Anyone wishing to trade Police Department patches should contact M/Cpl. Eric Watkins at: E-MAIL: eric.watkins@cj.state.de.us
December 15, 2009
Dear South Bethany Residents, the Property Owners Association, and the Neighborhood Watch:
The South Bethany Police is asking for your help!Our community had recently experienced 6 burglaries predominately in the Cat Hill/Canal Drive area.The burglars are targeting flat screen TVs and other electronic devices.Entry, in most of the homes, is gained by kicking in the door.
We are asking our residents, the Property Owners Association, and the Neighborhood Watch to be extra diligent when checking residents on their streets.Anything that appears suspicious or out of place should be reported to us, day or night. During the day, if a vehicle, even if it is marked as a contractor or commercial vehicle, does not appear to belong at a residence, you should NOT hesitate to call us.Even something that may appear minor may help us solve these crimes.At night if you observe a suspicious vehicle on your street or lights on in a residence that are not usually on, please call us.
The Property Owners Association and Neighborhood Watch serve as the extra eyes of the police department and your help is tremendously appreciated.
During the hours of 9:00AM to 3:00PM Monday through Friday call (302) 539-3996. Any other time call (302) 855-2980, which is the Delaware State Police Communications Center.They will contact us with your information.
Sincerely,
James Deloach
Chief of Police
South Bethany
BE AWARE OF PHONE SCAM
Residents should be aware of a phone scam involving a company called “AmericanShopping Center”. The caller claims that the victim has won a free gift card or gas card for being such a good customer of one of 1500 reputable companies they represent. The caller asks for credit card information to pay for the shipping of the card to the victim. In addition, the caller has a foreign accent and does not speak English very well. The phone number will be blocked on the victim’s caller id and the number given is disconnected. The caller may have information about the victim (relatives' names or other personal information) in the attempt to disarm the victim. Please contact the South Bethany Police if this company attempts to solicit money from you. Parking problems most frequently incurred by motorists:
Parking without a valid permit.
Permit improperly displayed. Stickers must be displayed on the back of the rear view mirror. Hanging permits must be hung from the rear view mirror.
Remember to keep your vehicle locked to prevent the theft of your permit.
Parking on the roadway or against the flow of traffic.
Parking in “No Parking Areas”, “Lifeguard Parking”, “Handicap Parking”, or blocking driveways.
Motorists are reminded to park on the right side of the road off of the roadway as far as possible.
The South Bethany Police would like to remind motorists of the new "move over law " that took effect January 1, 2007. The law requires any driver approaching a stopped emergency vehicle with activated lights to either move into a lane that is not next to the emergency vehicle or reduce their speed if it is not possible or unsafe to change lanes. The law applies specifically to roadways having two or more lanes going in the same direction. The "move over" law applies to law enforcement vehicles, ambulances, fire, police, and park rangers. The penalty for violating the new law is $45.50 total. Please keep this in mind when driving on DE Rt. 1.
The South Bethany Police would like to remind all residents and visitors about the importance of driving slowly and carefully through town. Please remember to watch your speed on side streets. The posted speed limit is 20 mph. Also remember that Delaware law requires that all vehicles make a complete stop at stop signs. This is especially important in a town like South Bethany because streets not only see an increase in vehicular traffic but also an explosion in pedestrian traffic. Cars share the road with families walking to the beach, joggers out for a run, and children out on a bike ride.
Please be aware that pedal cyclists must also obey all traffic laws and can be cited for violations. Helmets are required under the age of 18, but are recommended for everyone. Additional information can be obtained from the police department M-F 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The South Bethany Police Department is located at 402 Evergreen Road directly behind the Town Hall. Our contact numbers are listed below:
302-539-3996 OR the non-emergency state police dispatch 302-855-2980
911 should be utilized for emergencies only.
Please continue to report any suspicious activity.
Parking permits will be in effect May 15 to Sept. 15. Parking permits can be obtained from the Town Hall Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (closed daily noon to 1 p.m.) or at the Police Department Saturday and Sunday 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
AVOIDING CONTRACTOR FRAUD
SIX TIPS TO AVOID FRAUD
When seeking a contractor for a home improvement job, you should get estimates from at least three reputable contractors. You should also contact the Better Business Bureau for information about any previous complaints regarding their work. Make sure the contractor has a current mercantile license with the Town and is insured.
When structuring a payment schedule with the contractor, never make a full payment up front. You should always insist on a receipt for any payments you make. A reputable contractor will accept payments based upon the percentage of work completed.
Most reputable contractors will enter into a written agreement outlining the rights and responsibilities of each party, the work to be done, and the payment schedule. If a contractor refuses to enter into a written agreement, you may not have any legal remedies to future problems.
If you are approached by a "traveling" contractor who makes an offer that is too good to be true, be very careful. "Traveling contractors" commonly offer Home Improvement deals including driveway sealing, roof coating, and exterior painting. They will request a large cash payment up front and never return to complete the work. In most cases the work is of poor quality if they return at all.
Most reputable contractors do not solicit door-to-door. However, in Delaware, when you enter into a contract with a door-to-door solicitor, the law requires that you be given 72 hours to cancel a contract that involves $25 or more.
If a contractor starts a project but does not return to complete it, you should immediately alert the Consumer Protection Unit of the Attorney General's office. An investigator will help you determine the appropriate course of action for your situation.
Be sure to contact the police if you see any suspicious door-to-door solicitors. It is important to contact the police if you feel that you are a victim of fraud.
M/CPL Eric Watkins Public Information Officer South Bethany Police 302-539-3996 Consumer Protection Unit 1-800-220-5424
Chief Joe Deloach was recently inducted into the Delaware Police Chief's Association as a Lifetime Member. Lifetime members must have 20 years consecutive service holding the rank of Chief. Chief Deloach recently passed 27 years of service with the South Bethany Police. Joe was promoted to the rank of Chief in 1985. Congratulations on this career milestone!
The police are not dispatched during medical calls. When 911 is activated, the dispatcher transfers the calls for service to the appropriate agency. The police are sent only upon request of the caller or for serious medical emergencies (CPR and AED responses).
