New Scam Reported to Big Bear Sheriff’s Station

Big Bear, CA, May 21, 2012, 3:00pm - On Friday, May 18^th, the Big Bear Sheriff’s Station released information about a new scam that was reported locally.  The reporting party received an official-looking letter from a company identifying themselves as Consumer Panel from New York, NY.  The envelope was postmarked out of Canada and contained a survey and computer generated check from the “Finance Center Federal Credit Union” out of Indiana which was made out to the reporting party in the amount of $2,500.00.  The letter was an invitation to participate in a paid survey instructing the consumer to deposit the check into their checking account and keep a portion of the funds.  The consumer was additionally directed to use a portion of the funds to shop at K-Mart and send a Moneygram via Western Union.  The letter notifies the consumer they have 48 hours to complete the survey once the funds are available for withdrawal from their checking account.  The letter also promised that the consumer can keep a portion of the funds and the products purchased at Kmart.  Residents of the Big Bear Valley are advised that this offer is a scam and could lead to identity theft.  Consumers withdrawing funds from these types of fraudulent checks could be held liable for the loss.  If you suspect that you may have been a victim of identity theft, file a report with the Federal Trade Commission by calling 1-877-ID-THEFT or online at www.ftc.gov.

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City Council Of Big Bear Lake And Mayor Jahn Present Proclamations

Big Bear Lake, CA, May 17, 2012, 8:00am - The City Council of Big Bear Lake and Mayor Jahn presented three proclamations at Monday’s city council meeting.  For his years of service and dedication to our community as commander of the California Highway Patrol, Arrowhead office, Lieutenant Rick Saunders was thanked and acknowledged.  It was noted that Lieutenant Saunders was a great friend of the mountain communities because of his local knowledge and deep commitment.

The Executive Director for Southern California Association of Governments also received a proclamation from the Mayor for his accomplishments to develop the 2012 Regional Transportation Plan.

The highlight for many in the Council chambers was a proclamation given to Julia Seaman, an art instructor at Big Bear High School, for leading her students in a project that completed over 140 ceramic bears to be given to every bike racer in Friday’s Amgen Tour of California “Climb to Big Bear”.

And Ruth Lorentz Associate Planner was recognized for receiving the Best Practices Award” from the Inland Empire Section of the American Planning Association for her work on the recent revised Sign Ordinance.

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“Those Who Host Lose The Most” Theme for Community Information Night Regarding the Social Host Ordinance

Big Bear, CA, May 16, 2012, 5:00pm - The Big Bear Sheriff’s Station is partnering with the Breakthrough Task Force and Rim Youth Prevention Leadership Coalition to host a Community Information Night to educate the public on the provisions of the new Social Host Ordinance.  The City of Big Bear Lake City Council adopted the Ordinance at their regularly scheduled meeting on May 14^th.  The ordinance will go into effect on June 13, 2012.  The Ordinance was introduced and public comment was taken at the Council’s regularly scheduled meeting on April 23^rd.  Council members voted to make hosting a party where alcohol is provided or available for non-legal drinkers a violation of the law making it illegal for adults to provide a place for under-aged drinkers to congregate or what is commonly known as “partying”.  It is believed that the new law will be an effective tool in combating teen alcohol abuse.  Adults who abuse the new law will be subject to fines and possible jail time.  More information will be available at the Community Information Night on Tuesday, May 22^nd from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm in Hofert Hall at the Civic Center located at 39707 Big Bear Blvd in Big Bear Lake.

San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department Recognized As National Sheriff’s Department Of The Year

San Bernardino, CA, May 14, 2012, 8:00am - Four decades ago the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department began a working relationship with WeTip. The toll-free hotline allows citizens who have information about a crime to advise the authorities without having to reveal their identity. A recent memo released by Sheriff Rod Hoops says WeTip has recognized the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department as the 2012 National Sheriff’s Department of the Year. WeTip’s President, Daniel Mayfield said, “WeTip and the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department are committed to the safety and security of the people of this county.” The WeTip hot-line has proven to be an effective tool for law enforcement. Without the services provided by WeTip and the outstanding efforts of the Sheriff’s Department, many crimes could go unsolved.

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Residential Burglaries In Big Bear Valley

Big Bear Lake, CA, May 11, 2012, 8:00am - Detectives of the Big Bear Sheriff’s Station arrested a 17-year-old male on Wednesday, May 9 at about 10am. The suspect was found to be in possession of a large quantity of stolen property from several residential burglaries that occurred in Big Bear City and the City of Big Bear Lake recently. Response to an alarm call on Evergreen Drive in Big Bear Lake the previous day, ultimately led to the arrest of the Fawnskin resident. On May 8, deputies responded to an alarm call, which was a burglary in progress. When the responding deputy arrived, the suspect was seen leaving the residence, and fled the scene in a silver Toyota. The following morning, detectives located the vehicle at Big Bear High School where they made contact with the driver. The stolen property was recovered at a vacant house on Peregrin Avenue in Big Bear Lake. The 17 year old was booked into San Bernardino County Juvenile Hall and remains in custody pending court procedures. As a result of the arrest, and recovery of the stolen items, detectives were able to clear 11 residential burglary cases. Approximately $10,000 of stolen property has been returned to the rightful owners.

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Arrests Made by the Big Bear Sheriff’s Department

Big Bear, CA, May 3, 2012, 8:00am - Recent criminal activity has resulted in two arrests in the Big Bear Valley.  On April 29, 2012, Big Bear Sheriff’s deputies arrested Clinton Lorenzo Moore at a hotel in Big Bear Lake. Moore is a resident of Victorville who was wanted by the Corona Police Department for attempted murder, brandishing a weapon, and car jacking. Shortly after 8:00 a.m. on April 29th, the manager of the hotel contacted the Big Bear Sheriff’s Station to report suspected drug sales from one of the rooms. A description of the hotel patron was provided to deputies, which matched the description of Clinton Moore.  Deputies made contact with Moore as he was leaving his room and he was arrested. A search of his room resulted in seizure of methamphetamine and a firearm. Bail is currently set at over $3,000,000. And in a separate and unrelated incident on the afternoon of  April 30^th, 2012,  deputies of the Big Bear Sheriff’s Department responded to a reported residential robbery in the 500 block of Alden Road in Big Bear Lake. The suspect, identified as Michael Wiederhoeft, forced entry into the victim’s residence. Wiederhoeft physically assaulted the victim, threatened him with a knife, demanded money and jewelry, and stole the victim’s vehicle. The victim suffered minor injuries. Deputies apprehended Wiederhoeft in the victim’s vehicle on Highway 330 near the lower passing lane. The victim’s vehicle and personal property was recovered.  Wiederhoeft is in custody at the West Valley Detention Center. Bail has been set at $200,000.

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City of Big Bear Lake Adopts Social Host Ordinance

Big Bear, CA, April 27, 2012, 8:00am – Social hosting laws have been adopted recently by the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors making it illegal for adults to provide a place for under-aged drinkers to congregate or what is commonly known as “partying”.  The same type of ordinance is about to become law in the City of Big Bear Lake as well.  On Monday evening at their regularly scheduled meeting, Big Bear Lake City Council moved forward to make hosting a party where alcohol is provided or available for non-legal drinkers a violation of the law.  Previously when this issue was brought before the council, members questioned the intent of the rules.  They were concerned that perhaps property owners who rent their property could be snared by default.  Captain Tom Bradford expressed that this new law would be an effective tool in combating teen alcohol abuse.  Bonnie Schaffer of Operation Breakthrough, a drug and alcohol abuse agency in Big Bear, echoed the same thoughts and went on to say that access to alcohol and drugs is a problem for our local youth as it is now a prevalent issue even with our Middle School aged youth.  As a parent, here is what you need to know.  If you or someone else provides a place for anyone under the legal drinking age to have a party where alcohol is available either anywhere in the home or brought into the home, you are in violation of the law and will be subject to fines and possible jail time.  Schaffer, in a later memo, expressed her gratitude by carefully reviewing the new law and tailoring it for Big Bear’s unique situation.  Michael Perry who represents a coalition of private home rental property owners expressed their view that the revision protected an owner who could not know if a property was being used as a teen party hot spot and in fact shifted the responsibility to the person who at the time of the violation was in control of the property.  Bonnie made it clear that the high school graduation season is upon us and that they want Big Bear youth to have a sober grad night.

Robbery at Taco Bell Prompts Lock Down of Big Bear Middle School

Big Bear Lake, CA, April 26, 2012, 3:30pm – On Wednesday, April 25^th, at approximately 11:45am, Big Bear Sheriff’s deputies responded to a report of a robbery at Big Bear’s Taco Bell.  Upon arrival, the suspect or suspects had fled the scene.  Deputies canvassed the area and interviews with employees and patrons were conducted.  As a precautionary measure, Bear Valley Unified School District personnel made the decision to lock down the Big Bear Middle School located one block east of Taco Bell.  Students were released from the school at the normal time and no injuries were reported at either the restaurant or school.  Deputies are continuing their investigations today.  KBHR will have further details as authorities make them available.

Fourth Prescription Drug Take-Back Day

Big Bear Lake, CA, April 17, 2012, 8:00am - The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department in partnership with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will give the public another opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous prescription drugs. Bring your medications for disposal to the Big Bear Sheriff’s Station on Saturday, April 28, from 10am until 2pm. The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked. This initiative addresses a vital public safety and public health issue. Many Americans are not aware that medicines that languish in home cabinets are highly susceptible to diversion, misuse, and abuse. According to a National Survey on Drug Use and Health, rates of prescription drug abuse in the U.S. are alarmingly high. The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department will have ten stations participating with the collection of these unused prescription medications. They will be open on Saturday, April 28 from 10am until 2pm and no appointment is necessary. The Sheriff’s Department encourages every citizen to look in their homes for any old, unused prescription medication and bring them to the Big Bear Sheriff’s Station at 477 Summit Boulevard in Big Bear Lake Saturday, April 28 between 10am and 2pm. If you have any questions, call the Sheriff’s Public Affairs Division at 909-387-3700.

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Big Bear Sheriff’s Station Hosts Free Seminar on Identity Theft and Scams

Big Bear, CA, April 10, 2012, 5:00pm - In order to raise community awareness, the Big Bear Sheriff’s Station is offering a free seminar on identity theft and common fraud scams on Wednesday evening, April 11th.  Our local Sheriff’s Department has received an increased number of reports of scams and identity theft over the past three months.  Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personally identifying information, such as your Social Security number, without your permission to commit fraud or other crimes.  “Scam” is a term that covers a variety of crimes, ranging from bogus Internet auctions to the infamous Nigerian advance fee fraud schemes.  According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, an estimated 8.6 million households in the U.S. experienced some form of identity theft in 2010 with the direct financial loss estimated at $13.3 billion.  And, according to the Federal Trade Commission, California ranks third in the nation per capita for identity theft.  Although senior citizens were once considered to be the most common victims, the 18 to 29 year old age bracket accounts for almost 30% of all identity theft complaints.  All Valley residents are invited to learn more about how identity theft is committed, common Internet scams, techniques to avoid becoming a victim and information on what to do if you are victimized.  Seating is limited to 100 attendees on Wednesday at 6pm in Hofert Hall at City Hall building in Big Bear Lake located at 39707 Big Bear Blvd.

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