Beware of Money Wire Scams

The Amherst Police Department has been receiving some complaints from individuals who have been tricked into wiring money or providing credit card information over the telephone/ internet.  The targets for these scams seem to primarily be elderly individuals.

In one version of this scam, a person calls and pretends to be your grandchild.  He or she requests money for bail after a supposed arrest or fine in another country.  The amount of the bail/fine fee is often said to be in the thousands of dollars.  The person requests that the money be sent immediately via MoneyGram or Western Union.  The individual also tries to get you to keep the arrest a secret to "avoid embarrassment."  In some cases, a second scammer may come on the phone and pretend to be a law enforcement officer and advise you how to wire the money.

In order to protect yourself against scammers who call on the telephone and solicit money/information, take a moment and do not panic.

Think about the person’s voice and ask yourself if it sounds like the person who they are claiming to be.  Be sure to ask some personal questions that the person you know would definitely be able to answer.  Many times a series of questions will confuse the scammer as he/she will not be able to provide the proper answers.  These types of questions usually include questions about the family or the person’s life.  Examples include: How did your mother and father meet? What are your cousin’s names?  What hospital were you born in? What did I do for a living prior to retirement?  Where did we go on vacation last year? What photographs do I have of you in my house and when were they taken?

Before you send any money, you should verify the identity and location of the grandchild claiming to be in trouble. Call a family member who can confirm the person’s whereabouts. In some cases, the person being scammed simply called the person in question and was able to confirm that they were still in the country and did not need any assistance.

In all cases, remember to stay calm. Scammers often try to create a sense of urgency as one of their tactics.

To learn more information on how to better protect yourself and of other types of scams, please visit the Federal Trade Commission webpage.  You can also file a complaint through the FTC online or by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357).  Also, the BetterBusiness Bureau can be a good resource to check telemarketers who claim to have a good BBB rating when they call you.

When money is wired to a foreign country there is little chance that the money will ever be retrieved – so please be safe and be aware.

Click It or Ticket to Boost Seat Belt Use – Day and Night

Amherst Police Department High-Visibility Enforcement Campaign Begins May 20, 2013

 

As Massachusetts drivers and passengers take to the roads this Memorial Day holiday, Amherst police are urging everyone to buckle up or be ready to face the consequences.   The Amherst Police Department, in partnership with the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security’s (EOPSS) Highway Safety Division (HSD), the State Police and many other local law enforcement organizations from across the state will be participating in the 2013 national Click It or Ticket seat belt enforcement mobilization from May 20, 2013 to June 2, 2013 designed to increase seat belt use and decrease motor vehicle fatalities.  “Too many people still have the belief that a crash will never happen to them,” said Amherst Police Chief Scott P. Livingstone, “Unfortunately these tragedies can and do happen every day.” 

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over half of the 21,253 passenger vehicle occupants killed in 2011 were not belted at the time of the crash. Those deaths were more prevalent at night than during the daytime. 

 Tragically, these national statistics are mirrored locally.  According to the NHTSA, 54 percent of people killed in passenger motor vehicle crashes in Massachusetts during 2011 were not wearing seat belts at the time of the crash. “Seat belts save thousands of lives every year, but far too many motorists are still not buckling up,” said Chief Livingstone. “We want everyone to have a safe summer, but it requires an important step on the part of motorists – clicking that seat belt – every trip, every time.”

 NHTSA estimates 11,949 lives nationwide were saved by using seatbelts.  This year’s Click It or Ticket enforcement mobilization runs from May 20, 2013 through June 2, 2013 but officers are out enforcing seat belt laws year-round. So remember, if you are pulled over for disobeying traffic laws, law enforcement will be checking to make sure drivers and passengers are wearing their seat belts. No more excuses, no more exceptions. Click It or Ticket.

 For more information on the Click It or Ticket mobilization, please visit www.mass.gov/highwaysafety or contact Sergeant Todd Lang at 413-259-3000 or via email.

Amherst Receives Accreditation

Chief of Police Scott P. Livingstone is please to announce that on May 2, 2013, the Amherst Police Department was awarded state accreditation from the Massachusetts Police Accreditation Commission.  On February 26, 27 and 28, 2013, the Police Department was subject to an extensive peer review by the Commission’s assessment team.  While here and as part of the verification process, assessors examined the department’s policies, procedures, operations, staffing, equipment and facility maintenance to demonstrate adherence to the Accreditation Commission’s strict, best practice standards.  The Amherst Police Department successfully passed all 252 mandatory standards and exceeded the required optional standards by 20%.

In order to maintain state accreditation, which recognizes law enforcement professional excellence, the assessment team must verify, every three years, that the Amherst Police Department meets the Commission’s standards.  In 2001, the Amherst Police Department became the second police department in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to be awarded accreditation status, and was successfully reaccredited in 2004, 2007 and 2011.
Being recognized as an accredited agency requires commitment and continued professionalism from all members of the Amherst Police Department and further confirms a dedication on their part to provide the highest degree of police service to this community.  Questions regarding the accreditation process can be forwarded to Lieutenant William Menard at 413-259-3167 or via email at menardw@amherstma.gov.
(photo, l to rt, Sgt. Gabe Ting, Chief Scott Livingstone, Lt. Bill Menard and Capt. Chris Pronovost)

 

 

Fastest "First Responder" Challenge, May 19

Being a first responder is a physically demanding job.  It requires you to move quickly in high stress situations.  Time is always of the essence.

Since the formation of first responders, the question has always been asked, “Who is truly the ‘First’ First Responder?”  Is it police, fire, or EMS?  Who arrives on scene first, places themselves in harm’s way, and gets the job done?   Well, here is your chance to prove yourselves once and for all….

On May 19, 2013, the Amherst Police Department is hosting the 20^th Annual Rafters College Towne Classik Road Race, 5K or 5 Mile.  This year will offer a “Public Safety” team challenge.  This is a challenge for all public safety, police, fire, and EMS personnel.   As you know, being a first responder requires you to depend on your back-up and is not a one person job.  Each team must be comprised of at least three (3) runners and the winner will be determined by the average team time.  Teams must all be from one specific agency, no mixing….

The fastest public safety team will receive a trophy and bragging rights as being the “First” First Responders.    To register ONLINE GO TO:     www.accu-specracing.com.  For a downloadable application or other race questions, go to www.tinyurl.com/collegtowneclassik.  Team Questions? Email Amherst Police Patrol Officer Matt Frydryk .

 

20th Annual Road Race REGISTER NOW

RAFTERS COLLEGE TOWNE CLASSIK 5K AND 5 MILE
SUNDAY MAY 19, 2013, 10:30 AM
Rafters Sports Bar & Restaurant, University Dr., Amherst
5 Mile Run or 5 K (3.1 mile) Run or Walk
20^th YEAR!!!  Help us support our charitable causes, the Jimmy Fund, the Amherst Police Relief Association and ONEFUND BOSTON at this family friendly event.  This 5 mile and 5K has a safe and fast course through downtown Amherst.
 ****20^th Anniversary Commemorative Tee to 1st 300 Entrants, Age Group Awards, Public Safety Team Award, Water Stops, Mile Markers, Professionally Timed****
Post Race Barbecue: Burgers, Veggie Burgers, Dogs, Fruit, Yogurt, Juice, Bagels, Cookies

REGISTER ONLINE AT: www.accu-specracing.com
ENTRY FEE: $25 or $30 RACE DAY.

For more race information, go to our race page at:  http://www.amherstma.gov/index.aspx?NID=1804

 

 

 

Arrest made for pharmacy robberies

On April 24, 2013 at approximately 4:33PM, several officers responded to the Amherst Pharmacy located at 381 College Street for the report of a robbery. The investigation revealed that a man wearing a ski mask entered the Pharmacy and demanded narcotics and then fled on foot. No one was injured during this robbery, and no weapon was displayed.  The method of robbery and the physical description of the suspect were similar to the robbery that occurred at the CVS Pharmacy that occurred on April 22, 2013.  Investigators were able to develop a suspect in both of the robberies. He was located at 58 Northeast Street, Amherst at approximately 5:45PM and placed under arrest.

Ryan Edward Rasys, Age 23 (photo attached)58 Northeast Street #3Amherst, MA 01002

Charges:          Unarmed Robbery (two counts)

 

Rasys was held at the Hampshire County House of Corrections in lieu of $10,000 cash bail. He is expected to arraigned this morning at the Eastern Hampshire District Court.

This matter remains under investigation. Anyone who may have witnessed either event is encouraged to contact the Amherst Police Department at 413-259-3000.

 

Extravaganja Arrests

On Saturday, April 20, 2013, the University of Massachusetts sponsored the Extravaganja event on the Amherst town common. The UMASS Cannabis Reform Coalition coordinated the event that included speakers, bands, and vendors. The event was attended by approximately 6,000 people, and ran from 12:00PM to 6:30PM. Traffic and parking in the downtown business district was particularly congested and challenging during the event.

The Amherst Police Department responded to this event for calls that included medical assistance, unruly attendees, parking and traffic complaints, and narcotics violations. A total of 12 people were issued citations for Possession of Marijuana < Ounce during this event.

An Amherst Police Officer was assaulted when he responded to the report of an unruly person. The officer received minor injuries and has remained on duty. Arrested was:

Dylan D. Dresser, Age 24

93 High Street, #4

Greenfield, MA

Charges:          Malicious Destruction of Property < $250      (Police Bicycle)

                        Disorderly Conduct

                        Resisting Arrest

                        Assault & Battery on a Police Officer

 

Also arrested at this event:

Rafael Perez, Age 24

72 Essex Street #8

Holyoke, MA

Charges:          Arrest Warrant                       (Holyoke District Court, Receiving Stolen Motor

                                                                        Vehicle)

                        Possession with Intent to Distribute Class D (marijuana)

 

Both men were arraigned at the Eastern Hampshire District Court.

APD Mustache March

 

 

The St. Baldrick's Foundation is a volunteer-driven charity, committed to funding the most promising research to find cures for childhood cancers and give survivors long and healthy lives.

Traditionally, participants in the charity have their heads shaved to help raise awareness for the foundation. However, many Amherst Police Officers also choose to grow and shave a mustache for the event as well. 

This year's event was a success and over $70,000 was donated to childhood cancer research!

For more information please visit the St. Baldrick's website.

  

Report Animal Complaints Online

The Amherst Police Department now has the capability to accept and investigate animal complaints that are submitted through the online incident reporting system. These reports are for non-emergency community concerns regarding pets, farm animals, or wild animals. All complaints are forwarded to and investigated by the Animal Welfare Officer, Carol Hepburn.

 As always, in the event of an emergency, please call 911 for immediate assistance. If it is a non-emergency, the following incidents may be reported online:

· Nuisance dogs, such as barking dogs running onto neighbor’s property and defecating or threatening other dogs or people.

· Neglected animals, such as a chained, poor living conditions or general well being of the animal.

· Conservation area violations such as dogs unleashed when not allowed or dogs threatening other dogs or people.

· Unwanted wildlife in a residential setting, in a non-threatening situation.

To report an incident online, please visit the Amherst Police Department webpage.

Amherst and UMASS Police Youth Adventure Academy 2013

The Amherst and University of Massachusetts Police Departments are pleased to announce the dates of the Amherst and UMASS Police Youth Adventure Academy. 

The 2013, Amherst and UMASS Police Youth Adventure Academy is a ONE week program, being held Monday, July 15, 2013 to Friday, July 19, 2013 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  Youths entering 6^th, 7^th, or 8^th grades are eligible to attend.  

The cost is FREE and academy size is limited to 20 youths, so preference will be given to Amherst residents and UMASS affiliated families (ex. parent/guardian works or is a student at UMASS). 

Similar to a Citizens Police Academy, students will attend morning classroom sessions held at both the Amherst and UMASS Police Departments.  The classroom sessions will feature lectures, role-plays, and interactive demonstrations by police officers, from both agencies, focusing in the areas of law, crime scene investigation, defensive tactics and patrol procedures.  Most afternoon sessions will be held at the Amherst Adventure Based Ropes Course at the Notch Visitors Center where we will promote teamwork, communication, and strategy development. 

Additional information concerning the Amherst and UMASS Police Youth Adventure Academy is available on the Amherst Police Department website.  Applications may be obtained at the Amherst Police Department lobby, UMASS Police Department lobby or downloaded off the Amherst Police Department website.  The application deadline is June 28, 2013, so please don’t delay!  Questions regarding the Youth Adventure Academy can be forwarded to either Amherst Police Officer William Laramee at 413-259-3000  or University of Massachusetts Police Officer Brian Kellogg at 413-545-9461. 

The Amherst Police Department Receives $10,000 Underage Alcohol Enforcement Award

The Amherst Police Department has been awarded $10,000 in grant funding as part of the 2013 Underage Alcohol Enforcement Grant Program from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS).  This program provides overtime funds for enforcement of underage alcohol laws through activities such as compliance checks at liquor serving establishments, party patrols, and surveillance patrols. 

The Amherst Police Department intends to use this funding to assign extra patrols through the spring to enforce the open container of alcohol bylaw and underage drinking laws. 

 During Fiscal Year 2012, Amherst Police Officers charged 527 persons with alcohol related offenses, which included 314 persons with being minors in possession of alcohol and 11 with possession of false identification.   The Amherst Police Department has found that strict enforcement of liquor law violations has assisted in improving the quality of living for those who reside in the center business district and in areas which are densely populated with college students.  For additional information on these increased enforcement efforts, please contact Sergeant Todd Lang via email or at (413) 259-3000. 

 For additional information on impaired driving or this grant program, go to EOPSS.

20th Annual College Towne Classik Road Race

RAFTERS COLLEGE TOWNE CLASSIK 5K AND 5 MILE
SUNDAY MAY 19, 2013, 10:30 AM
Rafters Sports Bar & Restaurant, University Dr., Amherst, MA
5 Mile Run or 5 K (3.1 mile) Run or Walk
20th YEAR!!!  Help us support our charitable causes, the Jimmy Fund and the Amherst Police Relief Association at this family friendly event.  This 5 mile and 5K has a safe and fast course through downtown Amherst.
 ****20th Anniversary Commemorative Tee to 1st 300 Entrants, Age Group Awards, Public Safety Team Award, Water Stops, Mile Markers, Professionally Timed****
Post Race Barbecue: Burgers, Veggie Burgers, Dogs, Fruit, Yogurt, Juice, Bagels, Cookies

 

Download an application or register online here.