Trick or Treat safety, and yes, this year I am going to remind you yet again. Please take a few moments to review the list and discuss the appropriate items with your children before venturing out in search of sugary treats.

Ø      Only fire-retardant materials should be used for costumes.

Ø      Costumes should be loose fitting to allow for warmer clothes underneath.

Ø      Costumes should not be so long that they are a tripping hazard.

Ø      Masks can obstruct a child's vision, use facial make-up instead.

Ø      If masks are worn, they should have nose & mouth openings and large eye holes.

Ø      Bags or sacks carried by youngsters should be light-colored or reflective.

Ø      Do not enter homes or apartments without adult supervision.

Ø      Walk; do not run from house to house.

Ø      Do not cross yards.

Ø      Walk on sidewalks, not in the street.

Ø      If there are no sidewalks, walk on the left side of the road facing traffic.

Ø      Parents should have a flashlight with them.

Ø      All none costume wearers should consider wearing a reflective vest.

Ø      Walk on the left side of the road, facing traffic if there are no sidewalks.

Ø      Give your Trick or Treat bunch a meal or snack before going out.

Ø      Have at least one adult go with the children, more if the group is larger.

Ø      Trick or Treat in areas where there are a lot of people around.

Ø      Avoid taking short-cuts through alleys and parking lots.

Ø      Always check your child’s candy before allowing them to eat.

Ø      And of course, ensure that your Trick or Treat bunch is having fun!

Did I miss something? If so, contact me at dsemega@wauwatosa.net

Below is a list of existing block watches that do not have an active captain; because the neighborhoods listed have already established Block Watches most of the work has already been done. The new captain will simply be responsible for distributing the quarterly newsletter after the packet is delivered to your door. We also encourage, although not required, the new captain to host a refresher neighborhood watch meeting where a Wauwatosa Police Officer will come out and discuss information important to your neighborhood and the City.

If you can help or know of someone in your neighborhood who may be interested in delivering the Tosa Watch Newsletter four times a year, please call Laura at the Wauwatosa Police Department's Community Support Division at 471-8430, Ext 5111

One of the most personally devastating crimes can be a burglary because of the invasion into what we all feel is our safe haven. As such I am providing some simple tips that will help make your home more burglary resistant.

·    Leave exterior lighting on around your home during all hours of darkness.

o  I am more of a fan of low level lighting left on during all hours of darkness over flood lamps with a motion sensor. Using a compact fluorescent bulb in an outdoor fixture is not only energy efficient but it also provides great facial and color recognition without being a nuisance to your neighbors.

·    Lock all doors and windows when not at home or while sleeping using all the locks and other locking devices installed.

·    Open windows should be pinned so that they cannot be open more than 3”. Pinning is accomplished by drilling holes into both frames of a double hung window that you can place some sort of pin through both frames in the closed position as well as while open 3”

o   By pinning the windows at 3” you still receive ventilation while preventing the window from being opened any more thus preventing anyone from reaching in or entering without physically breaking the glass.

o   If installing new windows I strongly recommend purchasing windows that have pinning devices built right in.

·    Never keep purses, laptops, briefcases, wallets or other items of value on the tables or counters near the windows so that a bad guy can see them.

·    Basement windows that are not glass block should have horizontal security bars placed directly across the middle of the glass and mounted on both sides with the appropriate mounting hardware for the material the bar is being affixed to. You may want to consider having a few that are hinged on one end and locked or latched on the other if you need an escape route.

o   Please refer to fire codes if your basement is being used as living space because then you will be required to have an escape window or something similar.

·    Make sure all exterior doors are solid wood or metal and the hinges are on the inside of the building. If the hinges are on the outside replace them with security hinges that will prevent anyone from removing the hinge pins.

·    Replace inferior door locks on all structures with dead bolts that have at least a 1” throw.

·    All lock strike plates (the plate that a dead bolt or door knob bolt goes into, penetrating the door frame) affixed to door frames should be mounted with 3” screws.

o   By using longer screws that go deeper into the framing around the door, anyone using a foot or ramming device in an attempt to break the door in at the lock will have greater difficulty in entering in this manner and most cases will be completely unable to do so.

·    If you have glass within 40” of the door’s deadbolt consider a security screen mounted over the glass with screws as long as the door or interior wall is thick. Another fix is to have a glazer apply a residential grade security film to the glass. Both of these modifications will make it more difficult for someone to break the glass and reach inside to turn the deadbolt.

·   Ensure that all landscaping is trimmed to a height so that it does not provide a hiding place for would be thieves. Heavy tree limbs are trimmed back at least 6’ from the roof so that someone cannot gain access to your roof or second floor by climbing a tree.

o   Low level landscape lighting while not a substitute for standard exterior lighting is a great supplement to exterior lighting and can add to the curb appeal of your home.

·    When new big ticket or highly desirable items are purchased, do not leave the empty boxes at the curb for trash pickup; this only advertises your new “Goodies” to the bad guys. To prevent the advertising take the boxes yourself to the City waste yard.

·    Never leave your garage door or garden shed door open when you cannot continuously monitor it.

·    While not at home keep talk radio on and put interior lights on timers. This will provide the illusion that someone is in the residence and the lighting will make your arrival inside safer and more welcoming if it is dark when you get home.

·    If you have an active Block Watch, display your sign inside your residence.

·    If you do not have a Block Watch or yours has become inactive, contact the Police Department to start one up or get a refresher meeting going.

·    Suspicious activity MUST be reported to the Police Department immediately. Too often people try to rationalize the suspicious activity they are observing instead of calling it in and possibly preventing a crime or maybe allowing the Police to catch someone in the commission of a crime.

Disclaimer: The tips provided on this comment sheet are measures designed to make your residence more secure from unauthorized entry. While there is no guarantee that you will not be the victim of a crime regardless of the precautions taken, by adopting these recommendations you may reduce your risk. The recommendations suggested here and on the comment sheet have been made in good faith and there is no guarantee, implied or stated, that you will not become the victim of a crime or theft.