CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — The Cedar Rapids Police Department says all six key crime indicators declined in October, continuing a trend of several positive months.
The department tracks homicides, aggravated assaults, burglaries, vehicle thefts, thefts from vehicles and shots fired. The release did not include figures for the individual categories.
Police also warned residents about scams tied to recent local events and the upcoming holiday season. The department said fraudulent GoFundMe posts have used stories about Quaker Oats employees affected by last month’s fire and explosion to solicit money.
Before donating online, police advised residents to research the post, verify the person’s identity and need, and consider ways to help that don’t involve sending money to an unverified account. Shoppers should also verify online sellers and be cautious of requests for payment by cryptocurrency or gift cards.
The department said callers recently impersonated the Cedar Rapids police chief and falsely told residents they were under investigation for inappropriate conduct involving minors. In one case, the caller ID was spoofed to show a number associated with the department.
Anyone who believes they have been scammed should contact their financial institution to stop payment, preserve records and report the incident to local law enforcement.
Source: cbs2iowa.com
