FBPD News – Page 21 – Flagler Beach Police Department

October 8, 2014October 8, 2014

Biketoberfest® & Motorcycle Safety

This year Biketoberfest® begins on Friday, October 16th and runs through Sunday, October 19th and the following information is being provided in advance of the event to educate visitors and residents with motorcycle related laws.

During Biketoberfest®, the Flagler Beach Police Department will be enforcing hazardous moving violations, which include but are not limited to; careless driving, aggressive careless driving, reckless driving, excessive speed, racing on a highway (drag racing) and driving under the influence (DUI). Additionally, the following non-moving statutes are in effect in the State of Florida;

316.2095 – Footrests, handholds, and handlebars:

(1) Any motorcycle carrying a passenger, other than in a sidecar or enclosed cab, shall be equipped with footrests for such passenger.

(2) No person shall operate any motorcycle with handlebars or with hand grips that are higher than the top of the shoulders of the person operating the motorcycle while properly seated upon the motorcycle.

316.211 – Equipment for motorcycles:

(2) A person may not operate a motorcycle unless the person is wearing an eye-protective device over his or her eyes.

316.294 – Mirrors: Every vehicle (to include a motorcycle), operated singly or when towing any other vehicle, shall be equipped with a mirror so located as to reflect to the driver a view of the highway for a distance of at least 200 feet to the rear of the motor vehicle.

316.304 – Wearing of headsets:

(1) No person shall operate a vehicle while wearing a headset, headphone, or other listening device, other than a hearing aid or instrument for the improvement of defective human hearing.

316.405 Motorcycle headlights to be turned on:

(1) Any person who operates a motorcycle or motor-driven cycle on the public streets or highways shall, while so engaged, have the headlight or headlights of such motorcycle or motor-driven cycle turned on.

The goal for this year’s Biketoberfest® event is the safety of our visitors and residents as well as compliance with the laws of the State of Florida. We hope this year’s Biketoberfest® provides our visitors, residents and businesses with many happy memories and thank you in advance for helping make this year’s event a safe event for all.

If you have any questions regarding Biketoberfest®, please feel free to contact Captain Doughney or any member of the Flagler Beach Police Department.

August 27, 2014August 27, 2014

Cyberbullying Identification & Prevention Tips

“Cyberbullying” is bullying that takes place using electronic technology. Electronic technology includes devices and equipment such as cell phones, computers, and tablets, as well as communication tools including social media sites, text messages and websites. Examples of “Cyberbullying” include mean or hateful text messages or e-mails, rumors sent by e-mail or posts on social networking sites, embarrassing pictures, videos, websites, or fake profiles.

In order to prevent “Cyberbullying” from occurring, parents and their children can explore safe ways to use technology and the following tips are provided in an effort to prevent “Cyberbullying” from occurring;

Technology Controls: There are a number of software programs to monitor your kids’ Internet usage. These programs limit the amount of time children can spend on the computer and limits the websites they can visit. Please remember, these programs are a limited solution as your children can easily get onto a computer at a neighbor’s house, at a public library, at school or anyplace where there is limited monitoring of Internet usage.

Education: Talk regularly with your children about “Cyberbullying” and consider the following;

Put your computer in an open/heavily travelled location in your home so you can monitor computer activity.
Know the sites that your child/children visit and monitor their online activities.
Tell your child/children that as a responsible parent you may review their online communications if you think there is reason for concern.
Ask for your child’s “passwords”, but explain that you’ll only use them in case of emergency.
Ask to “friend” or “follow” your child/children on social media sites.

Encourage your child/children to tell you immediately if they or someone they know is being “Cyberbullied”. Open lines of communication with your child/children is extremely important.

Establish Rules: Establish rules about appropriate use of computers, cell phones, etc. Discuss which sites your child/children can visit and what they are permitted to do when they’re on-line. Discuss what they should post on-line and that they should not post or share anything that could hurt or embarrass themselves or others. Once something is posted, it is out of their control whether someone else will forward it. Advise your child/children to keep their passwords safe and not to share them with friends. The sharing of their passwords can lead to serious problems; such as losing control over their on-line identities and the posting of hurtful information under their screen name, name, profile, etc.

Should you have any questions about “Cyberbullying” or the prevention tips listed above, please feel free to contact any member of the Flagler Beach Police Department so we can assist in preventing you or someone you care about from becoming a victim of “Cyberbullying”.

Additional information regarding “Cyberbullying” prevention can be obtained by visiting the following websites;

http://www.stopbullying.gov/cyberbullying/prevention/index.html
http://www.cyberbullyingprevention.com/
http://stopcyberbullying.org/prevention/parents_role.html

Parental Software websites

http://www.netnanny.com/
http://parentalcontrolbar.org/
http://kidswatch.com/

July 28, 2014

ATM Scam Prevention

Automated Teller machines (ATM’s) have become a part of everyday life and unfortunately there are those individuals within the criminal element of our society that have devised sophisticated methods designed to obtain your personal banking information. The ultimate goal of these individuals is to relieve you of your hard earned money and this information is being provided to increase public awareness regarding ATM scams. The following active “Scams” are being utilized throughout the Country;

“The Loop”: A simple blocking device is inserted into the card slot of the ATM machine in order to trap ATM cards. Unknowingly, a customer places their card into the ATM machine and enters their PIN information, while someone nearby observes and obtains the PIN information.

“Card Skimmers”: Skimmers are devices designed to read and copy the private banking information stored in the magnetic stripe on the back of all ATM bank cards. Skimmers are always attached to or put inside the credit card slot, in order to read and copy your card’s information as it is entered. The skimmer copies your account number, account balance and PIN number. These devices may also be found mounted alongside ATM machines labeled as “card cleaners”.

“Shoulder Surfing”: ATM PIN numbers can also be obtained by mounting a wireless video camera inside the ATM area. Once the victims PIN number has been obtained the suspects either replicate the stolen ATM card or follow the victim, steal the credit or debit card and then go straight to an ATM before the card is cancelled.

“Distraction Theft”: Distraction thefts do not involve the tampering of the ATM machines, they involve interrupting you while you’re withdrawing funds. The distractor may pretend to sell or give you an item, they may tell you that you dropped some money or ask you for a charitable donation. The common thread in all these “scams” is that they occur after you’ve entered your ATM card and PIN number.

In order to protect yourself from becoming a victim of an ATM “Scam” we respectfully recommend the following tips:

Avoid Outdoor ATMs: Indoor bank lobby ATMs are typically safe to use because they’re in view of bank employees and they usually have constant camera surveillance.
Look for Red Flags: There’s often an indication that the ATM machine may have been tampered; so look for loose, crooked, damaged or scratched ATM’s.
Camera Check: Look for additional cameras beyond the basic and obvious ATM security camera.
Keep it Secret: Perhaps the simplest way to protect yourself is to shield the PIN pad with one hand when you enter your PIN.
Do your Homework. Regularly checking your account balance and bank statements. This will help you spot any discrepancies and you should report any unauthorized charges to your bank.
Stay Vigilant: Be aware of your surroundings and be on guard for distractions. Whenever possible have someone you know with you at the ATM so they can alert you regarding approaching persons.

Should you have any questions about the ATM scams or tips listed above, please feel free to contact any member of the Flagler Beach Police Department so we can assist in preventing you from becoming a victim of theft.

Additional information regarding ATM “Scams” can be obtained by visiting the following websites;

http://atmscams.com

ATM Theft: 8 Tips to Protect Yourself From the 5 Most Common ATM Scams

http://fightfraud.nv.gov/scams/2008-07-22ATM.htm

July 14, 2014July 14, 2014

Sea Dune Parking

The following information is being disseminated to proactively provide valuable information to the public in regard to protecting our Sea Dunes while parking on SRA1A.

Residents and visitors should be aware that parking on the Sea Dunes is a violation of Florida State Statute 161.053 and Flagler Beach City Ordinance 5.02.04. Sea Dunes are a beautiful natural resource to our City and compliance with parking restrictions is our ultimate goal.

On SRA1A from South 7^th Street to South 28^th Street there’s no parking on the east side of the roadway and vehicles parking on the east side of SRA1A north of SR100 should park as indicated in the sample photo’s below. Flagler Beach Police Officers monitor Sea Dune parking throughout the year and once again our goal is to preserve the dunes with compliance from motorists.

Your assistance in helping protect our Sea Dunes is greatly appreciated and if you have any questions about the information listed above, please feel free to contact Captain Doughney or any member of the Flagler Beach Police Department.

June 6, 2014

Bicycle Theft Prevention

The Flagler Beach Police Department has noticed an increase in thefts of bicycles in our residential neighborhoods. The theft of bicycles from residential neighborhoods can be considered “crimes of opportunity” and the following information is being disseminated to the public in an effort to reduce the “opportunity” from occurring.

o Don’t leave bicycles unattended. If you can see an unattended or unlocked bicycle from the roadway, then a would-be thief can see it too.

o Close your garage doors. Unsecured bicycles in open garages are easy targets.

o If you leave your bicycle in a carport or outside for any period of time, lock it up.

o Always lock your bike’s frame and wheels with a high-quality, modern U-lock (with a disc/flat key).

o Use a U-Lock instead of a cable lock. U-Locks are solid steel and are very hard to cut. Cable locks can be cut easily.

o Record your bike’s serial number and take a picture of the bicycle.

o Be a good neighbor and watch for suspicious activity in your neighborhood.

o Contact your local Law Enforcement agency to report suspicious activity.

Some poor examples of locking your bicycle;

The correct way to secure your bicycle; both the frame and the wheels are locked.

If you have any questions about the information, please feel free to contact Captain Doughney or any member of the Flagler Beach Police Department.

April 14, 2014April 14, 2014

Traffic Safety – Motor Vehicle, Bicycles & Pedestrians

Spring is upon us and with the warmer weather comes the opportunity for our citizens and visitors to explore and enjoy our beautiful City. The following information is respectfully provided so that motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians travel safely while on our roadways and enjoy all that our City has to offer.

Under Florida State Statute a bicycle is considered a vehicle and a person in control of a vehicle on a street or highway is considered a driver. The following information is covered by Florida State Statutes.

A bicycle operated between sunset and sunrise must be equipped with a lamp on the front exhibiting a white light visible from 500 feet to the front and both a red reflector and a lamp on the rear exhibiting a red light visible from 600 feet to the rear. The lamps are permitted to flash. Additional lighting is permitted.
A bicycle rider or passenger under 16 years of age must wear a bicycle helmet that is properly fitted, fastened securely and meets federal safety standard for bicycle helmets.
A cyclist may not wear a headset, headphone or listening device, other than a hearing aid, while riding.
A driver, which includes a bicyclist, must obey all applicable traffic control devices. This include stop signs and traffic signals.
The driver of a vehicle overtaking another vehicle proceeding in the same direction shall pass to the left thereof at a safe distance and shall not again drive to the right side of the roadway until safely clear of the overtaken vehicle. The driver of a vehicle overtaking a bicycle or other non-motorized vehicle must pass the bicycle or other non-motorized vehicle at a safe distance of not less than 3 feet between the vehicle and the bicycle or other non-motorized vehicle.
Every driver of a vehicle shall exercise due care to avoid colliding with any pedestrian or bicyclist.
Cyclists may ride two (2) abreast only within a single lane and when not impeding traffic. Cyclists may not ride more than two abreast except on paths or parts of roadways set aside for the exclusive use of bicycles.
A pedestrian crossing a roadway at any point other than a (marked or unmarked) intersection crosswalk or a marked mid-block crosswalk shall yield to all vehicles on the roadway.
When a vehicle is stopped at a crosswalk to permit a pedestrian to cross the roadway, the driver of any other vehicle approaching from the rear shall not overtake and pass such stopped vehicle.
When a pedestrian is trying to cross a public street or highway, guided by a dog guide or carrying in a raised or extended position a white cane or walking stick, an approaching driver is obliged to bring his vehicle to a full stop before arriving at such intersection or place of crossing and, before proceeding, shall take such precautions as may be necessary to avoid injuring such pedestrian.
If a mobility-impaired person (using a guide dog or service animal, a walker, a crutch, an orthopedic cane, or a wheelchair), is in the process of crossing a roadway at an intersection, drivers approaching the intersection must stop before arriving at the intersection and take reasonable precautions to avoid injuring such a pedestrian

If you have any questions about the information listed above, please feel free to contact Captain Doughney or any member of the Flagler Beach Police Department.

3ft crossing