Stop. Look. Lock.

Summer officially begins June 21, but the heat is already here and so is the danger of children being left in hot cars.

Every year, there are heartbreaking stories of children being seriously harmed or killed in vehicles that heat up in minutes. One tragedy is too many, and each one is preventable.

There is no safe amount of time to leave a child in a car. Not for a quick errand, not with the windows cracked, not even if the engine is running. If it means waking a sleeping child or changing your plans, do it.

Cars heat up fast. Even on a 70-degree day, the interior can reach 110 degrees within an hour. Cracking windows or parking in the shade offers little protection.

Children are especially vulnerable as their bodies heat up three to five times faster than adults, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Heatstroke can begin quickly, becoming life-threatening at 104 degrees and often fatal at 107 degrees.

Everyone can help prevent hot car deaths. Here are a few tips from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for parents and caregivers:

1. Make it a habit to check your entire vehicle, especially the back seat, before locking the doors and walking away. Over 50% of pediatric vehicular heatstroke deaths are a result of a parent or caregiver forgetting a child in a car. 

2. Ask your childcare provider to call if your child doesn’t show up for care as expected.

3. Place a personal item like a purse or briefcase in the back seat, as another reminder to look before you lock. Write a note or place a stuffed animal in the passenger's seat to remind you that a child is in the back seat.

4. Store car keys and fobs out of a child's reach and teach children that a vehicle is not a play area.

Tips for everyone:

Always lock your car when you aren't using it. Even if you don't have a child of your own, a child in your neighborhood could get into your unlocked vehicle. Over 230 children have died from vehicular heatstroke since 1998 because they gained access to a vehicle and became trapped.

As a community, we need to look out for others. If you see a child alone in a car, don’t assume it’s okay; take action. A quick check could save a life.

4th of July celebration

Fun Run - 7:15 a.m.
Register today and see how you stack up against other runners. For more information, visit: runcrimeoutroseville.org

Parade - 9 a.m.
Starts at Vernon/Douglas. View the parade route and other event details at roseville.ca.gov/4th.

Family–friendly activities at Royer Park - 10 a.m.
Enjoy some live music while the kids have fun with games and activities. Food will be  available for purchase.

Fireworks @the Grounds - 9:15 p.m.
Gates open at 4 p.m. Bring a chair or blanket. Seating at the All American Raceway is first-come, first-served. Parking is $15, cash only. No fee for entrance. No outside food or coolers. Sealed waters are okay. There will be activities for the kids and concessions for the whole family.

National Night Out 2026

National Night Out is an annual event that brings neighbors and law enforcement together to build safer, stronger, and more connected communities. It’s about strengthening relationships, fostering trust, and creating a true sense of neighborhood pride.

Take the opportunity on Tuesday, August 4 from 6-9 p.m. to step outside, meet your neighbors, and connect with local officers in a positive, relaxed setting. Strong communities are one of the most effective tools in preventing crime.

However you celebrate, the goal is simple: come together and have fun.

Register for a visit from Roseville PD, Fire, and other City representatives on our website at roseville.ca.gov/NNO. Registration closes July 17.

Employment scams

As layoffs continue to impact workers across the country, scammers are taking advantage of people searching for employment. U.S. employers laid off more than 1.17 million workers in 2025, and the challenging job market has carried into 2026. Unfortunately, fraudsters are using this uncertainty to target job seekers with convincing employment scams.

These scams often appear as legitimate job opportunities posted on social media, online marketplaces, and popular employment websites. Some criminals even impersonate real companies, recruiters, or employment agencies to gain victims’ trust. Their goal is to steal personal information, financial details, or money through fake application fees, background checks, or training costs.

Job seekers should remain cautious and watch for warning signs. Legitimate employers will never require payment in exchange for a job opportunity or interview. Be especially wary of positions promising unusually high pay for minimal work, particularly remote jobs that sound too good to be true.

Even trusted job platforms such as LinkedIn and Indeed can contain fraudulent postings. Before responding to a recruiter or submitting personal information, verify the company independently by visiting its official website and confirming the position exists. If contacted by a recruiter, make sure the individual is legitimately affiliated with the organization.

Experts also advise caution when posting résumés publicly online. Personal details such as phone numbers, addresses, work history, and educational background can be used by criminals to build convincing scams or steal identities.

Artificial intelligence has made employment scams even more sophisticated. Fraudsters now use AI-generated emails, fake websites, cloned voices, and realistic messages that can appear authentic and professional. As technology continues to evolve, these scams will become increasingly difficult to detect.

In today’s difficult economy, protecting your personal information is more important than ever. Take time to verify opportunities carefully, trust your instincts, and remember: if a company asks you to pay for a job or interview, it is almost certainly a scam.

Roseville residents scammed

Date: April 18
Beat: 7
Neighborhood: Sun City

On Saturday, April 18 at approximately 1 p.m., a victim with dementia received a phone call from an unknown suspect claiming money was owed to him. The suspect requested and obtained the victim’s Social Security number. A caregiver later identified an unauthorized charge of $206.52 labeled “Government Corp.” on the victim’s account. The victim could not recall all details of the interaction, raising concerns that additional personal or financial information may have been disclosed.

Prevention Tip: Protect vulnerable individuals. Caregivers should monitor financial activity closely and limit access to sensitive information for individuals who may be susceptible to scams.

Date: April 17
Beat: 5
Neighborhood: Harding

On Friday, April 17 at approximately 12:46 p.m., the victim received a phone call from an individual claiming to be an undercover bank fraud investigator. The suspect alleged fraudulent activity involving a bank teller and instructed the victim to withdraw her entire checking account balance as part of an investigation. The suspect further directed her to mail the funds to an address in Florida and threatened arrest if she did not comply. The victim withdrew $2,750 and sent the money via courier service before becoming suspicious and ceasing further compliance.

Prevention Tip: Question urgency and threats. Scammers often use fear and urgency to manipulate victims. Legitimate investigators will not threaten arrest or demand immediate financial actions.

Date: April 13
Beat: 4
Neighborhood: Junction West

On Monday, April 13 beginning at approximately 9:04 a.m., the victim received multiple calls from an unknown female claiming to be affiliated with the FBI. The suspect stated that $42,550 was being fraudulently transferred from the victim’s account and instructed him to withdraw funds to prevent the loss. Over several hours, the victim withdrew large sums from multiple bank locations totaling over $130,000 and, under the suspect’s direction, arranged for the money to be transported via rideshare services. The suspect maintained continuous contact, using intimidation and personal information, including the victim’s Social Security number, to gain compliance. The victim became suspicious during a final withdrawal attempt and was informed by bank staff that he was being defrauded.

Prevention Tip: Government agencies do not request cash transfers. Law enforcement or federal agencies will never instruct individuals to withdraw or transfer money to “secure” funds. Report such requests immediately.