Noise, wildlife, prowlers common in summer time
With the arrival of summer there are a few issues that have been brought to my attention by the citizens and officers of Superior.By: By Bonnie Johnson, Superior Police Department, Superior Telegram
- Officer Bonnie Johnson
With the arrival of summer there are a few issues that have been brought to my attention by the citizens and officers of Superior.
A common summer time complaint is the illegal use of radios or other electric sound amplification devices from motor vehicles. Playing a radio at high volume in a motor vehicle can be dangerous because people in that vehicle will not hear emergency vehicles approaching. It is also disturbing to other people in the community.
Wisconsin state law says radios or other electric sound amplification devices shall not be operated from a moving, parked or stopped vehicle with the sound device emitting sound that is audible from a distance of 75 feet or more. Individuals operating a vehicle with an unacceptably loud sound system can be issued a citation if a member of the public prepares a written report within 24 hours of the incident.
The report must include date, time and approximate location. It must also include the license plate number of the suspect vehicle and color. I recommend calling the police department by dialing 911 and reporting the disturbance while it is occurring. A uniform traffic citation can be issued for a violation in the amount of $187.90.
Another issue that comes up each summer is wildlife in the city, which was brought to my attention by citizens and Animal Control Officer Chris Wagner.
We can’t say it enough, but it is so important: Do not feed wild animals. Feeding of fox, bear, deer and other animals causes the congregation of the animals and leads to the spread of disease and the potential for the animals to become acclimated to people. This can lead to dangerous situations for people and the animals.
Please enjoy the wildlife at a distance.
Thefts from vehicles are a year-round problem, but become more frequent in the summer months. My best advice is not to store valuable property in your vehicle. Car prowlers often peer inside parked cars and look for purses, camera cases, laptop bags, and even change in the cup holders, and target those vehicles.
Please don’t hesitate to call law enforcement whenever you observe someone acting suspiciously or hear noises that alarm you. The officers of the Superior Police Department would rather respond to an unfounded suspicious person complaint than have another person victimized by crime.
My best wishes to all of you for a safe and peaceful summer.
Community Policing Officer Bonnie Johnson shares information with the community. You can leave a voicemail for her at (715) 395-7401. Her column will appear on the first Friday of each month in the Superior Telegram.
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