A recent report to Fort Worth City Council showed auto thefts were up slightly last year. In a five-month period from May through September 2024, there were 2837 reported vehicle thefts, compared to 2725 the year before. That’s about a 4% increase.

During this time, Kia and Hyundai models (2011-2022) were targeted because they lacked an immobilizer anti-theft device, which prevents the vehicle’s engine from starting unless the correct key fob is used. Both carmakers have since offered free software upgrades that fix the problem. Owners should contact local dealerships to see if their car is eligible.

When car thieves see white smoke coming from a parked vehicle, it’s an open invitation to steal. Don’t leave your engine running unattended in cold weather, just to keep warm! Thieves watch for vapor coming from your car’s tailpipe, and it only takes a moment for them to drive off. Northwest Division already has seen several “tailpipe” vehicle thefts this season.

The IRS does not send tax refunds by email or text. If you get an email or text message about a tax refund--it’s a scam. The real IRS won’t contact you by email, text message or social media to get your personal or financial information-- only scammers will. To check your refund status, go to the IRS official website to see if you’re really getting a refund.

Good news: Fort Worth residents who meet income requirements can get free assistance filing their 2024 taxes at one of several Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) centers in our area. VITA is a free service provided by the United Way of Tarrant County to any person or household with annual income of $67,000 or less. Northside Community Center and several libraries citywide are among sites offering VITA services. Find the local center and hours of operation that are convenient for you HERE.

New Insights About Imposter Scams

Last year, people reported almost half a million business and government imposter scams to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission. The reports reveal three trends:

1. Scammers now rely more on text or email messages to start their schemes, and less on phone calls.

2. Scammers are increasingly convincing people to send money through bank transfers or pay with cryptocurrency.

3. Scammers often impersonate more than one organization, like a business and a government agency.

Check out How To Avoid Imposter Scams for advice. And to report an imposter scam to the Federal Trade Commission, go to ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Stock Show & Rodeo Safety

Several Northwest Division officers have worked shifts at the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo to make sure things stay safe. That’s Texas Playday Association Queen Delaney Welch of Cleburne pictured with NPO Oscar Moncada. Stock Show fun continues through February 8. Be sure to say hello if you see us!

What’s That, Officer?

NPO Joshua Vanbrunt answered questions about his uniform, during a visit to Primrose School on Eagle Ranch Boulevard. Students asked about the camera he wears and the handcuffs on his belt. They got super excited when he passed around his badge for them to hold.

Diamond Hill Cleans Up!

NPO Jesus Flores enjoyed helping with a recent litter cleanup in and around Diamond Hill Park. He and volunteers collected 39 bags of litter and eight tires, plus 2,625 pounds of other debris. The cleanup was organized by Environmental Services staff, but you can plan a litter cleanup any time in your own neighborhood. Keep Fort Worth Beautiful even provides free bags and gloves. Or, join the 40^th Annual Cowtown Great American Cleanup on Saturday, March 29. It's Fort Worth's largest annual litter cleanup of the year. 

Valentine Wishes

On our most recent visit to Mercantile Square Apartments, children in the after-school program presented us with early valentines covered in sparkly hearts and butterfly stickers. The kids had a snack while we chatted with them about how to deal with bullies.

NPOs Kirk Massey and Maggie Skelton checked out Valentine art at another after-school program. Reserve at Quebec invited kids to get a snack and get creative. Both programs benefit parents who don’t get off work before their children come home from school. We like having an opportunity to talk about safety, staying out of trouble or whatever’s on kids’ minds.

New Deputy Chief Named

Stefanie Ricks was promoted last month to Deputy Chief for North Command, which includes our Northwest Division. In the new role, Ricks also oversees Traffic Division, North Division and West Division, where she most recently served as Commander. Since joining the Fort Worth Police Department in 2007, she’s served in Patrol, Directed Response, Training, Criminal Investigations and Internal Affairs.

“Deputy Chief Ricks is smart, very community focused and cares deeply for her officers,” said Northwest Division Commander Randy Molina. “She also plays a mean kickball!” The two played on a winning charity kickball team last year. Ricks holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice, a Master’s Degree in Law Enforcement and Public Safety Leadership, and is attending the FBI National Academy.

At the January monthly meeting of Citizens on Patrol, Commander Randy Molina thanked Northwest Division's 44 active COP volunteers for their extraordinary service in 2024. There were special recognitions for Tim Thomas from Eastgate, who didn’t miss a single COP meeting last year, and a shoutout for Darla Crocker of Lake Country who stepped in to assist at the December COP Awards luncheon. In addition, seven volunteers received certificates of appreciation for helping officers with a porch package theft detail in several neighborhoods just before Christmas. Citizens on Patrol help police throughout the year by patrolling neighborhoods, serving as extra eyes and ears and reporting suspicious activity. If you’d like to know more, contact COP Coordinator Sandra Jones-Hundley at Sandra.jones@fortworthtexas.gov.

Officers Nominated for Citywide Award

Three Northwest Neighborhood Patrol Officers have been nominated for 2024 NPO of the Year by the neighborhoods they serve. NPO Kirk Massey was nominated by Far Greater Northside Historical NA. NPO Oscar Moncada was nominated by Northside NA. NPO Ralph Salazar was nominated by Fort Worth Stockyards Inc. The winner will be announced March 1 at the Mayor’s Neighborhood Awards Luncheon. The luncheon follows a morning of free exhibits and workshops for anyone who wants to learn more about police, code, homelessness, zoning and neighborhood leadership. It’s all free but you must register.

Congratulations to Lakeview Apartments, 6501 Shady Oaks Manor Dr., on being certified as a Fort Worth Crime-Free Multi-Housing property. Manager April Heath and staff completed the city’s program and now display a sign for all to see. We encourage all apartment managers to contact their Neighborhood Patrol Officer or Crime-Free Multi-Housing Officer Brittany Jones for more information on this proven program for reducing crime.

Make Sure You Can Vote

Fort Worth General Elections for City Council will be held Saturday, May 3. All council districts and the mayor’s seat will be on the ballot. The last day to register to vote is Thursday, April 3. You can check with the Texas Secretary of State to see if you’re already registered. If not registered, visit the Tarrant County Elections website to download the form in English, Spanish or Vietnamese.