Thwart vehicle thefts

There are couple issues I would like everyone to be aware of.

First: Theft from motor vehicles. There are a lot of vehicles being entered during the hours of darkness. Items from the vehicles are being stolen. Keep your vehicle locked. Do not leave property in your vehicle. If you have items stolen please report it to the police department.

Use caution while you are shopping. Every holiday season people have packages stolen out of their vehicles. Thieves will watch for people coming out of a store, putting brand new merchandise in their vehicles. When you walk back into the store, thieves will break your window and steal your stuff. If you witness anyone in the parking lot that appears suspicious please call 911.

Second: Cross Walks violations by drivers! I wrote about this issue over a year ago. It continues to be the number one complaint I hear.

Drivers who fail to yield to a pedestrian at an uncontrolled intersection are in violation of statute 346.24(1) and are subject to a fine of $232. Please watch for pedestrians and let them cross the street.

Here are some tips for pedestrians:

The law states that you need to be in the crosswalk for a vehicle to have to stop for you. If you want to cross the street step off the curb placing even just one foot in the crosswalk then drivers have a clear understanding of your intentions.

When someone stops for you to cross the street, do not wave them through.

Pedestrians need to be very cautious. Texting and walking can be dangerous. When one lane of traffic stops for you look to make sure the vehicles in the other lane have seen you and stopped.

Community Policing Officer Bonnie Beste shares information with the community. You can leave a voicemail for her at (715) 395-7401.

Tags: news, courts, crime, family