Crime Watch Participants,
I hope that all of you are doing well. I am receiving messages and texts from more and more people each day hearing that they are getting their power back which is good news, so hopefully everyone will have their power back soon.
Due to the recent tornado, the Crime Watch newsletter has not gone out during the past few weeks. I have received some questions while at the relief center about any issues that may have been going on since then, so I wanted to provide everyone with some updates in the meantime to keep you informed. In addition, I have also included some information further below from the Town of Munster.
- Please note that we have not received any reports of thefts involving generators.
Please always be careful when answering your door and never allow individuals into your residence who you have not called for service. Speak to them through a locked storm door or window, and contact the police right away if the individual is acting suspiciously. If you are working outside, please secure your residence and take a key with you to prevent individuals from entering while you are distracted or working outside, or to prevent thefts from your garage or residence. Keep your garage door closed when you are away from it to prevent thefts of items or access to attached residences.
Never provide any personal information over the phone such as Social Security numbers, bank account numbers, etc. and hang up right away if someone calls you asking for it. Be alert for the "grandparent scam" where individuals pretend to be your grandchild while asking for money for bail or other needs to avoid jail. Please also educate your parents and grandparents about this scam if they do not have access to social media or email, along with information about other common types of scams.
Avoiding Scams
The Town is maintaining a list of tree removal companies that have registered with Munster. Registration is not an endorsement. It simply means a company has completed the Town's registration process, which helps us track legitimate operators and gives residents an additional layer of protection against scams. Many legitimate companies are still registering, so a company not appearing on the list is not necessarily a red flag.
Regardless of registration status, residents are encouraged to use caution when hiring any company.
- Verify credentials before signing anything.
- Get a written estimate.
- Avoid paying large sums up front.
Emergency Assistance
Emergency application assistance is available through the North Township Trustee's Office for residents of East Chicago, Griffith, Hammond, Highland, Munster, and Whiting. Eligible households may receive one $50 Strack & Van Til gift card per household, provided on a first come, first serve basis while supplies last.
Applications are accepted Monday through Wednesday, from 9:30am to 4:00pm and card distribution takes place Thursday and Friday, from 9:30am to 4:00pm at the following locations: East Chicago Office (2100 Broadway St) and Hammond Office (5947 Hohman Avenue).
Wi-Fi Access
The Munster Public Library is open, and residents can access Wi-Fi from the library parking lot between 5:00am and 10:00pm.
Keeping Streets Clear
Please keep tree branches and debris out of the street and away from storm drains and fire hydrants. Debris in the street can block trucks that need access to assess damage and make repairs and keeping streets clear helps speed up recovery for the entire community.
Social Media Updates
If you have access to Facebook, please follow the Town of Munster and the Munster Police Department for the latest updates. If you know someone who does not have social media access, they can visit locations such as the Munster Social Center as the town is posting updates on the windows daily.
THANK YOU
We would like to say THANK YOU to the many organizations and volunteers who have stepped up to help others during this difficult time for our residents. I have seen at the relief center the many people, of all ages, who have come in to cook and serve food, clean off tables, donate items, greet people, or just sit with residents in need and be a friend to them. We also appreciate those who have helped with clearing yards and parks while stopping by to check on their neighbors. Thank you for caring and for looking out for others. Thank you as well to everyone who has provided support and kind words to our Public Works, Police Department, Fire Department, other town employees, and National Guard members who have arrived to assist in town.
I will continue to keep you updated on any additional items. Until then, please report any suspicious activity right away and continue to look out for your neighbors, especially our senior citizens or those who may be living alone and who may need extra assistance.
Sergeant James Ghrist
Community Oriented Policing Unit
Munster Police Department
(219) 836-6639