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November 2024
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When November arrives, we can’t help but feel that rush toward the holiday season! As we get busy planning, shopping, prepping and gathering, it’s important to double-down on safety.
Shopping Center Theft Prevention
-Don’t leave shopping bags—or anything of value—inside your vehicle. Always place packages in the trunk.
-When shopping at night, park in a well-lit area.
-Be alert when returning to your car: Have your key ready. Don’t be on your phone. Scan the parking lot for anyone lurking or looking suspicious.
-Beware of helpful strangers. Someone pointing out a flat tire may be trying to distract you. Contact police or mall security, if needed.
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Porch Piracy Prevention
-Sign up for email alerts from the shipper, so you know when packages arrive. Contact a neighbor to retrieve packages if you can’t.
-Have packages delivered to your work address, a self-service locker or a store near your home. Most large shippers and Amazon don’t charge for locker service or in-store pickup.
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Online Shopping Security
-Shop with reputable retailers, businesses you’ve used before or check the Better Business Bureau.
-Look for the lock icon in the browser bar before entering financial info. The shopping site should start with “https” rather than “http” if it’s secure.
-Report thefts to police: visit the Fort Worth Police Department webpage or call our non-emergency phone number 817-392-4222. Reporting every incident helps us know where thieves are operating.
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Speaking of the holidays...
Our Christmas Toy Drive is underway, and we couldn't do it without YOU! If you find it in your heart to donate an unwrapped new toy, gift card or cash, we'll make sure everything goes to someone in need. Officers often encounter families who are struggling but may not qualify for aid. Officers will share your donations directly with neighbors who need help.
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Sgt. Sandra Baldivia and Neighborhood Patrol Officer Dustin Lamb received awards for excellence at October’s 72nd Annual Fort Worth Police Foundation Awards Dinner.
Sgt. Baldivia won the 2024 Emma Richardson Award, given to a female officer who exhibits leadership qualities, excels in their job assignments throughout their career and strives for professionalism on a daily basis.
NPO Lamb won two awards. The 2024 Hank Nava Officer of the Year Award recognizes Lamb’s dedication and passion for law enforcement, mentoring of others and involvement in the community. He was selected by Hank Nava’s widow and children. Lamb also received the 2024 Patrol Bureau Officer of the Year. Nominators cited his high energy, passion and proactive approach to his duties.
The Hank Nava and Emma Richardson awards are given by the Fort Worth Police Officers Association, while Patrol Officer of the Year is given by the Police Department.
NPOs Oscar Moncada, Ralph Salazar and Robert Herrera celebrated with award winners NPO Dustin Lamb, center, and Sgt. Sandra Baldivia, right.
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Crime Watch groups help reduce criminal activity in neighborhoods, apartment complexes, faith-based groups and businesses. If you'd like more information on starting a new group or joining an existing crime watch, contact your Neighborhood Patrol Officer (NPO) or email Crime Prevention Specialist Dot Kent at dot.kent@fortworthtexas.gov
Church Walkthrough
Members of St. Benedict Catholic Church, 2920 Azle Ave., reached out to Northwest Division for a security check-up. NPOs Lamb, Skelton and Zenteno met members of the volunteer security team for a walk-through of church grounds.
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NW 25th Street Business Crime Watch
At JB Junior Taqueria, nearby business owners heard from a robbery detective about how to protect employees and property. All NW 25th Street businesses are welcome to attend the next meeting: noon Monday, Nov. 11 at Pollos La Pullita, 1600 NW 25th St., to learn about the criminal investigation process.
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North Main Business Crime Watch
Meeting at Artes de la Rosa, members of the North Main Street Business Crime Watch heard from the police department's HOPE Team, which interacts with and offers resources to homeless persons in Fort Worth.
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The financial industry has seen a surge in “smishing” attacks. What are they? You get a text that looks like it's from your bank, asking you to confirm a transaction on your account. You respond “No,” only to receive a phone call from the “Fraud Department” moments later. But it isn’t your bank at all — it’s a scammer trying to steal your info and money. Here's how to spot the fraudsters.
Urgent Demands: They'll push you to act fast, claiming your money is at risk. Think twice before doing what they say. Instead, hang up and call your bank directly.
Unusual Requests: Real banks will never ask for your password, one-time passcode or debit card PIN. Scammers need these to gain access to your money.
Fishy Links: Look for spelling errors, extra characters or URLs that don’t make sense for the website you’re supposed to be accessing.
If a message feels suspicious, it probably is. Don't click or respond—just delete. Keep your apps, software and devices current: updates often contain security fixes that combat known cyber threats.
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Beginning Jan. 1, 2025, all city parks will be open to the public 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. The Fort Worth Police Department supports the new systemwide closing time of 10 p.m. Park staff had received complaints from residents and neighborhood groups about the 11:30 p.m. closing time at some parks. The change will not affect permitted rentals and special events.
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Cops & Bobbers
Northwest Division Police took Kiki’s Club on a fishing trip to Greenbriar Lake in October. Kiki, second from left above, is the club’s namesake. NPOs Massey and Herrera made sure Kiki and his friends had the right gear. Somebody caught a crawfish! At right, staffer Ali Lopez helped keep folks safe. At left, Sgt. Bohlin gave a few pointers. Kiki’s Club is a program at North Tri-Ethnic and Northside Community Centers that provides activities for special needs adults ages 18 and up. For most Kiki’s Club members, it was their first time fishing!
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Halloween Fun
 Northside Jam
Our kid-sized blue sunglasses were popular at October's Northside Jam. The kids looked cool as hundreds of Northside neighbors enjoyed the free music, food, car show and games at Marine Park.
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Lake Worth Lowe's Safety Fair
NPO Martinez let kids get a look inside his police car at the Lake Worth Lowe's annual safety fair. Lowe's provided hotdogs and woodworking kits for children. Thanks to Tarrant County 911, Lake Worth and Fort Worth Fire Departments and Citizens on Patrol for providing free safety information.
Coffee with a Cop
We thank Starbucks Manager Ana Hernandez, Assistant Manager Graham Hampton and their team at Starbucks Stockyards, 108 NW 28th St., for hosting Coffee with a Cop. Residents who attended asked great questions and shared their concerns.
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Mentoring to Youth
Northwest Division NPO Sgt. Sandra Baldivia and NPO Magdalena Skelton participated in a mentoring field trip for Diamond Hill High School girls. Sponsored by the Hispanic Women’s Network of Texas, the program treated girls to a day of inspirational success stories and lunch at the Fort Worth Club.
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National Night Out
The Fort Worth Fire Department joined us for Providence Marine Creek Apartments' National Night Out celebration. The block party featured free food and prizes for apartment residents. Check out our National Night Out Special Edition newsletter to see other NNO celebrations!
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After-School Program Sprouts Young Gardeners
Children invited NPO Massey to plant a seed in their garden. Parents who visited the garden during the WJ Turner Elementary Fall Carnival could take home free plants and seeds. Students in the after-school program learn to prepare garden beds, plant and harvest seeds. They decorated recycled envelopes to identify what plant the seeds will become. Kudos to after-school garden program coordinator Cindy Meza!
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Dolores Huerta Elementary Fall Festival
NPOs Massey and Skelton handed out stickers and wristbands to children, while sharing information with parents about using the MyFW app to report neighborhood safety issues, such as missing signs and burned out street lights.
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Kirkpatrick Elementary Fall Festival
Officer Lamb handed out police badge stickers to the kids and posed for pictures with families who attended the Kirkpatrick Elementary Fall Festival.
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Hatley Elementary Career Day
At Hatley Elementary, students learned that police vehicles come in all shapes and sizes, from trucks and cars to motorcycles. Career days are an opportunity to make positive connections with kids.
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Parkview Elementary Career Day
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Children lined up to see inside NPO Herrera's police car and try on NPO Lamb's heavy protective vest. Several students said they want to be an officer one day! |
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Supporting 9-11 First Responders
Lt. Cespedes and Officer Torres grabbed their medals as they crossed the finish line of the Tunnels to Tower Foundation 5K Run and Walk in Fort Worth. Officer Wolf, Mayor Parker, NPO Salazar, D7 Councilmember Hill and Commander Molina also participated, along with hundreds of Fort Worth residents. The annual event honors 9-11 heroes and raises funds for the care of survivors and their families.
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Political Event Security
Northwest Division officers provided security for a political rally put on by Texas Senator Ted Cruz at River Ranch in the Fort Worth Stockyards.
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If you don’t know your NPO’s name, visit OneAddress. Type in your street address, click search, then click the "+" sign in front of the word “Neighborhoods.” Your NPO’s name and number are listed.
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This newsletter is published by Northwest Police Division Crime Prevention Office. |
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