While many of us welcome the warmer weather, we must remember that some of our loved ones may find themselves in an uncomfortable predicament. It could even result in their death.
Pets regularly accompany many people on trips and errands, which often leaves them alone in a vehicle. Pets should not be left unattended in a parked car. On warm days, and even cloudy days, the temperature in a car can rise to dangerous levels in minutes, even with the windows left open.
A brief stop at a store or another errand can quickly turn into 15 minutes or more before we know it. Leaving pets in a car for this time could be a mistake that takes their life. Leaving the windows cracked won't cool the car enough to protect your beloved pet, even if they have water available.
Oregon was the 11th state to pass a Good Samaritan Law, which allows anyone – not just law enforcement – to enter a vehicle (by force or otherwise) to remove an unattended domestic animal without fear of civil or criminal liability. If you come upon a scenario where you believe an animal could perish, please contact our dispatch center at 541-265-0777 before deciding to enter the vehicle. Be ready to convey your location, the vehicle description, and a description of you. Our Animal Service Deputies will make every effort to respond quickly.
If you determine that more immediate life-saving action is necessary, please ensure you do all of the following:
- have a reasonable belief that the animal is in imminent danger
- notify law enforcement or emergency services either before or soon after entering the vehicle
- use only the minimum force necessary to enter the vehicle
- stay with the animal until law enforcement, emergency services, or the owner or operator of the vehicle arrives.
For more information and tips, check our website at www.lincolncountysheriff.net and like us on Facebook: Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office – Oregon.
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SUMMER SCAM REMINDER
Summer can be a time for relaxation, adventure, reconnecting with loved ones, and time for taking those anticipated summer vacations. Even with the nice weather, scammers aren’t taking time off. This means you have to be aware and cautious throughout the year. Here are some common summer scams to watch for and tips on how to avoid them:
1. Law Enforcement Scams:
- Scammers pose as law enforcement agencies and claim you missed jury duty, owe fees, or someone needs bail money. They urge you to pay the “fees” quickly to avoid serious consequences and accept bitcoin, gift cards, or other non-traditional payment forms.
- Scammers pose as animal shelters or rescue organizations and claim they can reunite you with your lost pet for a large fee.
- Prevent these by scams by
- Verifying information is coming from an official source. When in doubt, hang up, look up the agency’s contact information and call or stop by their office to verify someone is trying to contact you.
- Save our contact information to quickly verify information is coming from the Sheriff’s Office:
- LCSO Website: lincolncountysheriff.net/
- LCSO Main Office: 541-265-4277
- LCSO Animal Shelter: 541-265-6610
2. Vacation Rental Scams:
- Scammers post vacation rentals online at enticing prices.
- They ask for advance payment via wire transfer, but the rental either doesn’t exist or is not available.
- Prevent this by using reputable rental platforms or companies.
3. Home Improvement Scams:
- Contractors offer very low-cost services such as driveway repaving, house painting, etc.
- Contractors claim repairs are urgently needed and encourage you to act quickly to avoid further damage or before prices increase.
- They may take your money without completing the work, work without proper permits, or do low quality work.
- Prevent this by avoiding unsolicited offers, getting multiple referrals or bids, and researching companies and contractors.
4. Employment Scams:
- Scammers exploit job seekers by offering fake summer jobs.
- Scammers post opportunities that promise high pay for minimal effort.
- Prevent this by verifying job postings, researching organizations, and avoid sharing personal information until you have verified the company and posting is legitimate.
5.Travel Scams:
- Beware of unsolicited travel deals or sweepstakes claiming you’ve won a free vacation.
- Prevent this by verifying offers and information before sharing your personal information or payment.
6. Ticket and Event Scams:
- Scammers sell counterfeit tickets to concerts, festivals, sporting events, and other activities.
- Prevent this by purchasing tickets from authorized sellers and verifying websites or vendors before purchasing.
Staying informed, being cautious, and helping family and friends learn how to spot scams can help protect everyone throughout the year.
For more information and tips visit our website at www.lincolncountysheriff.net and like us on Facebook at Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office – Oregon.
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SUMMER CRIME PREVENTION TIPS
Summer brings warmer weather, longer days, outdoor activities and, unfortunately, an increase in theft and burglaries. There are some ways you can help prevent these crimes in your communities.
• Keep vehicles locked with the windows up at all times, even when parked at home. Remove all valuables including purses, cell phones, laptop computers, gym bags, briefcases etc.
• Avoid Home Improvement scams. Beware of anyone offering to perform an unscheduled home repair or asking to gain entry into your home. Ask for identification, contact the company they say they work for to verify employment and ask for authorization for them to be at your property. Never agree to pay for home improvement services until the work has been completed. Don’t sign home improvement contracts without reading the entire contract carefully and discussing anything that isn’t clear with the company and trusted family members or friends.
• Keep doors closed and locked. This includes garages, sheds and patio doors. Burglaries from open garages, sheds and residences are more prevalent in summer months and often occur while the homeowner is outside in the backyard.
• Unattended bicycles should always be locked to something sturdy. Remember when you stop to rest, eat, or use restroom facilities, to take a few moments to secure your bicycle.
• Vacation plans? Have a trusted neighbor or friend pick up your mail. Set inside lights on a timer. Set your home alarm. Use a home security camera so you can check in while you are away. Have a neighbor keep an eye on your house and make sure to leave a contact phone number for them to reach you in case of an emergency.
Taking some simple steps now and throughout the summer months can reduce the risk of crime in your neighborhood.
For more information and tips visit our website at www.lincolncountysheriff.net and like us on Facebook at Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office – Oregon.
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QUARTERLY COFFEE WITH A DEPUTY – LINCOLN CITY
7/2/24 – Lincoln County, OR
The next Quarterly Coffee with a Deputy event with the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office is just around the corner. Join us on Wednesday, July 17, 2024, from 8am – 10am for a cup of coffee and a conversation at Pacific Grind Cafe (located at 4741 SE HWY 101, Suite B, Lincoln City, OR 97367).
More about these quarterly events:
Every three months our office will partner with a local coffee shop in Lincoln County to provide a time, space, and coffee for community members to meet our team and share what’s on their minds. Coffee with a cop events are a friendly and relaxed way for communities to connect with the deputies that serve them.
These events offer a unique opportunity for community members to directly engage with law enforcement, ask questions, voice concerns, and build positive relationships. Whether you're a regular coffee drinker or simply curious about the work of law enforcement, this is a chance to connect with deputies on a personal level, learn about each other’s experiences, and share local feedback.
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