Home Security Tips
Door- Door Sales:  How to Stay Safe
How to Protect Yourself from Identity Theft
Password Safety
Vacation Tips: Home Safety While You are Away
Preventing Car Break-ins and Theft

The Lane County Sheriff's Office Speed Trailer is a mobile, solar powered speed reader that lets passing motorists know how fast they are travelling.  The Speed Trailer has been very effective at reducing dangerous driving behavior. 

To request the speed trailer for a specific location, please email Sgt. Ryan Wells.

A great and easy way to increase the chances of being reunited with your stolen property is to record the serial numbers and identifying features of valuables and other items in your home.  A form has been created and is available below for your convenience, but the serial numbers and identifying information can be recorded on a regular piece of paper if that's what works best for you!  What matters is that you have the information to provide to law enforcement in the unfortunate event that you are the victim of theft or burglary.  Serial numbers and other identifying features of property greatly assist law enforcement agencies in returning your property to you, but it only helps if you have the information before your items are taken.

Take a moment to record your serial numbers of items such as computers, cameras, televisions, and other items that have an increased chance of being stolen.  If an item does not have a serial number, you can take photos of the items and any identifying features that would be helpful to law enforcement.  Make a copy of the Serial Number Record and put it in a safe place.  Many people store the information electronically and email it to themselves so it's accessible even if your computer or tablet is stolen.

You do not need to turn the form into law enforcement, but it will assist you in providing information should you need to make a report of stolen property.

Thank you for taking this important step in helping us return your property to you!

Serial Record Form

BEWARE of COVID-19 Scams!

Scammers are taking advantage of COVID-19 to steal your money and personal information. The Department of Justice (DOJ) has release information on how to recognize these scams so you don't become a victim.  

DOJ Flyer on Recognizing COVID-19 Scams

Learning how to identify a scam is the best way to decrease the chances of becoming a scam victim.  Below are a few signs that the call, visit, email, or other contact might be a scam:

1.  Scammers often pose as governmental agencies and claim that you have done something wrong, such a missing jury duty or failing to pay a parking ticket, and that "wrong" can be cleared up by paying fines or fees.  Often scammers claim to be the IRS or a local law enforcement agency.

2.  Scammers will often ask you to stay on the phone to prevent you from calling a friend or family about the call.  

3.  Scammers may ask you to wire money or purchase pre-paid debit cards or gift cards.  These forms of payment are difficult to track and are preferred by scammers.  They may lead you to believe that you will be bringing the cards to the IRS or a law enforcement agency, but eventually they will ask you for the numbers on the card, allowing them to access the funds.  Scammers often provide you a choice of three places to buy the pre-paid cards and have you stay on the phone while you go to the store.  This is a sign of a scam!  HANG UP!

4.  Scammers use fear tactics, such as threatening arrest or jail if you don't pay the "fines" or "fees".  

What should you do?

STOP and think before acting.  Scammers take advantage of catching you off guard.  Take a minute to regroup and ask yourself if any of the signs of a scam are present.  

If you suspect a scam, feel free to hang up.
Call the agency back at their publicly listed number, NOT the number they provide you.  Scammers have been known to set up voicemails claiming to be government agencies to get you to trust them.  Don't fall for it!   

Scammers can "spoof" caller ID to say anything they want, including the number of the agency they are claiming to be from.  Don't trust caller ID.

The Department of Justice has a Scam Alert Network that provides up to the minute information on scams, fraud, and other threats to consumers.  

Scam Alert Network

Six Signs of a Scam

 

 

Help protect our elders, especially those who may be more vulnerable to abuse.  Report suspected abuse to your local law enforcement agency or the Department of Human Services (DHS).

Resources

DHS reporting hotline:  1-855-503-SAFE (7233)
Department of Justice Flyer on Signs of Elder Abuse