Gallatin County Crime Trends:
With the warm weather here we are now seeing a much greater increase in alcohol related crime including DUI's, assaults, and general disturbances. We are also seeing more motorcycle related driving complaints and crashes. Please be careful on the road, don't drink and drive, and be mindfull of your (or your friend's) alcohol consumption.
With the 4th of July approaching we are also starting to get numerous complaints about fireworks. Please be respectful of your neighbors if lighting fireworks. Although there is no specific county ordinance dealing the lighting of fireworks, it does fall under the state code "Disorderly Conduct" if you are conducting your activities is such a way that it disturbs the peace of your neighbors. Bozeman and Belgrade both have specific city ordinances that limit the days and times that fireworks may be lit.
As always, there have been a lot of vehicle break-ins, especially in the subdivisions surrounding Belgrade. The one thing that all of these victims have in common is that their cars are left unlocked and valuables are left inside. Please remember to remove valuables from your car at night and lock your doors. The perpetrators of these crimes are usually teenage kids from this area that say they were bored or had nothing else to do. Please be aware of new items your children or their friends might bring home, and report any suspicious vehicles or persons you may see around your neighborhood late at night.
A large amount of copper has been stolen recently. Everything from copper pipe to wire is being taken. This has occurred everywhere from construction sites to communication lines being stolen right off the the poles. Please keep your construction supplies secured and please report any unusual activity you may see. Watch for people possibly casing these areas during the day or showing up on weekends.
There have been numerous mail thefts in the recent months. Thieves are using your mail to gain access to accounts, steal checks which they then forge, or they are using your information for identity theft. Please remember to pick up your mail soon after delivery, and do not place sensitive mail in a mailbox overnight. You may want to consider upgrading to a lockable mailbox, or using a USPS drop box more often. Please report any information you may have as soon as possible.
Here are some links to help you keep you and your's safe when at home or out in public. We encourage everyone to learn to protect themselves and help us protect you. Please call or email with any specific questions.
- More links coming soon.
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