Medford Police Department

Neighborhood Watch Newsletter

June 2020

Address: 219 S Ivy St., Medford OR 97501 Phone: 541-774-2250 Website: ci.medford.org

Greetings,

With a lot of the “crime waves” we see in Medford, they can usually be contributed to the work of one or two

people. We see this a lot when we have multiple vehicles broken into in a short period of time. Lately, we

have noticed an uptick in trailer and equipment thefts. The majority of these thefts are occurring in newer

residential areas where there is new construction going on. The good news is we are getting some good

images of the vehicles being used to commit these crimes. These videos and images are coming from

residents who have installed surveillance equipment. Truth be told a lot of the time it is easier for us to

identify a vehicle from surveillance footage then it is a person.

With all of that said if you are an early riser and see a suspicious vehicle or person(s) in your neighborhood

please don’t hesitate to call. The majority of these thefts are occurring in the early morning hours while it is

still dark out. If you’re not an early riser and happen to catch something suspicious on your surveillance

cameras please share this info with your beat officer, or you can always file a police report using our on line

reporting system that can be found through the City’s website www.ci.medford.or.us.

Crime prevention is a team effort and we appreciate all the help we can get. From everyone at the Medford

Police Department, be safe and play hard!!!!

Deputy Chief Ivens

ADDED SAFETY ON THE GREENWAY: Lighting is always an excellent deterrent to suspicious activity and crime. For those who enjoy exercising on the bike path, the City of Medford Parks Department has installed a new solar lighting system along the greenway, from Barnett Road to McAndrews Road. Your MPD has also added four new electric bikes that will be deployed on the bike path, as well as around town, in the parks and in the downtown area.

Greetings, NW team members and Medford residents!

It sure feels great to see our community beginning the process of opening back up. The City of Medford is an amazing

place to live and our residents are very resilient! There’s no doubt that we are all looking forward to getting back to

pre-COVID-19 conditions and supporting our local businesses, as quickly and as safely as possible.

Summertime in the Rogue Valley is just days away. It is certain that summer activities throughout our community will

be experiencing some level of modification and in some cases, there will be specific guidelines that will remain in place

for a while longer. One lifestyle that must never change is our commitment to safety. Let’s take a moment highlight

some annual tips that can help us enjoy a safer summer, even during the current circumstances:

HEADING OUTDOORS?

There’s still plenty of outdoor activities that we will all be able to enjoy this summer. Please remember to always be

aware of your surroundings and keep a close eye on any belongings you might have with you such as bicycles, hiking

gear, cameras, etc. If possible, carry items of value with you. If you can’t, make sure they are covered up and/or out

of view from those who may pass by. Although some city sponsored events may not be open this summer, do check

the City of Medford website to view what is available. Your MPD will also be deploying the summer Bike Team. They’ll

be patrolling the greenway, parks, parking lots and downtown area to help ensure these areas are as safe as possible.

After the many weeks having to stay indoors for extended periods, I’m sure that most of us are ready to get back to

regular exercise. The greenway and bike path are a great place for cycling, jogging, walking and sightseeing . Your

MPD is currently working to keep it as safe as possible for your summer adventures. When on the greenway, please

remember to stay on the designated trails. Do not venture into non-designated and undeveloped areas that may

compromise your safety. When cycling on the greenway, please remember to wear your helmet. Any children under

the age of 16, while riding (cycling, skateboarding, scooter, skating, etc.) on the greenway, or any other public

roadway must be wearing a helmet. Please travel at a safe speed and respect others who are walking or jogging.

INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATIONS

Your MPD wants to ensure that everyone enjoys a safe celebration of America’s Independence on Saturday, July 4th.

Beginning this month, your MPD and MFD will again be issuing media releases regarding fireworks safety. The media

releases will also serve to make us aware of both state and local ordinances, regarding the unlawfulness of certain

fireworks and the dangers associated with the improper use of fireworks. Two significant laws to remember are:

(1) Fireworks are only permitted in the allowed areas from July 01 to July 06.

(2) The fine for using illegal fireworks is $2,500. It’s unlawful in the State of Oregon to use any type of firework that

flies into the air, travels more than six feet horizontally, or travels more than 12 inches vertically from the point of

ignition. Within the City of Medford, it is also unlawful to use any fireworks in the hazardous wildfire areas (hillside

areas), the Bear Creek Greenway, any city park and any public school. Report illegal firework use to 541-770-4783.

CHILD SAFETY TIPS

Know where your children are

When appropriate, have your children ask permission before leaving the house. Give them a designated time to check in

or be home by. When possible, have them leave a phone number of where they will be.

Help children learn important phone numbers

Have your children memorize their home address and their parents contact phone number. Make sure they know where

you will be while they are away.

Establish perimeters of where your children can go in your neighborhood

Discuss things like whether or not they can cross streets by themselves. Set limits in regards to where they can play;

specific homes, vacant lots, alleys, etc.

Choose a trusted neighbor’s house where your child can go if he or she needs help or, in case of an emergency.

Get to know the friends of your children

Meet the parents and make sure activities at their home will be supervised by a trusted person. Obtain a contact

number for the person who will be supervising the children’s activities.

Work together with other neighbors and Neighborhood Watch members

Watch out for any suspicious subjects and/or activity. The MPD Non-emergency number is: 541-770-4783.

On behalf of your MPD, have a Happy Independence Day and a safe and fun summer! Todd Sales CSO #908 MPD