911 Newsletter 2026-05 May.pdf

current 911 Newsletter.pdf

911 Newsletter 2026-03 March.pdf

911 Newsletter 2026-02 February.pdf

By: The Roseville Police Department 

Planning to give a gift card this holiday season? They’re convenient, versatile, and unfortunately, a popular target for scammers. “Gift card draining” enables thieves to steal the funds before the recipient can use the card. Here’s how the scam works and how to protect yourself.

How gift card draining works

Scammers tamper with cards before they’re purchased. Common tactics include:

1. Stealing card info: Thieves remove cards from store racks, record the numbers and PINs, often by taking quick photos, and put them back.

2. Swapping with fakes: In some cases, they replace legitimate cards with high-quality counterfeits.

3. Monitoring activation: After tampering, scammers track the card online or use bots to check when it’s activated.

4. Draining the balance: As soon as money hits the card, they spend or transfer the funds instantly

By the time the gift is unwrapped, the balance is usually long gone.

How to Protect Yourself

Retailers are working to improve security, but you can take simple steps to reduce risk:

1. Inspect the card and packaging: Look for torn packaging, peeled or scratched stickers, exposed PINs, or any signs that the pack was opened and resealed.

2. Buy cards kept behind the counter: Cards stored with staff or handed to you directly are far less likely to be tampered with.

3. Choose digital gift cards: Purchasing directly from the retailer’s website eliminates physical tampering. Keep the card details secure and only redeem through trusted payment portals.

4. Use the card promptly: Encourage the recipient to use the balance soon to minimize the window scammers have to access it.

5. Keep receipts and check balances: Hold onto proof of purchase and monitor the balance until the card is fully spent. This can improve your chances of reimbursement if fraud occurs.

Stay one step ahead this season

Gift card draining is a holiday headache no one wants. With a quick inspection and some smart purchasing choices, especially digital cards, you can help ensure your gift goes to your loved one, not a scammer’s stocking.

911 Newsletter 2025-11 November.pdf

911 Newsletter 2025-10 October.pdf

 How knowing your neighbors helps prevent crime

By: The Roseville Police Department 

In today’s busy, often disconnected world, one of the most effective ways to prevent crime doesn’t require high-tech gadgets or costly security systems-it’s simply getting to know your neighbors.

Strong neighborhood connections create a safer environment by encouraging residents to look out for one another and act when something seems suspicious.

Why familiarity matters

When neighbors know each other:

• They notice changes, such as unfamiliar vehicles or people.

• They recognize threats early and can alert others or call authorities.

• They build trust-making it easier to share important information.

This “natural surveillance” makes it harder for criminals to blend in or operate unnoticed.

Neighborhood Watch: Proven Results

The National Sheriff’s Association reports that areas with active Neighborhood Watch programs see crime reductions of up to 16%.

These programs:

• Encourage neighbors to connect.

• Provide information on spotting and reporting suspicious activity.

• Build a visible deterrent to criminals.

Small actions can have a big impact

You don’t have to organize a formal program to make a difference. Simple steps include:

• Greeting your neighbors regularly.

• Exchanging phone numbers.

• Informing each other about travel plans.

Even these small actions signal that people are connected-and watching out for one another.

The bottom line

In a world where screens often replace face-to-face interaction, community connection may feel old-fashioned. However, it remains one of the most effective and low-cost tools for keeping neighborhoods safe.

Strong communities are safer communities-and it starts with a simple “hello.”

911 Newsletter 2025-09 September.pdf

Seven deadly driving habits every parent should discuss with their teen

By: The Roseville Police Department

The school bell is ringing again, and with it come early mornings, after-school practices, and teens hitting the road. If you’re the parent of a teenage driver, your biggest concern isn't just whether they make it to class on time-it's whether they make it there safely.

Car crashes are still the leading cause of death for teens in the U.S., and most of them are preventable. According to SafeKids.org, seven risky behaviors behind the wheel are claiming teen lives every day.

Ask yourself: Is my teen doing any of these?

1. Skipping seat belts
It seems simple, but it’s deadly. More than half of the teens killed in crashes weren’t buckled up.

2. Texting while driving
Just five seconds of distraction is all it takes. At 55 mph, that’s like driving blindfolded for the length of a football field. A quick reply isn’t worth a life.

3. Staying silent when scared
Half of teen passengers admit they’ve felt unsafe, yet many don’t speak up—sometimes even with their parents. Teach your teen to be vocal about dangerous driving.

4. Too many passengers
More friends in the car means more distractions. With two or more passengers, a teen driver’s risk of a fatal crash can double or even triple.

5. Drinking and driving
Even one drink is too many. In fatal crashes involving teen drivers ages 15-19, 15% had a blood alcohol level of .08% or higher.

6. Driving after dark
Nighttime driving is significantly more dangerous for teens. The risk of a deadly crash is three times higher than during the day.

7. Speeding
Fast doesn’t mean fun—it means fatal. Over one-third of teen driver deaths involve speeding.

What can you do?

Take 10 minutes-just 10-to sit down and talk with your teen. Go over these risks together. Set clear expectations. Make it non-negotiable: 

Safety always comes first.

Because when your teen gets behind the wheel, it’s not just about the car. It’s about their life, and everyone else on the road.

Let’s make sure they always come home--every single day.

  Beware of Fake DMV Text Messages

By: The Roseville Police Department

Have you received a text message that looks like it’s from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV)? If so, you’re not alone. People in Roseville and across the country are receiving scam texts that look official. These messages often say you owe tolls or fines and threaten penalties if you don’t pay.

One Roseville resident recently shared a warning on social media after getting a scam text that appeared to come from the DMV. The message claimed she owed money and needed to pay right away.

The California DMV wants people to know these messages are fake and should be ignored. They have shared important tips to help protect your personal and financial information.

What to Do If You Get a Scam Text

The DMV says you should:

• Do not click on any links in the message. Scammers often create fake websites that look real to steal your information.
• Never reply to the message.
• Never share personal details, such as your driver’s license number, Social Security number, or credit card or bank account info.

Key Things to Remember

• The DMV will not send text messages asking for payment of tolls, fines, or fees.
• The DMV will never request personal information like your birthdate or Social Security number through a text or email.
• If you’re unsure whether a message is real, contact the DMV directly through their official website or phone number.

These scams are not just annoying—they can also be dangerous. Scammers want your information so they can steal your money or your identity. They often make their messages look very real, which is why it’s important to stay alert. If something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts—don’t respond.