Special News Releases

News Releases

May 2012

Avoid DUI Extra Patrols During May

The Avoid the 6 - Glenn County DUI Task Force will be deploying DUI saturation patrols throughout the month of May. Additionally, CHP will be deploying saturation patrols onto freeways and in unincorporated county jurisdictions to stop, test and arrest impaired drivers who fail to use a designated driver.

“There is no excuse for getting behind the wheel after drinking,” said Orland Interim Chief of Police J.C. Tolle. “Everyone, including hosts, local bars and restaurants, must be sure to promote designated sober drivers in advance, before the festivities begin.”

Plan ahead with these tips:

Arrange rides home for your friends, family, co-workers and yourself before the drinking begins
Identify and provide free non-alcoholic drinks or other promotional items to the Designated Driver
Party hosts and servers must limit drinks to your guests or patrons. Don’t serve more than one or two over several hours.
Cut back on the amount of drinks you plan to bring to the party – and provide plenty of food.
It you see dangerous driving, Report Drunk Drivers – Call 9-1-1!

Here’s the schedule for saturated patrols in Glenn County during May.

May 5th - Cinco de Mayo starting at 6:00 pm until May 6th 8:00 am
Lamb Derby Weekend May 11 – 13, 2012 in the Willows area
Glenn County Fair Week May 17 – 20, 2012 in the Orland area
DUI Check Point May 25th, 2012 on Hwy 32 east of Co Rd M in Orland from 6:00 - midnight

Avoid the 6 DUI Task Force funding is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

April 2012

GRANDPARENT SCAM

Recently Orland Police Department has received reports of phone scams trying to get grandparents to wire money to their grandchildren who are in trouble traveling out of the United States. A growing number of scam artists who target senior citizens have stolen thousands of dollars from victims is known as the ‘grandparent scam.’

For example elderly people will receive a call from an imposter saying he is their grandson. The imposter may say he has been in a car accident while traveling in another country. After explaining his injuries, he may indicate that he needs money to get out of jail to return to the United States or needs the money for repairs on a rental car. The imposter will also beg him not to tell his “parents” because he is embarrassed since he got into trouble. The grandparents get worried about their grandson’s safety and health and follow the instructions and wire him thousands of dollars through Western Union. There are several variations of similar ‘grandparent scams.’ Remember to always confirm the emergency situation with a family member because money that is wired is almost never retrievable. The Internet and social network sites can reveal intimate details for scammers. Never give out personal or financial information over the phone.

Victims of imposter scams are urged to call local law enforcement and the Federal Trade Commission at (877) FTC-Help or visit the website ftc.gov. Protect yourself from scams and don’t become a victim.

March 2012

Scams

Simply put, a scam is a con artist's method of stealing your money, identity, goods or services. In a scam the thief doesn't us a gun. Rather, the thief uses cunning schemes to get you to voluntarily turn over your hard earned money. In today's world con artists will use e-mail as well as regular US Postal mail or telephones to conduct their illegal business. When you start working online and submit your e-mail address to some web sites, you will start receiving several scam e-mails. The well know 'Nigerian' scam will promise to give you a percentage of the money which can become millions of dollars. The scammer will keep in touch with you for a while to attract your trust and even send you some fake documents that proves the money is in your name and all you have to do is open an account, deposit the money in it, pay their share and keep the balance for yourself. You may say that you would never fall for such a scam, but thousands of people have fallen for it.

Signs of Possible Scams

High-pressure tactics aimed at forcing a quick decision.
Demands for "cash only" or special delivery/pick-up of your payment.
Companies and charities with "copycat" names (Salvation League instead of Salvation Army)
Delayed delivery of a product or a prize.
No risk, high-yield investments.
Lottery Scams claiming you won thousands of dollars but have to send them money to claim.

What You Can Do

Never give out your credit card, bank account or Social Security number.
Before you agree to support a charity that calls seeking money, ask for written information about its finances and programs.
Be aware, be cautions and be suspicious. If something sounds too good to be true. It is probably a scam!

February 2012

Cell phones are being released to telemarketing companies this month and you will start receiving sale calls on your cell phone. You will be charged for these calls so to prevent this you can register with the National DO NOT CALL list by calling 888-382-1222. It will only take a minute of your time to block your number. You must call from the cell phone you want to have blocked. You can also register up to three phones online which blocks your numbers for five (5) years. Visit the National Do Not Call website.

January 1, 2012 New Car Safety Seat Law

Children under age of 8 must be propely buckled into a car seat or booster in the back seat effectively January 1, 2012. Children age 8 or older may use the vehicle seat belt if it fits properly with the lap belt low on the hips, touching the upper thighs, and the shoulder belt crossing the center of the chest. If children are not tall enough for proper belt fit, they must ride in a booster or car seat. Everyone in the car must be properly buckled up. For each child under 16 who is not properly secured, parents (if in the car) or drivers can be fined more than $475 and get a point on thier driving records.For answers to your child safety seat questions, contact your local health department or visit Booster seat flier. KEEP YOUR CHILDREN SAFE. IT'S THE LAW!

December 16, 2011

Kick Off for Winter Holiday DUI Enforcement Throughout Glenn County

Thanks to the grant funding awarded by the California Office of Traffic Safety, Glenn County law enforcement agencies are able to put more officers on the streets to make it a safer place for all of us and our families. The 'AVOID the 6' DUI Campaign is named to send the message that if you don't drink and drive, you will avoid getting arrested by any of the 6 participating law enforcement agencies in Glenn County. The winter enforcement schedule will run from December 16th through January 1st, with a DUI checkpoint scheduled on December 29th in the Orland area .

December 2011 - Home Security - Protect Yourself

Holiday Tips

The holiday season is unique. Every burglar knows that every home will have brand new and often expensive gifts inside. This is the time of year when vigilance will be rewarded. Keep presents out of sight from windows. It may just be a quick trip to the store but LOCK your doors. Burglars can be in and out of your home in a matter of minutes. Put timers on lights if you are going out of town. It leaves the impression that somebody is home.

Most burglars do not plan their break ins. They are crimes of opportunity. They pick what appears to be a simple target. If they see a greater risk than they anticipated, they move onto a more desirable target. Therefore, the more effort you take to keep your home from being a simple target, the safer you will be. No home is completely burglar proof.

One final thing to remember is that burglars very often drive through neighborhoods shortly after the holidays. Specifically they are looking at the trash left at the curb in front of your home. If you received a computer, television, stereo or other large item do not put the empty box at the curb. That is an advertisement to a thief.

What steps can you take?

Trim shrubbery and trees around windows and doors. Plant thorny plants along fences and under windows. Keep lawn mowed and mail picked up, uncut lawn may indicate you have been away from your home for some time.
Visibility is your second line of defense. Make sure that your house number is of reflective material and visible from the street. Exterior lighting is critical and must be in good working order. Motion lighting is helpful at all doors and entry ways.
The front and rear doors to your home should be heavy hard wood or metal wrapped. Windows are one of the weakest links in your home. Make sure that all windows are closed and locked.
Good locks make a difference. Every front and rear door should have two locks one of which should be a dead bolt lock.
Join and become active in your local neighborhood watch programs.
Never leave a voice message on your answering machine telling people you will be out of town. When on vacation stop all mail delivery including newspapers. Ask a neighbor or friend to keep an eye on your home while you are away. Call your police department for a house watch while you are on vacation.

November 2011

The Orland Police Department utilizes the services of PropertyRoom.com to auction off all our abandoned, lawfully seized, or unclaimed property, remaining unclaimed for 90 days or more. Property Room makes our auctions and various other law enforcement departments available on an ongoing basis 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Items being auctioned include bikes, cars, rugs, electronics, jewelry, clothing, tools, musical instruments, sporting equipment and more. Click here to view unclaimed property through PropertyRoom.com

October 2011

Tips for a Safe Halloween

Wear a costume that makes it easier for you to walk, see and be seen.
Carry a flashlight with you, so you can see and be seen easily.
Use retro-reflective tape on your costume to be seen easily.
Use makeup instead of a mask.
Ask your parents, older brother or sister to Trick-or-Treat with you.
If someone older cannot go with you, Trick-or-Treat with a group.
Cross only at corners. Never cross between parked cars or mid-block.
If there are no sidewalks, always walk facing traffic.
Wait until you get home to sort, check and eat your treats.

August 19, 2011

Law enforcement isn't easing up, everyone found driving over the limit will be arrested. The AVOID the 5 Glenn County DUI Task Force will join nearly 10,00 other law enforcement agencies nationwide in support of an intensive crackdown on impaired drving August 19th - September 5th, known as "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over." Violators will face jail time, loss of their driver's license, and maybe sentenced to use ignition interlocks. Their insurance rates go up and other financial hits include attorney fees, court costs, lost time at work and the potential loss of your job. The AVOID Program is funded by the California Office of Traffic Safety who reminds everyone to please - Report Drunk Driving - by calling 9 -1 -1 !

AUGUST Fund Raiser - 35 Day Give Away

One Liberty Gun Safe, 15 - shotguns, 15 - rifles and 4 Hoyt Bows, that's 35 winners in all. Only 600 tickets were sold for $50 each. The drawing was held on August 13, 2011 at Sisson's Shooting Supply Store in Orland. Congratulations to all the lucky winners. Complete list attached for Gun Raffle

School Opens Soon

First day of school will be Wednesday, August 17th. The police department is urging everyone to be extremely cautious. There will be a marked increase in pedestrian and bicycle traffic as well as automotive traffic around the schools. Here are a few tips to help keep our children safe.

Take the time at home to go over safety rules with your children before school starts, remind your child to wear a bicycle helmet and obey all traffic laws. Above all, stress to your children to watch for cars and not to dart out between parked cars.
Watch for children on foot and on bicycles in areas of the schools and on the routes taken to get to the school.
The speed limit in any school zone is 25 miles per hour. When driving children to school allow a few extra minutes so children will not be late.

Heavy bus, car, bicycle and pedestrian traffic around the schools can be expected. Parents are urged to obey all traffic laws, including parking and curb markings. The traffic laws, parking ordinances and curb markings are there for the safety of our children. Leave a bit early when driving children to school and be observant. This will have to be a team effort but working together we can make this a safe school opening for all of our children.

August 2, 2011

Don't miss 'National Night Out" at Library Park from 6:00 PM until dark. Orland VIPS will be hosting this annual event to heighten crime and drug prevention, along with strengthening neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships. We want to send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back. Please bring the whole family and join in this fun free event.

June 2011

ALARM SYSTEMS NEW ORDINANCE

The City of Orland False Alarm Ordinance went into effect on Wednesday, June 1, 2011. The purpose of the burglary and robbery alarm procedures is to reduce the incidence of false alarms at business and residential structures within the city limits of Orland. The Orland Police Department is dedicated to providing more effective police protection by reducing the number of false alarm calls for service. With fewer false alarms, our officers are available to address real emergency situations in a more timely manner, thereby furthering the health, safety and welfare of the citizens’ of Orland. All property owners or a person who has an alarm system installed is required to complete an alarm permit application and file with the Orland Police Department. Please print a copy of the Alarm Permit Application and return to the Orland Police Department. For a complete copy of the Burglary and Robbery Alarm Procedure click here. Any questions regarding alarm systems and/or Municipal Code Chapter 8.38 should be directed to the Orland Police Department at 530-865-1616, week days between 8 am – 5 pm.

Summer Tips for Bike Riding

Use your head ALWAYS wear a helmet
Ride single file on the street with friends
Obey all traffic signs and rules of the road
Ride on the right-hand side of the street, so you travel in the same direction as cars do. NEVER ride against traffic.
Always signal before turning
Never ride your bike on the sidewalk
Use a light if you ride at night & make sure you have proper reflectors
Don't ride too close to parked cars. Doors can open suddenly.
Make sure your bike is in good operating condition.

The Orland Police Department issues free bike helmets. You can pick them up at the Police Department during business hours Monday - Friday between 8 am - 5 pm.

May 2011

Fraud Prevention - Identity Theft

What is Identity Theft?

Identity theft involves acquiring key pieces of someone's identifying information, such as name, address, date of birth, social security number and mother's maiden name, in order to impersonate them. This information enables the identity thief to commit numerous forms of fraud which include, but are not limited to, taking over the victim's financial accounts, opening new bank accounts, purchasing automobiles, applying for loans, credit cards, and social security benefits, or renting apartments and establishing services with utility and phone companies.

What to do if you become a victim.

Set up a folder and keep a detailed history of the crime.
Contact all creditors, by phone and in writing to inform them of the problem.
File a police report with local police or police where Identity Theft occurred.
Contact the Federal Trade Commission to report the problem at www.ftc.gov or 1-877-438-4338 The FTC helps victims by providing trained counselors to help resolve financial and other problems that could result from the identity theft.
Fill out an application for registration as a victim of identity theft and follow the directions for submission at : http://caag.state.ca.us/idtheft/forms/
Call each of the three credit bureaus' fraud units to report identity theft. Ask to have a 'Fraud Alert' placed in your credit file asking that creditors call you before opening new accounts. Obtain copy of your credit report and monitor regularly.

APRIL 2011

Cell Phones, Texting. It's Not Worth It. It's Just That Simple

There are plenty of facts, figures and details about distracted driving, but let’s get the plain and simple ones on the table first:

80 percent of vehicle crashes involve some sort of driver inattention.
Up to 6000 people nationwide are killed in crashes where driver distractions are involved.
Talking on a cell phone or texting is the number one source of driver distractions.
Texting takes your eyes off the road for an average of five seconds, far enough to travel the length of a football field at 55 mph. Most crashes happen with less than 3 seconds reaction time.
The act of talking on a cell phone, even hands free, can give you “inattention blindness,” where your brain isn’t seeing what’s right in front of you. You aren’t even aware that you are driving impaired. If you think you can handle both driving and talking on a cell phone or texting, you are kidding yourself and putting us all at risk.

Distracted driving is anything that takes your eyes or mind off the road or your hands off the steering wheel - especially texting and cell phone use, whether hands-free or handheld. Who’s doing it? Most of us. It has been estimated that, at any one time, over 10 percent of drivers are using a mobile device.

A ticket for $159 for texting or talking on a cell phone is a major distraction to your wallet.

What can you do? Most important, obey the law. It’s there for a reason. Also, do your best to eliminate distractions:

Never text and drive
Turn off your phone when you get behind the wheel
Don’t text or call someone when you know they are likely to be driving
Make a pact with your family, spouse, and caregivers never to use the phone with kids in the car.
No eating or drinking while driving
Don’t program your GPS, MP3 player or other devices while driving
Pull over and stop to read maps.
No grooming
No reading
No watching videos
Try not to get too involved with passengers
If something falls to the floor, pull over before trying to reach it.

Remember, it’s not where your hands are …
it’s where your head is!

February 2011

“Community Supported; Dedicated to Education, Prevention and Enforcement”

Thanks to the approval of the Orland City Council, the Orland Police Department is on its way to establishing a Police K9 Program.

Why a K9 Program?

Police K9’s are some of the hardest working, most efficient and cost effective Officers on the beat. A Police K9 performs 97% of its work with its nose and mere presence. However, a Police K9 is much more. With community support, the Orland Police Department K9 will be used as an effective education and prevention tool for our youth. We will use our K9 partner in classrooms of the Orland Unified School District to promote drug awareness, Firearm awareness and safety, as well as violence education and prevention. We will work hand and hand, or hand in paw, with the community to promote success and bight futures for our children.

Due to the extreme fiscal climate the Orland Police Department needs your help. Your support will help provided for the following:

Purchase of K9 and start up equipment costs
Initial K9 training and maintenance training
K9 Food and Shelter
Veterinary cost

We have distributed K9 donation boxes to the following local businesses in support of the program

Mid-Valley Veterinary*Uncle Chong’s*Discount Liquors*Supper Shopper Market*Orland Stop and Shop*Orland Smoke Shop*Ice Box*AM/PM*USA gas stations Hoff/South St*City Hall*Orland Saw and Mower*La Perla Tapatia* Orland Bowl*NAPA Auto Parts

We look forward to seeing you at some of our upcoming fundraisers:

Round Table Pizza February 19th 10:30 AM-1:30 PM*Orland Volunteer Fire Centennial Celebration March 19th 12:00-5:00 PM *Best of the West March 26th* Glenn County Fair May 18-22

*Donations are also accepted at the Orland Police Department*

817 4th St. Orland (5300 865-1616

The projected date for paws down is July, 2011

January 2011

V.I.P.S.

The VIPS program provides support and resources for the citizens of Orland who are interested in developing or enhancing a volunteer program. The Orland Police Department is grateful for citizens who wish to volunteer their time and skills with the Orland Police Department. The 15th Annual Citizen’s Police Academy will begin Saturday, February 12, 2011 at the Glenn County Fairgrounds, first training begins at noon until 5:00 PM. Classes will continue on Monday eveings for the following five weeks at the VIP's office on the fairgrounds from 6:30 until 9:30 PM, with graduation to be held Saturday, March 26, 2011. Learn more about your police department and how to improve your community. Contact Officer Sean Johnson at 865-1616 or email sjohnson@cityoforland.com if you are interesting in attending.

Shots Fire

On 05/27/2010 at 2041hrs, Orland Officers responded to multiple shots fired at Shasta Garden Apartments, 226 E Shasta St. While in route, a second caller, 57-y/o Ester Castro reported a bullet shattered her window in apartment #40. Witnesses reported seeing a dark colored Honda Accord leaving the area at a high rate of speed.

Officers collected evidence at the scene and canvassed the area for witness. The initial investigation reveals there was altercation between several subjects in the parking lot area when the shots were fired. Officers are still looking for several other subjects that may be involved.

Glenn County Sheriff Deputies responding to the area located a vehicle matching the description E/B on State Route 32. As the Deputy turned on the vehicle it sped away and then darted into a long driveway at 7032 State Route 32. Deputies took 25-y/o Orland resident Raul Montalvo into custody for a parole violation. Additional charges may be filed pending the results of further investigation.

Anyone with information please call the Orland Police Department at (530) 865-1616.

February 2010

Crime Alert For Strong-Arm Robberies in Orland

Over the last week the Orland Police Department has taken two reports of strong-arm robberies in the northern area of the City, west of the Orland High School. The first robbery happened on Tuesday, February 2nd in the afternoon in the 100 block of Fourth Street. The second robbery happened three days later on Friday night in the 500 block of Monterey Street (near the railroad tracks), about 2-3 blocks away from the first assault.

Both robberies are similar in that female victims were targeted, non-lethal force causing injury and/or unconsciousness was used and items of value were taken from the victims. A possible description of the attacker is male, late teens or older with medium complexion wearing dark clothing.

The Orland Police Department is actively investigating these crimes and is asking for any information that may help identify the suspect(s). Report any suspicious activity please call 865-1616. If you witness a crime in progress immediately call 911.

2009 Traffic Collision Reports available on-line

The Orland Police Department is dedicated to citizens' ability to obtain accurate and affordable traffic accident reports. To accomplish this we have made traffic accident reports available through the Internet. Through the use of cutting edge online document management technology, DOCView has been selected by the Orland Police Department to place traffic accident reports on-line enabling citizens and insurance companies to access collision reports in a more efficient manner. No more mailing report request forms in or stopping by the station to purchase a traffic collision report. You can access your reports over the Internet, 24 hours a day!

This new on-line method will provide an alternative and more expedient method for obtaining the information you need from your traffic collision.

Reports are available from home, 24 hours a day through the Internet.
Reports are converted to PDF format making them easy to view, save, and print.
Reports cannot be modified, maintaining report integrity.
The web site is highly secure.

Here are the steps to follow:

Click on the web site:DOCVIEW
Enter date of accident and report number
Then you can purchase the report for $15.00

DOCView charges a nominal convenience fee for this service which is added to the cost of the report. Citizens' who do not wish to pay the convenience fee can still come to the police station and pay the normal $10 report fee if they wish. Should you have any further questions, please do not hesitate calling the Orland Police Department at 530-865-1616. To learn more about DOCView visit: www.docview.us.com

City of Orland