Dartmouth Police Department

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Dartmouth Police Department Offer Tips to Prevent Holiday Package Theft

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DARTMOUTH — As residents head online to complete their holiday shopping, Chief Brian P. Levesque and the Dartmouth Police Department would like to remind everyone of several important safety tips.

A recent report indicates that online holiday shopping will rise nearly 15 percent this year, and a consumer survey indicates that a staggering 80 percent of Americans will scour Amazon for gifts this year. 

“Given the continuous increase of consumers purchasing gifts online, we want to ensure that residents’ packages do not end up in the wrong hands this season,” Chief Levesque said. “There are several simple solutions to help prevent theft that we encourage residents to follow.”

FedEx, UPS, and Amazon offer services to assist customers during the holidays. Amazon Lockers are a secure, self-service kiosk where you can pick up Amazon.com packages at a time and place that is convenient for you. 

To best ensure that your packages are not stolen, the Dartmouth Police Department recommends the following tips: 

  • Request notifications on your deliveries, via phone or email, to monitor your packages in transit and upon delivery.
  • Always require a signature on your deliveries to ensure packages are never left unattended.
  • Consider sending deliveries to an alternate location where someone will be able to receive them – whether that be a workplace, a neighbor or friend’s house, or a FedEx or UPS location.
  • Schedule your delivery for a specific date and time that you’re expected to be home.
  • Set up a vacation hold if you plan on traveling during the holidays so gifts won’t be left on the doorstep – In addition to UPS and FedEX, USPS also offers this service.
  • Be aware of “tailgating,” which refers to the people who follow delivery vehicles and steal the packages after they are dropped off.
  • If you find your package has been stolen, call the police immediately.
  • Never accept a surprise delivery where a payment is required, and never give out personal information when receiving a delivery that you purchased.
  • Do not leave packages out in the open in your vehicle. Always lock your vehicle and store all the items out of sight. Bring in all items once you’ve arrived home — do not leave them in your car overnight.

Additionally, the Dartmouth Police Department has set up a safe exchange zone in the lobby of the station. The area, called the DART Zone (Designated Area for Resale and Trade), is designed to facilitate a safe, secure and public meeting place for people to meet and complete online transactions on websites like Craigslist. Residents can meet in the designated area 24 hours a day, seven days a week and it is covered by security cameras.

Residents are reminded to report any suspicious person or vehicle to the Dartmouth Police Department at 508-910-1700.

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Dartmouth Police Warn Residents of Snow, Strong Winds and Ice

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Dartmouth Police Department
Brian P. Levesque, Chief of Police
249 Russells Mills Road
South Dartmouth, MA 02748

For Immediate Release
Thursday, Nov. 15, 2018

Contact: Benjamin Paulin
Phone: 781-428-3299
Email: ben@jgpr.net

Dartmouth Police Warn Residents of Snow, Strong Winds and Ice

First Snow of Season will affect Commutes

DARTMOUTH — Chief Brian Levesque and the Dartmouth Police Department are warning residents about the potential impact of the region’s first snowstorm of the season.

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for the area from 4 p.m. Thursday through 7 a.m. Friday. Dartmouth can expect to receive 1-2 inches of snow, changing to ice, sleet and then rain Friday morning. There is a significant chance for icing on the roadways. Wind gusts of up to 48 mph are also possible in the area.

The strongest wind gusts are expected Friday morning after sunrise.

The Thursday evening commute is expected to be hit hardest, but there will likely be some impact on the Friday morning commute.

During periods of snow, residents are required to remove their vehicles from the roadway to give plows the proper access.

While this storm is not expected to be large in size and scope, especially by New England standards, Chief Levesque urges residents to familiarize themselves with these general winter weather safety tips:

BEFORE A STORM

  • It is always a good idea to have extra batteries in the house. Residents should always be prepared for power outages and stock up on batteries for flashlights or battery powered lanterns. If using candles, there should be a 3 foot ring of safety and be sure to keep them away from anything flammable or combustible.
  • Keep cell phones, laptops and tablets charged as much as possible. Consider a external battery for your devices.
  • Neighbors should talk with one another and set up plans to assist those who may be at risk and/or in need of help.

DURING A STORM

  • Stay off the roads during periods of snow and sleet. If there is a plowable amount of snow, give plow and sand/salt trucks the space they need to operate.
  • If power goes out during the storm, contact Eversource to report an outage at 1-800-592-2000.
  • To report a gas leak, call 911. Residents should also contact Eversource for gas-related issues.
  • If you have an emergency, call 911.

AFTER A STORM

  • Do not go near or drive over any downed power lines.
  • Clear snow from any gas vents attached to your home
  • If snow ever rises above your vehicle’s tailpipe or is plowed to the point where it blocks the tailpipe NEVER start your vehicle before clearing the exhaust
  • Assist the fire department by shoveling out any hydrants near your home.
  • During a power outage, never run generators indoors or in garages. Aim exhaust away from the home, and do not run generators near HVAC intake pipes
  • Do not use space heaters while sleeping
  • Never use your oven as a heat source

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Dartmouth Police Department Alerts Residents to Potential Flooding Today

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Dartmouth Police Department
Brian P. Levesque, Chief of Police
249 Russells Mills Road
South Dartmouth, MA 02748

For Immediate Release

Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2018

Contact: Benjamin Paulin
Phone: 781-428-3299
Email: ben@jgpr.net

Dartmouth Police Department Alerts Residents to Potential Flooding Today

DARTMOUTH — Chief Brian Levesque seeks to to alert residents about the remnants of Hurricane Florence, expected to strike to the region Tuesday that could cause heavy rainfall and flooding.

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a hazardous weather outlook for most of southern New England, including Bristol County. A flash flood watch will be in effect from 5 a.m. Tuesday to 2 a.m. Wednesday in parts of the state.

The rain is expected to begin early Tuesday and the heaviest rainfall is predicted during the afternoon, with the potential for thunderstorms. The storm should taper off by Wednesday morning, according to the NWS.

Chief Levesque would like to offer the following tips to help Dartmouth residents prepare for the storm:

  • Clear any storm drains of debris.
  • Ensure downspouts are pitched away from your home.
  • If prone to getting water in your house make sure your sump pump is working properly.
  • Be sure to have working batteries for flashlights and battery-powered lanterns to use in the event of a power outage. If you must use candles, keep them away from anything flammable and do not leave them unattended.
  • Keep cell phones charged.
  • Stay off the roads and stay indoors, if possible.
  • Check in on elderly or disabled neighbors.

For all emergencies such as gas emergencies and downed wires, call 911. For outages and non-emergencies call Eversource at 1-800-592-2000.

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Dartmouth Police Department Shares Back to School Safety Tips

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Dartmouth Police Department
Brian P. Levesque, Chief of Police
249 Russells Mills Road
South Dartmouth, MA 02748

For Immediate Release
Monday, Aug. 27, 2018

Contact: Benjamin Paulin
Phone: 781-428-3299
Email: ben@jgpr.net

Dartmouth Police Department Shares Back to School Safety Tips

DARTMOUTH — As students prepare to return to school in the coming weeks, Chief Brian Levesque and the Dartmouth Police Department ask that community members follow several important safety tips.

All students in the Dartmouth Public Schools will return to class on Wednesday, Aug. 29.

“A new school year means that there will be several students getting on and off the bus and walking to and from school,” Chief Levesque said. “Drivers are asked to please keep their eyes on the road and be patient driving behind school buses. We wish everyone in Dartmouth an excellent and safe school year.”

With students often on their phones texting, browsing the internet or playing games, the Dartmouth Police Department recommends that parents talk to their children about the following safety tips provided by the National Safety Council (NSC) when headed to and from school:

  • Never walk while texting. If you need to respond to a text, move out of the way of others and stop on the sidewalk.
  • Never cross the street while using an electronic device.
  • Look left, right, then left again before crossing the street.
  • Cross only at crosswalks.

Drivers should be on increased alert when traveling through school zones and should NEVER text and drive. Additionally, the NSC reminds operators to:

  • Stop and yield to pedestrians crossing the crosswalk or intersection.
  • Always stop for a crossing guard holding up a stop sign.
  • Take extra care to look out for children in school zones, near playgrounds and parks, and in all residential areas.
  • Do not honk or rev your engine to scare a pedestrian, even if you have the right of way.
  • Never pass a vehicle stopped for pedestrians.

To best ensure that children who travel to school by bus get there safely, Dartmouth Police advise that students follow these tips from the NSC:

Getting on the bus:

  • When waiting for the bus, stay away from traffic and avoid roughhousing or other behavior that can lead to carelessness.
  • Line up away from the street as the bus approaches.
  • Wait until the bus has stopped and the doors open before approaching.

Behavior on the bus:

  • If available, always wear your seat belt.
  • Don’t put your head, arms or hands out the window.
  • Wait for the bus to stop completely before getting up from your seat.

Getting off the bus:

  • If you have to cross in front of the bus, walk at least 10 feet ahead until you can see the driver. Make sure the driver can see you too.
  • Wait for a signal from the driver before crossing. When the driver signals, look left, right, then left again. Walk across the road and keep an eye out for sudden traffic changes.
  • If your vision is blocked, move to an area where you can see other drivers and they can see you.

The return of classes also means that there will be many new teen drivers operating on the roads going to and from school.

According to the NSC, teen crashes occur most often because they are inexperienced. They struggle judging gaps in traffic, driving the right speed for road conditions and turning safely, among other things.

The Dartmouth Police Department, in conjunction with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, reminds parents to set the rules before their kids hit the road with “5 to Drive”:

  • No cell phones while driving
  • No extra passengers
  • No speeding
  • No alcohol
  • No driving or riding without a seat belt

Statistically, half of all teens will be involved in a car crash before graduating from high school. Car crashes are the number one cause of death among teens, yet these crashes are preventable. Teen drivers who continue to practice with their parents after obtaining their license increase their chances of avoiding a crash.

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CONTACT US

249 Russells Mills Road
Dartmouth, MA 02748

Business Phone: 508-910-1700

CALL 911 FOR EMERGENCIES.