Around the Arch Blog

The Reno Police Department is recruiting area residents to be trained as Volunteer Victim Advocates for the Victims Services Unit.

Crime victim advocates provide crisis intervention, coordinate emergency and other support services to victims of intimate partner violence which includes domestic violence, stalking, protection order violations, and others. The Victim Services Unit is hoping to have 12 to 15 volunteers in this training program. Volunteers will receive training that will provide:

• Methods for working with people in crisis situations
• Identification and delivery of community resources available to victims of crime
• Skills and knowledge to develop customized safety plans with victims
• Knowledge of Reno Police Department operations and the criminal justice system, as well as other topics.

The initial training program is 40 hours with sessions that will be scheduled on week nights and weekends.

RPD’s Victim Services Unit Volunteer Coordinator Eunice Peterson says, “The volunteer victim advocate program provides a great opportunity for area citizens to give back to those in a less-fortunate situation, which is priceless.” Peterson says participants will be able to “learn more about the unique career of victim advocacy and be a part of a wonderful team which helps people in need.”

Applications are available at the Reno Police Department at 455 East Second Street, by e-mailing petersone@reno.gov, or online at www.reno.gov (under “Find Services” select “Departments,” then “Police,” and “Victim Services Unit”). Applications must be returned to the Victims Services Unit by December 17, 2010. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, be at least 18 years of age and pass a police background investigation.

For more information please contact Eunice Peterson at 775-657-4519.

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On October 1, members of the Reno Police Department along with members of Hispanic Juvenile Services and Victory Outreach Church conducted a door-to-door survey to assess the needs and concerns of residents living in the areas of Wrondel Way, Apple Street, Kietzke Lane, and Grove Street.

“Our goal is to build sustainable relationships with the people of this community and to listen to what their concerns are for their neighborhood,” advises Lieutenant Robert Larson. “Once we better understand the concerns we can target those specific areas and work together to come up with solutions.”

In a three day period, approximately 327 contacts were made with residents. Residents had discussions with officers and chose from a list of concerns on a questionnaire. The results showed the biggest concern was gangs, followed by graffiti/vandalism, then drug use/sales, prostitution, lack of youth programs, and safety/police response. Other issues raised included racing/speeding, unsupervised small children, fear of reporting crimes due to retaliation/intimidation, and more police interaction.

The neighborhood needs survey was conducted as a result of the Reno Police Department seeing an increase in crime in this area and wanting to bring awareness of local resources to the neighborhood to help prevent further violence. “We encourage people in the community to continue to build this relationship by reporting crimes in the area and partnering with the Reno Police Department,” advises Larson.

The Reno Police Department advises there have been seven reports within the past week where a suspect has gone into a business under the pretense of being an inspector. The suspect has not claimed any affiliation with any specific company or governmental entity.

“He has been introducing himself as an inspector, usually stating he is there to inspect a leaky roof or check the fire sprinkler system,” said Lieutenant Mohammad Rafaqat. “To add legitimacy to whom he claims to be, he usually carries a clipboard with papers and red colored camera.” The suspect has been taking, or pretends to take, photos of the roof and works his way into the back of the business. He has been seen exiting the businesses with a coat or jacket over his arm, concealing the victims’ purses under it.

The suspect has targeted businesses with a high of volume of customers which keeps the employees busy at the front of the stores. Typical businesses targeted by the suspect have been Starbucks and hair/nail salons.

The suspect has been described as a white male, 35-45 years of age, and 250 pounds with a heavy build. He may have unknown types of blemishes on his face. He does not wear any official uniform and is usually dressed in jeans. He carries a clipboard and a red colored camera. Please see below the two video stills of the suspect from Starbucks.

Officials with the Reno Fire Department, City of Reno Code Enforcement, and the Reno Police Department offer these prevention tips:

 • Be suspicious of anyone not wearing appropriate credentials.
• Be suspicious of anyone not in appropriate or official uniform.
• Be ware of anyone who shows up unannounced or without and appointment to do an inspection. A legitimate inspector will have an appointment.
• A government inspector will be in uniform and will have proper credentials displayed.
• Always ask for person’s identification and the name of the company they are representing.
• If you are suspicious about someone’s claims, have them wait while you call their company for confirmation.
• DO NOT allow anyone access to the unauthorized areas if you are uncertain about their identity or claims.
• Report suspicious activity or individuals to your local police agency.

Anyone with information regarding these incidents is asked to call the Reno Police Department’s Detective Division at 775-334-2115 or the Secret Witness at 775-322-4900.

As the morning temperatures drop, the potential for vehicle thefts increases as many area residents leave their vehicles unattended to warm them up.

The Reno Police Department warns this is a situation that is ready-made for criminals looking for a chance to steal a vehicle. “Even when the vehicle is locked,” Katre says, “it takes only a few seconds to steal a car that is sitting unoccupied. It simply sets the stage for a thief to make a quick get-away with the vehicle plus people face the possibility of a burglary at their home as their house keys are often on their vehicle key ring. ”

The Reno Police Department receives reports of vehicles commonly stolen while left running and unattended at homes, gas stations, convenience stores and ATM’s.

Katre says the best way to approach cold morning commutes is to start the vehicle and remain with it while using a scraper to remove frost from windows.

Area residents should also use the following tips to help prevent the theft of vehicles, which represent a relatively large investment for most people:

• Park in well lighted areas and always lock your car when it is unattended.
• Never leave your keys in the ignition or elsewhere in the vehicle.
• If you have a garage, use it rather than parking outside where your vehicle is more vulnerable.
• Don’t leave packages, purses, briefcases, automatic garage door openers, personal papers and mail or other items in plain view in your vehicle which can invite a break-in and lead to vehicle theft, home burglary and identification theft.
• Never hide a second set of keys in your vehicle. Extra keys can easily be found, especially by experienced thieves who know the hiding places in vehicles.
• Never leave children unattended in a running vehicle, and never leave keys in the ignition with unattended children.

Members of the Reno Fire Department are visiting grade schools to teach children about smoke detectors, escape plans and what to do if they catch on fire. The education program is part of the Fire Department’s activities to celebrate October as Fire Prevention Month.

On October 14 at about 9:50 am a lone suspect entered the Wells Fargo Bank at 200 South Virginia Street, Reno.  He told the clerk he has an explosive devise and demanded money. He fled the bank after obtaining an undisclosed amount of money. At this time the suspect is still outstanding.

The suspect is described as a white male adult, approximately 5-07 to 5-10, medium build, black hair, UNR baseball cap with “Wolf Pack” logo in front. He was last seen wearing blue jeans, dark colored sport coat, a t-shirt underneath with an unknown decal. See attached surveillance photographs for further details.

Officers located a bag we believe may be linked to the suspect a short distance from the bank. Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) responded and determined the bag to safe and free of explosives.

Anyone with information on this crime or the identity of the suspect is asked to call the Federal Bureau of Investigation at 825-6600, the Reno Police Department Robbery/Homicide Unit at 334-2188 or remain anonymous by calling Secret Witness at 322-4900.

Please see the four photos below:  

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On Saturday October 02, 2010 at about 10:00 PM a 13 year old boy was approached by a possible luring suspect at the Circus Circus Casino. The suspect asked the boy if he would like to go up to the suspect’s room to watch a movie. The boy refused and walked away from the suspect.

The suspect is described as a white male adult approximately fifty to fifty-five years of age wearing blue jeans and a blue short sleeved shirt. The Reno Police Department is trying to identify the suspect in this case. If you recognize the suspect in the attached video please contact Secret Witness at 322-4900.

RPD Case # 10-25505

Please see the attached flyer. Click on the photograph of the suspect to play the video.

In celebration of Fire Prevention Week, the Reno Fire Department is hosting open houses at neighborhood fire stations.

In addition to station tours, residents will get the opportunity to meet with firefighters to learn about firefighting techniques, personal protective clothing and various types of fire apparatus and special emergency equipment utilized by the Reno Fire Department. Fire Prevention Division personnel will also be available to discuss developing home escape plans, use of smoke detectors and fire extinguishers, and general fire prevention techniques for homes and businesses.

The fire station open houses will be held Saturday, October 9 at:

• Reno Fire Station 15 at 110 Quartz Lane (Sun Valley) from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
• Reno Fire Station 14 at 12000 Old Virginia Road (off Damonte Ranch Parkway) from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
• Reno Fire Station 3 at 580 West Moana Lane from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m.
• Reno Fire Station 8 at 3600 Kings Row from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m.

The 2010 National Fire Prevention Week theme is “Smoke Alarms, A Sound You Can Live With.” It serves to remind us all of the simple actions we can take to stay safer from fire year-round through fire safe preparation, having working smoke alarms, and planning and practicing home fire escape plans.

For more information about fire prevention in your home or business, contact the Reno Fire Department’s Division of Fire Prevention at (775) 334-2300.

With the recent change in weather conditions, permits for open burning of vegetative materials are being issued by the Sierra Fire Protection District and the Reno Fire Department for the burn period that will begin at 6:00am Tuesday, October 5th and is anticipated to conclude at 2:00pm Sunday, October 31st (October 5-October 31) in accordance with county air quality standards and requirements. However, the open burn period could close sooner, depending on weather conditions, fire officials say.

Open burning is allowed in limited areas of the City of Reno and in Washoe County in accordance with the Washoe County District Health Department, but only with a permit issued by the Sierra Fire Protection District or the Reno Fire Department. Areas in which open burning are allowed, as defined by the Air Quality Management section of the Health Department fall outside of the air quality district. Generally, those areas are west of Verdi, south of the Mt. Rose Highway, Sun Valley, and most other north valleys with the exception of the North Virginia Street corridor northwest of North McCarran and south of Golden Valley.

New permits can be obtained by calling the Reno Fire Department at (775) 328-3659. The Reno Fire Department is also providing on-line applications by visiting http://www.reno.gov/index.aspx?page=189. Permits for open burning in the Sierra Fire Protection District can be obtained by calling (775) 849-1108 Extension 5 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, or by emailing a permit request to SierraFireBurnPermit@WashoeCounty.US.

A site inspection by fire personnel may be required for new permits before open burning can take place to make sure burn areas are at least 25 feet from all structures, that burn piles are no larger than three feet in diameter by three feet high, that a cleared space of 10-15 feet wide is in place around the burn area, and that both running water and hand tools are at the burn site.

Burning of household refuse, trash, cardboard, rubber products, tires, plastic, petroleum, construction debris and other non-vegetative materials is prohibited.

Open burning is not allowed on windy days, and is subject to local air quality controls by the Washoe County Health Department. Open burning may commence at 6:00 a.m., but fires must be extinguished by 2:00 p.m.

The Sierra Fire Protection District and the Reno Fire Department recommend the following safety procedures for open burning:

-Keep open burns at least 25 feet from structures or brush.
-Create a “firebreak” removing all combustible materials for at least 10-15-feet around the perimeter of the burn area.
-Burn only leaves, limbs, pine needles and other vegetative materials.
-Keep fires small and controllable.
-Maintain a rake, shovel and a connected and charged garden hose at the burn site.
-Never leave an open burn unattended.
-Do not use accelerants such as gasoline or lighter fluid to start burning.
-Keep children away from the burn area.
-Re-check the fire site for smoldering materials that could rekindle 30-60 minutes after extinguishing the burn pile.

The Sierra Fire Protection District and the Reno Fire Department also suggest property owners consider non-burning techniques for vegetation management including composting and chipping vegetation.

Reno traffic patrol officers did a mandatory check point to see if folks were using seat belts and children were properly placed in their car seats. Police asked a number of drivers to have their children’s car seats inspected by car safety seat experts who were on hand for the check point.
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