Calvert County Sheriffs Office Info

Attention Dog Walkers:
"Mutt Mitt" Doggie Bag Dispensers

The "Mutt Mitt" Doggie Bag Dispensers have been installed, one at each of the main entrances to the beach. Hopefully this will encourage all dog walkers to pick up after their pets.
read more about Mutt Mitts

CALVERT COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
Sheriff Mike Evans　

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NEWS RELEASE
MARYLAND STATE POLICE
HEADQUARTERS: PIKESVILLE , MD 21208
(410)486-3101 or 1-800-525-5555
Hearing Impaired TTY (410)486-0677
www.mdsp.org www.youtube.com/Maryland State Police www.facebook.com/MarylandStatePolice

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 22, 2012
NEW LAW ALERT ISSUED FOR MOTOR SCOOTER AND MOPED RIDERS

( PIKESVILLE , MD ) -- Maryland State Police and local law enforcement are reminding the owners and riders of motor scooters and mopeds that a new law taking effect in less than two months will make significant changes in the use of their chosen form of transportation.

On October 1, 2012, new Maryland vehicle laws will take effect that require all motor scooters and mopeds to be titled and insured, while all operators and passengers must wear a helmet and eye protection. These new requirements are in addition to the existing law that requires all motor scooter and moped operators to possess a valid driver’s license or a moped operator’s permit.

All drivers and passengers of motor scooters and mopeds will be required to wear motorcycle helmets that meet safety standards set by the United States Department of Transportation. Drivers and passengers must also wear eye protection, unless the vehicle is equipped with a windscreen.

Motor scooter and moped owners will be required to insure their vehicles. They must obtain at least the minimum vehicle liability insurance and must carry proof of the insurance with them whenever they are operating the scooter or moped.

Motor scooters and mopeds will be required to be titled by the Motor Vehicle Administration. Owners will be able to obtain titling information through the MVA website at www.mva.maryland.gov beginning October 1^st. When the title is obtained, the vehicle owner will be provided with a decal that must be displayed on the rear of the vehicle.

Maryland law defines a motor scooter as a non-pedal vehicle that has a seat for the operator; has two wheels, of which one is ten or more inches in diameter; has a step through chassis; has a motor with a rating of 2.7 brake horsepower or less, or a 50 cc engine or less; and is equipped with an automatic transmission.

A moped is defined as a bicycle that is designed to be operated by human power with the assistance of a motor; is equipped with pedals that can drive the rear wheel(s); has two or three wheels, one of which is more than 14 inches in diameter; has a motor with a rating of 1.5 brake horsepower or less and a 50 cc engine or less.

The drivers of motor scooters and mopeds are required to follow the same rules of the road as bicycles. Those rules include:

-Drivers must ride as near to the right side of the roadway as practical

and safe as possible, except when:

                                    --Making a left turn;
                                    --Operating on a one-way street;
                                    --Passing a stopped or slower moving vehicle;
                                    --Avoiding pedestrians and road hazards;
                                    --The right lane is a right turn only lane;
                                    --Operating in a lane too narrow for a bicycle or motor scooter and
                                       another vehicle to travel safely side by side.

                        -Drivers may ride side by side only if flow of traffic is unimpeded;
                        -Drivers must exercise due care when passing;
                        -Headsets covering both ears, or earplugs in both ears are not permitted;
                        -Scooters or mopeds may not be operated on roadways with speed limits
                          greater than 50 mph;
                        -Scooters or mopeds may not be operated at more than 30 mph;
                        -Drivers may not operate on a roadway where there is a smooth paved
                         bike lane or paved shoulder available, meaning they must use the bike lane or                          paved shoulder instead of the roadway;
                        -Drivers must obey the rules of the road applicable to all vehicles.

Troopers and local law enforcement across Maryland have received training regarding the new laws. Scooter and moped drivers who violate the new law can expect to be stopped and issued traffic citations or warnings, beginning October 1.

CONTACT:    Greg Shipley
                        Office of Media Communications
                        410-653-4236

Bank Scheme

FBI warns of new banking scam

By David McMillin • Bankrate.com

Wednesday, January 11, 2012

Some crafty criminals are aiming to steal one of the most valuable pieces of your personal property: your banking information. In a new warning, the Federal Bureau of Investigation warns account holders of a new spam email scheme that involves a type of malware called "Gameover." The scheme involves fake emails from the National Automated Clearing House Association, the Federal Reserve or the FDIC. These messages attempt to trick recipients into clicking on a link to resolve some type of issue with their accounts or a recent ACH transaction. Once you click on the link, Gameover takes over your computer, and thieves can steal usernames, passwords and your money.

The FBI also warns the thieves' hacking capabilities can navigate around common user authentication methods banks use to verify your identity, which is certainly a cause for concern. Those additional authentication steps -- often personal questions, birth dates or other pieces of private information -- are meant to provide some extra security padding. While phishing scams are nothing new to the world of online banking, this type of warning serves as a reminder of just how susceptible account holders can be to malicious attacks. As more account holders begin to jump on the mobile banking bandwagon, it's important to remember that a smartphone essentially acts as another computer. While this additional connection to the Internet is convenient, it also serves as another outlet where your information can be compromised.

Here are a few crucial steps to take to avoid falling victim to this type of Internet crime.

• Keep your computer and mobile device updated with the newest versions of anti-virus software.

• If you have any doubts about an email sender's authenticity, do not click on any embedded links.

• Remember, banks never request any personal information via email.

• Be vigilant about checking your account balances. The sooner you notice and report any type of fraudulent activity, the more likely you'll be able to be reimbursed for any missing funds

3/13/12

Below is an excerpt from an article in Reader's Digest.
Please pass this information along to the people in your neighborhood

13 Things Your Burglar Won't Tell You

(1) "Of course I look familiar" - I was here just here last week cleaning your carpets, painting your shutters or delivering your new refrigerator. Hey, thanks for letting me use the bathroom when I was working in your yard last week. While I was in there, (2) "I unlatched the back window" to make my return a little easier. (3) "Love those flowers." That tells me you have taste, and taste means there are nice things inside. Those yard toys your kids leave out always make me wonder what type of gaming system they have. Yes I really do look for (4) "newspapers piled up" on the driveway. And I might leave a pizza flyer in your front door to see how long it takes you to remove it. (5) "If it snows while your out of town, get a neighbor to create car and foot tracks into the house." Virgin snow drifts are a dead give away. If decorative glass is part of your front entrance, don't let your alarm company install (6) "the control panel" where I can see if it's set. That makes it too easy. A good security company alarms the window over the sink. And the windows on the second floor, which often access the master bedroom and your jewelry. It's not a bad idea to put (7) "motion detectors" up there too. It’s raining, you're fumbling with your umbrella, and you forget to lock your door - understandable. But understand this: (8) "I don't take a day off" because of bad weather. I always knock first. If you answer, (9) "I'll ask for directions" somewhere or offer to clean your gutters. (Don't take me up on it.) Do you really think I won't look in (10) "your sock drawer?" I always check dresser drawers, the bedside table, and the medicine cabinet. Here's a helpful hint: (11) "I almost never go into kids' rooms." You're right: I won't have enough time to (12) "break into that safe" where you keep your valuables. But if it's not bolted down, I'll take it with me. A loud TV or radio can be a better deterrent than the best alarm system. If you're reluctant to leave your TV on while you're out of town, you can buy a $35 device that works on a timer and simulates (13) "the flickering glow" of a real television.

Please know that these are just things to think about to keep your home and your valuables safe. You can order a device called the "FakeTV" for $49.99. This gives the illusion that you have left a TV on which is a big deterrent. The website is www.faketv.com. The Community Action Team will come out and conduct a security survey of your home free of charge. To have a survey conducted you can e-mail your request to catteam@co.cal.md.us

9/3/09

Shed Security

The County continues to be experiencing a problem with thefts/burglary from sheds particularly in the north end of the County. If you do not have a good lock on your shed please take precautions now to secure your valuables. If you can not secure your shed it may be a good idea to move those items that are expensive to a secure location in your residence such as your garage or your basement. Installing a motion activated light outside will possibly deter a potential thief from taking items from your shed. Please record all pertinent information about your valuable property such as serial numbers or you can use an engraver of some sort and apply your own number to your property such as your birth date as an example. By supplying these numbers to the officer who responds to take your report, the items can be entered into a National Data Base which is accessed by Police Agencies nationwide. Having these numbers for the police when they come to take a report will assist them in possibly recovering these items from pawn shops, other residences where they have a suspect and recover property as the result of a search warrant. The Operation Identification Program is a good way to record those valuable items in your homes, sheds and garages in the event you are a victim. It is the hopes of the Calvert County Sheriff's Office that you will never be a victim. In the event you are the more information you can provide about the items stolen from your home the better chance we have in recovering the property and putting an end to someone's crime spree.

12/26/10

Calvert County Department of Community Resources
Offers Guidelines for Charitable Giving
Residents Encouraged to Carefully Consider Telephone Solicitations

PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. – July 6, 2010 – Based on recent citizen reports
regarding phone solicitations from questionable charities, the Calvert County Department of
Community Resources offers the following resources and tips to help avoid charity fraud.
Citizens receiving calls from new or unrecognized charitable groups can verify the
status of an organization by visiting the Maryland Office of the Secretary of State Web site at
www.sos.state.md.us/charity/searchcharity.aspx. The site offers a searchable database listing
charities registered in the state of Maryland. The site also includes a link allowing residents to
view a copy of the organization's IRS Form 990, a description of the organization's charitable
programs and other information about the administration and finances of the organization.

Residents receiving phone solicitations from unfamiliar organizations should ask the following questions:

 Is the charity registered with the Secretary of State?

 What is the full name, address and phone number of the charity?

 Do you work for the charity or are you a paid fundraiser?

 For what purpose will my contribution be used? Verify claims that the charity gives funds or goods to local agencies.

 Is my contribution tax deductible?

 What percentage of its total income does the charity spend on its charitable purpose? Beware of organizations that have large overhead, management or administrative costs.

Residents should also be aware of the following deceptive practices:

 Refusal of the organization to send written material or financial information;

 Use of high-pressure tactics to secure a donation;

 Offers to send a courier to collect your contribution;

 Receipt of an invoice or statement indicating payment due for a contribution you never pledged, and/or;

 A name or logo that closely resembles another charity with a similar charitable purpose.

When dealing with telephone solicitations, residents should not give out personal information such as Social Security numbers or credit card information over the phone.

Donors have the right to ask as many questions as necessary to reach an informed decision. Additionally, donors have the right to change their minds after having agreed to make a donation. A pledge to make a contribution is not a legally enforceable agreement.
Further guidelines to avoid charity fraud are available from the Federal Trade Commission at www.ftc.gov/charityfraud/ and from the Maryland Office of the Secretary of State at www.sos.state.md.us/charity/Givewise.aspx. To register complaints or concerns, contact the Office of the Secretary of State, Charities/Legal Services Division, at www.sos.state.md.us/Charity/Concern.aspx or call 410-974-5534.

For information on Calvert County Department of Community Resources programs and

services, visit online at www.co.cal.md.us.

Calvert County is Maryland’s smallest county in land area with 213 square miles. It is home to approximately 90,000 people and has one of the highest standards of living in Maryland. There are more than 5,000 businesses in the County and a labor force of at least 1.8 million resides within a one-hour drive. Major industries include defense contracting, information technology, tourism, utilities, light manufacturing and administrative services

This holiday season, don't let the spirit of giving lull you into giving burglars, muggers, and pickpockets a better chance to do their dirty work. Crooks love the holidays as much as everyone else, especially because it's an opportune time for crime. Here are some tips on how to celebrate safely this holiday season:

If You Are Out for the Evening

> Turn on lights and a radio or TV so it looks like someone's home.
> Be extra cautious about locking doors and windows when you leave, even if it's just
for a few minutes.
> Don't display gifts where they can be seen from outside.

If You Are Traveling

> Get an automatic timer for your lights.
> Ask a neighbor to watch your home, shovel snow, and park in the driveway from
time to time.
> Don't forget to have mail and newspaper delivery stopped. If it piles up, it's a sure
sign you're gone.

If You Are Shopping

> Stay alert and be aware of what's going on around you.
> Park in a well-lighted space, and be sure to lock the car, close the windows, and
hide shopping bags and gifts in the trunk.
> Avoid carrying large amounts of cash; pay with a check or credit card whenever
possible.

Deter pickpockets and purse-snatchers. Don't overburden yourself with packages. Be extra careful with purses and wallets. Carry a purse close to your body, not dangling by the straps. Put a wallet in an inside coat or front pants pocket.

Shopping with kids? Teach them to go to a store clerk or security guard if you get separated.

Protect Your Vehicle

Loading up on all those gifts is a sign of progress in the holiday shopping. But if those packages are left out in the open after they're in the car, your car has become a likely target for thieves. Remember the old cliché "Out of sight, out of mind?" The same idea applies to items in your car.

Always lock your vehicle and store all items out of sight. Breaking into an empty car isn't worth a thief's time. However, anything left in plain view – from your holiday gifts to spare change, sunglasses, CDs, cell phones or briefcases – may tempt a thief.

Help prevent your vehicle from being stolen by always locking your car and using anti-theft devices. And although it's cold, never leave your vehicle running while you run inside your home or a store – even if for only a minute or two.

After you’ve opened the gifts burglars know that many households have new, and often times expensive, items in their homes following the December holidays – especially items such as new computers and peripherals, stereo components, televisions, cameras and other electronic equipment. In too many cases, residents make it easy for burglars to figure out which homes to target by putting boxes that identify their new gifts in plain view with their other garbage. Avoid becoming an easy target for post-holiday burglars by not leaving boxes for new electronics and other items in the alley or other garbage pick-up locations for several days at a time. Instead, break down any boxes you are throwing out, put them in garbage bags and place them inside a trash can. (In many cases, especially with computer equipment, you might consider keeping the boxes for safe storage, shipping or moving in the future.) Think about keeping broken-down boxes inside – in a garage, for example – until the evening before your regular garbage pick-up. Some burglars actually look inside garbage cans for evidence of holiday gifts. And, of course, if you see someone suspicious, call the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office’s non-emergency number (410)535-2800. If you see a burglary in progress, call 9-1-1.　

Identity Theft Protection

Identity thieves use low-tech methods as well as sophisticated Internet scams to acquire an individual’s sensitive personal data online. All citizens should closely protect any documents, banking cards, or sensitive numbers that can be used by thieves for their personal gain.
The following are the minimum basic guidelines recommended by
Help Net Security to reduce the risk of identity theft:

· Examine your credit reports periodically for unauthorized or criminal activity.

· Review financial statements and transactions regularly for illicit or unknown charges.

· Install security software on business and home computers and keep it current.

· Use an updated web browser to capitalize on its safety features.

· Exercise caution before opening attachments and links in e-mail and instant messages.

· Secure sensitive online data with file encryption software.

· Shred documents containing personal or financial information before discarding.

· Avoid sharing personally identifiable information unless absolutely necessary.

· Remain alert to the preponderance of older and newer scams to counter fraud.

Sergeant Michael P. Bomgardner

Calvert County Sheriff's Office

Community Action Team

1/23/10

Community Action Team

Thanks to Todd Ireland, from the Calvert County Law Enforcement "Community Action Team" for speaking at our August 2009 NECA business meeting.

The Community Action Team is comprised of personnel from both the County Sheriff's Office and the Maryland State Police.

He discussed crime trends and criminal matters in Calvert County, addressed Community concerns, and answered our questions with respect to law enforcement in Calvert County.

Community Action Team of Calvert County (CAT) Team has a email for any concerns: catteam@co.cal.md.us

From the Calvert County Sheriff's Department
Malicious Software Features Osama bin Laden Links to Ensnare Unsuspecting Computer Users

The FBI today warns computer users to exercise caution when they receive e-mails that purport to show photos or videos of Osama bin Laden’s recent death. This content could be a virus that could damage your computer. This malicious software, or “malware,” can embed itself in computers and spread to users’ contact lists, thereby infecting the systems of associates, friends, and family members.
These viruses are often programmed to steal your personally identifiable information. The Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) urges computer users to not open unsolicited (spam) e-mails, including clicking links contained within those messages. Even if the sender is familiar, the public should exercise due diligence. Computer owners must ensure they have up-to-date firewall and anti-virus software running on their machines to detect and deflect malicious software. The IC3 recommends the public do the following:

Adjust the privacy settings on social networking sites you frequent to make it more difficult for people you know and do not know to post content to your page. Even a “friend” can unknowingly pass on multimedia that’s actually malicious software.

Do not agree to download software to view videos. These applications can infect your computer.

Read e-mails you receive carefully. Fraudulent messages often feature misspellings, poor grammar, and nonstandard English.

from Janet Gean June 2011

Calvert County Sheriff's Department - Mopeds - Legal or Not
Calvert County Animal Control Regulations
Maryland Sex Offender Registry - On this web site you can search by zip code or by a person's name for offenders in the State of Maryland. This information is listed on the Department of Public Safety & Correctional Services web site as well as the Calvert County Sheriff's Department web site.


Neeld Estate Old Photos
CALVERT COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE Info
Neeld Estate Beach - 1930's
What did you do today to help save the Chesapeake Bay?


Old Photos Wanted Help preserve the history of Neeld Estate and Plum Point OLD COTTAGE PHOTOS WANTED Share your old Neeld Estate Photos with the community email photos to: neeldestate@yahoo.com
PLEASE SLOW DOWN	Please drive gently and cautiously through the community and always anticipate that the 'little people' are fixed on having fun and are not looking out for the 'big people in cars'.
DID YOU KNOW?? Nearly 95% of the land in Maryland drains to the Chesapeake Bay
What We Do Matters! Our landscapes are connected to the Chesapeake Bay. Prevent pollution and runoff with a healthy yard. You can help the Bay and improve water quality by using Bay-Friendly Techniques with your own home landscape. These techniques reduce the biggest pollutants in the Bay, sediment and nutrients, (nitrogen and phosphorous), by restoring natural filters. Bay Friendly Landscaping DO SOMETHING TODAY TO SAVE THE BAY!

If you MUST FERTILIZE your lawn... Do so in the FALL or Not at all Fertilizer runoff is very harmful to the Bay
Attention Dog Walkers: "If your dog leaves it. . . Please Retrieve it" SCOOP the POOP - It's A Law Help keep our pets from polluting the Bay Pet Waste is one of major contributors to Bay pollution
Calvert County has a Leash Law for pets. This law applies to EVERYONE- residents & guests in Neeld Estate. There have been many complaints from property owners about the dogs running loose in the neighborhood and on the beach. PLEASE obey the rules ! 410-535-2800 - Call to report loose dogs Calvert County Animal Control Ordinances Section VII - Defecation, Removal of Excrement A. NO person owning, keeping or having custody of a dog or cat shall allow or permit excrement of such animal to remain on public property, private property without the consent of the owner or occupant hereof or allow the excrement to cause foul odor on the owner's property. B. Any person owning, keeping or having custody of an animal shall immediately remove the excrement deposited by the animal if deposited on property other than the owners.

The Neeld Estate Beach is PRIVATELY OWNED by the Neeld family and can ONLY be used by Residents of Neeld Estate and their Guests Anyone else is TRESPASSING on Private Property "Violators will be prosecuted by authority of Plum Point Corp." (Posted on the signs leading to the beach) *WARNING:* NO PARKING in front of the Chains at the Beach Entrances Chips Towing - 410-257-6121 or 301-855-8343 Keys to unlock the chains are available from: The Gean's & The Surgent's *Please take the time to read the signs posted at the entrances to the beach... and please be a good neighbor and* follow the rules as they are posted. This sign was posted by Plum Point Development Corp., (the Neeld family owns the beach) **Note: A Beach Committee has been formed to address the issues of trespassers parking on private property and using the beach. New signs are being made and will be placed in the community. Kirby Gean, Sign Committee

" It's volunteers that make an extra effort every day to strengthen our relationships
in the community and help make Neeld Estate a wonderful place to live"

NECA FACEBOOK

The Neeld Estate Beach is PRIVATELY OWNED by the Neeld family
and can ONLY be used by Residents of Neeld Estate and their Guests
Anyone else is TRESPASSING on Private Property
"Violators will be prosecuted by authority of Plum Point Corp."
(Posted on the signs leading to the beach)

Last Update: 05/21/2013