Raleigh Taxi Cabs Now Equipped with Safety Lights

If you see a taxi with its front or back orange light flashing, please call the police immediately.

Raleigh taxi cabs are now a little bit safer for their drivers. Local cab companies now have operating safety lights on their vehicles.

Beginning earlier this year, all taxicabs operating in Raleigh were required to have two blinking amber safety lights mounted outside the vehicle – one on the front grill and one on the back of the trunk. The lights are designed to serve as beacons to signal if something is wrong. If a taxicab driver feels he or she may be in physical danger, they can to turn on the safety lights to provide a visual indication that trouble exists or may be brewing inside the cab. Police officers who see the signal can immediately take appropriate action, but it’s also extremely important for the public to be aware of the lights and their purpose.

If you see a taxi with its lights flashing, you're asked to call police immediately.

Multiple Attempted Telephone Scams Related

Since September, four reports have been filed with the Raleigh Police Department involving a variety of attempted telephone scams that detectives believe to be related.

• On September 4, a shopkeeper received a telephone call from a customer. The customer had been contacted by phone by someone claiming to be the shopkeeper and requesting that money be sent to him outside the country. The customer recognized the call to be an attempted fraud and hung up.
• On October 14, a man received a call from someone claiming to represent a parcel delivery company. The caller attempted to get the man to provide his address over the telephone, but the man believed the call to be a scam and declined.
• On November 24, a woman received a call from someone who told her she had won millions in a sweepstakes. The caller told the woman she needed to wire $1,300 to an out-of-state addressee before the prize could be awarded. The woman declined to do so.
• On November 27, a woman received a call from someone who told her she had won a car. When the woman said she was not interested, the caller then claimed that she owed him $500. The woman declined to provide the money.

The investigation of the cases determined a commonality among some of the telephone numbers used to make the calls detailed above. Another common thread between them is a persistence often displayed by the caller.

The Raleigh Police Department reminds residents they should not respond by providing information or sending money to unknown callers and should immediately report any suspicious solicitations to law enforcement.

Keep Yourself Safe While Holiday Shopping

As we approach one of the biggest shopping days of the year, it is always a good time to remind people to be safe during the holiday season. You should keep in mind the following holiday safety tips while out and about:

• Carry your valuables wisely. Do not keep cash in your wallet. Instead, keep it in an inside pocket and only carry the credit cards you'll need.
• Do not leave valuables in your vehicle. If you must leave packages in your car, put them in the trunk. Keep receipts with you.
• Carry a cell phone with you. If someone makes you suspicious or uncomfortable, notify security or call the police.
• Whenever possible, park and walk in well-lit areas. Be aware of your surroundings, especially the people around you.
• Carry your purse close to you, with the opening or flap towards your body. Never leave a purse unattended in a shopping cart.
• Do not keep a wallet, credit cards or cash in a backpack. If you are in a crowd, consider carrying the backpack in front of you. Pickpockets can quickly and easily remove items from a backpack without being noticed by the owner.
• Protect your credit card numbers and other personal information. Carefully dispose of receipts that have a credit card number on them. Never provide credit card information in response to unsolicited calls or emails.

To report suspicious activity, please call 919-996-3335. For emergencies, call 911.

Be Safe this Halloween

Have a fun and safe Halloween! Follow these safety tips.

• Wear light colored clothing or reflective tape so you can easily be seen.
• Make sure your costume fits well.
• Wear face make-up instead of a mask.
• Go trick-or-treating with friends. It is more fun and safer too!
• Trick-or-treat in familiar neighborhoods.
• Young children should be accompanied by an adult.
• Trick-or-treat during daylight. Carry a flashlight in case it gets dark.
• Look both ways before crossing the street and always use crosswalks.
• Visit homes with porch lights on.
• When trick-or-treating with friends, tell mom and dad your route.
• Bring your treats home and do not eat anything until your parents have checked it.
• If any treats look suspicious, have your parents call the police.