Alert citizens can help stop crime

The police department has a new program we are bringing to the citizens. “Coffee with a Cop” starts at 8 a.m. Feb. 28 at Hardee’s on Belknap Street.

The goal is give the public a casual time to discuss with officers what is going on in your neighborhood, and concerns or questions you might have. The police department will hold “Coffee with a Cop” about every six weeks in different areas of the city each time.

The city of Superior might finally get some snow. Remember, calendar parking is designed so city crews can keep the streets clear. If you receive a parking ticket you must mail it in or pay the ticket online. The police department does not take payments for parking tickets. Follow the instructions on the ticket.

If you fail to pay the ticket the fine amount goes up and your license plates get suspended.

Parents of high school students are asked to make sure your student has his or her parking permit. A lot of parking tickets have been issued at the Superior High School because students are failing to get a parking pass and hang it in their car.

We recently had a vehicle stolen because the keys were left in it. The vehicle was later found in McGregor, Minn. Superior Ordinance 112-55 states it is illegal to leave the keys in a motor vehicle while it is parked on a city street.

Being the victim of a burglary can be very traumatic. There have been about 100 burglaries in the city in the last four months. Burglaries have occurred during the daytime and at night. Homes, garages, storage units and enclosed porches have been entered and items stolen.

The police department asks all citizens to keep themselves and their property safe by locking the doors to your house and garage. Look out for your neighbors by reporting unusual or suspicious activity right away by calling 911.

Make a list of the serial numbers on all your electronics and firearms. Have photos of your jewelry and other valuables. Make sure you have these photos printed or saved somewhere other than your laptop or on your camera. These items are frequent targets to burglars.

The Police Department wants citizens to report unknown and suspicious people knocking at their doors. These people might act like they have the wrong house, but they may be casing it to commit a burglary.

An easy tip for those who have dogs: When your dog is barking in the middle of the night and acting agitated, get up and find out why. It has happened numerous times where citizens report their car or garage was entered during the night. They report their dog was barking and going crazy during the night but they ignored the alert.

In September, the police department was able to apprehend thieves that were stealing from parked cars. Thank you to the citizen who called 911 while observing the suspects.

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.

Tags: news, courts, crime, money