Think "Stranger Danger" for Grown-ups
In early May, our office learned that four people in the metro area had jewelry and cash stolen from their homes after opening the door to people calling themselves "neighbors." As the weather becomes nicer, watch for this and other door-to-door scams.

Be savvy if approached by traveling home improvement contractors, magazine salespersons, or any stranger who comes to the door. Of course, not everyone who comes to your door has bad intentions. We simply advise a healthy dose of caution and a firm "no" if necessary.

Do not let a stranger into your home. If he/she is selling something or asking for a donation, take the organization's information and say you'd like to research it before making a decision. If you question the legitimacy of the company, contact the Better Business Bureau. Please report any suspicious persons or crimes in progress by calling 911 immediately.

Register for e911 Calls
Summer means wildfire season. To ensure that you receive e911 calls from the Sheriff's Office during wildfires or other emergencies affecting your neighborhood, register your VOIP phone line(s) or mobile phone(s). This service is available to any Jeffco residents, and it's especially important for those living in mountain communities susceptible to wildfire. Please note: if you have a traditional land-line phone, you are already in the system to receive these calls. For more information or to register, visit our website.

Drive Safely
Driving: it's something most of us do every day. Even though the number of traffic crashes in Jefferson County has dramatically decreased in the last four years, we have not been immune to tragedy. In 2009 in Jefferson County, 13 people died in traffic crashes, including a cyclist. Remember to keep your eyes on the road, and be especially cautious when sharing the road with bicycles.

Beware Pepé le Pew ...
In early 2010, local health departments reported several rabid skunks. Experts now believe that rabies is spreading among the skunk population. This strain of the disease can easily spread to a dog or cat that comes in contact with a rabid skunk. A domestic animal contracting rabies must be euthanized. Our Animal Control unit urges pet owners to stay current on their pets' rabies vaccines, and prevent pets from roaming.

... and Wile E. Coyote
While we're on the subject of wildlife, let's talk coyotes. This once-skittish canine has come to enjoy life in the 'burbs, where it has lots of things to eat, many places to hide, and no natural predators. But although it's a common sight, the wily coyote is still a wild animal. And it may be more aggressive in the summer, defending its new pups. If you encounter a coyote on a walk, haze it by yelling, clapping, or throwing a stick. Do this to help re-instill a healthy fear of humans in our local coyote populations. Find more tips at the Colorado Division of Wildlife's website.

Request a Vacation Check
Finally, if you're going on vacation, you can request a vacation check on your home by calling the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office at 303-277-0211. Deputies will make an effort to do extra patrols, and will know how to reach you if there's a problem at your house.