The Alliance of Delray Security meeting of November 21, 2008 at the Vizcaya community clubhouse was attended by more than 40 Alliance community representatives beginning at 9:30 A.M.

Shown in group photo: Cecelia A. Crouse, Ph.D., Forensic Biology Unit Supervisor, Palm Beach County Sheriff;s Office; Robert Schulbaum, Pres. Alliance of Delray; Lt. Sean Murray, District 4 PBSO; Capt. Jeff Calise, District 4 PBSO; Detective Ryan Miller, District 4.

Captain Jeff Calise of District 4 provided a comprehensive education program of security information. Captain Calise opened with Holiday Safety tips. Here is a partial list:
In the home: Lock all doors and windows, turn on lights and a radio or TV to give appearance that someone is home. Have your mail and newspapers picked up each day if you are unable or away.

Parking: Park in a well lighted area. Lock your vehicle doors. Store valuables in trunk or out of sight of plain view. Ask for assistance from store security, if available, to escort you to your vehicle.

Shopping: Avoid wearing expensive, gaudy jewelry. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Use credit cards and/or checks if available. Shop in groups, there is safety in numbers.
Children: Keep children close to you. Teach your children his or her name, address and phone number to assist law enforcement if separated. Accompany child to restroom; don’t let them go alone. Teach child to go to a responsible adult if separated.

Hank Fredette spoke about Linked in Communities, the free website being offered to communities.

Robert Taylor, Director of Operations of South American Theft Group Intelligence Network, a non-profit clearinghouse based in Fort Lauderdale spoke of fraudulent activities being perpetrated against seniors and the Hispanic community. A popular scheme involves criminals claiming to have won the lottery, but they say they can’t cash the ticket because they’re in the country illegally. The crook offers to give away the fake ticket if the victim pays him or her a percentage of the winnings upfront. Such schemes have cost people hundreds of thousands of dollars all over the state. If you suspect you are being scammed call your local Sheriff’s station which is District 4 on Congress Avenue in Delray, (561) 274-1075.

Ms. Michelle Damone spoke about Project Lifesaver, part of the Autism Project of Palm Beach County at (561) 753-6053. The Project Lifesaver program places personalized radio transmitters on identified persons with Alzheimer’s and other related Mental Dysfunction Disorders (ARMD) who may wander away from the safety of their homes. These transmitters assist caregivers and local emergency agencies in locating those who cannot help themselves. Call Ms. Damone at above number for further information.

Detective Ryan Miller of District 4 distributed a Scam Awareness report. With the snowbirds returning, the scam artists come out to prey on seniors and gullible victims. Don’t fall for anything that sounds too good to be true.

The final speaker on the program was Ms. Cecelia A. Crouse, Ph.D., Forensic Biology Unit Supervisor Technical Services Division Crime Laboratory-Forensic Biology Unit.
In a fact-filled, knowledgeable 30 minute lecture, Ms. Crouse explained DNA; where evidence samples are obtained from and gave several case histories of how DNA testing resulted in catching bad guys.

Each speaker answered questions from the audience. A favorable response to the entire program was indicated by a warm round of applause from the attendees at the conclusion at 11:30 AM.
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To read my Sunday, November 23 story in the Sun-Sentinel please CLICK HERE.

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