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Crime Watch Newsletter  -  March 2023

RPD’s Newest Members!

Richfield’s new K9s arrived on January 23, 2023. Both are in the care of their respective handlers and getting to know one another. The K9’s and handlers will be attending training/certification school starting March 13. Training consists of obedience, tracking, apprehension, and drug detection. The K9s teams are expected to be fully trained and on patrol in June.

Orion is a German Shepherd and Belgian Malinois crossbreed from Slovakia. He celebrated his first birthday in February. Orion is a bundle of energy and fun! He is smart as a whip and eager to learn. Orion’s favorite things so far include long walks in the woods, fetch, and food!

Riggs is a German Shepherd from Slovakia. He turned one year old in January. Riggs is a very social and easygoing dog. He is doing great with his basic training and is a quick learner. His favorite game is tug of war and fetch!

Attention ALL Crime Watch Members!

We’ve asked Block Captains to create an email distribution list so that they may share crime prevention alerts, tips and event information with their Crime Watch group. Many blocks have been doing this for years. The goal is to create a sense of community in your neighborhood. Some neighborhoods have lists that contain additional information including notes about pets or kids available for mowing lawns, shoveling snow, or walking dogs, etc. It can be whatever works best for your block. Please make sure your Block Captain has an email address for you. It will make their role easier when planning the Night to Unite block party and sharing safety information. Thank you!

1. Call 911 IMMEDIATELY to report suspicious activity.
2. Do not leave ANY valuables in your vehicle.
3. Install good locks on doors and windows and USE THEM. Don’t hide keys outside. Leave a set of keys with a trusted neighbor or friend.
4. Install a DIY video doorbell, security camera(s), or alarm system.
5. Trim bushes and trees that can provide a hiding place for criminals. 
6. Install porch, yard and motion-detector lights.
7. Burglars look for homes that appear to be empty; leave a car parked in the driveway; turn on radios or televisions, and ask neighbors to provide surveillance. Most burglaries occur during the day.
8. Have neighbors or family pick up mail or deliveries when you’re away.

Richfield’s Most Common Code Violations

Junked or Inoperable Vehicles All vehicles on any property should be currently licensed, and must be in operating condition. When a vehicle has a flat tire, missing doors, expired plates etc., it is considered to be inoperable. Inoperable vehicles may not be stored on any property for longer than 96 hours. Parking in Yards No person may park or place any motor vehicle in the yard area of any lot within the city, except in established driveway areas. An established drive is one which consists of concrete, asphalt, or paving blocks. Garbage and Refuse Disposal The tenant, owner, or occupant of a private dwelling, house, multiple residence, store, restaurant, and other types of property in the city which accumulate garbage and/or refuse must dispose of garbage/refuse at least once each week and as often as once each business day to protect the public health. No person may accumulate debris or refuse on any property in the city which might constitute a nuisance by reason of appearance, odor, sanitation, littering of the property on which the refuse is accumulated, or an adjacent property, or a fire hazard. Grass And Weeds Any grass or weeds over the height of six inches is prohibited and must be cut. Property Maintenance complaints will usually be inspected within five (5) business days of receiving the complaint. If a violation is found, a notice of violation will be issued, and five days will be allowed to correct the violation. City ordinances require us to follow a set procedure of inspection, violation notice, time for correction and re-inspection. For more information about common code violations, please visit www.RichfieldMN.gov/citycodes.  If you suspect a code violation, you may call 612.861.9880 or fill out an online form using the link below.

Richfield Police & Fire Safety Day - June 13

This is a special day for children entering fourth grade in fall 2023. While being mentored by police officers and fire fighters, participants will learn fire, bike, electrical and personal safety; basic first aid, and bullying prevention. Safety Day takes place at the Richfield STEM School, 7020 12th Ave S, from 7:45 am until 5:15 pm.  A graduation and pizza party for the children and their parents will take place immediately following Safety Day in the STEM School lunchroom. The $35 registration fee includes lunch, snacks, T-shirt, prizes, and a pizza dinner for the participant and one parent (additional dinner tickets may be purchased for $4/each). Registration opens March 25.