As Christmas is quickly approaching the North Providence Police Department wants to provide helpful information to our residents and visitors to protect themselves and their valuables. 

We are encouraging residents to take steps to protect their property and prevent crime by not presenting crimes of opportunity while out shopping or at home.  If the doors to your vehicle are locked, the windows are fully closed and you do not leave valuables (cell phones, GPS systems, loose change, portable DVD players, computers, gifts, ipods, etc.) in sight you can dramatically reduce the likelihood of being a victim of crime.  It is also advisable not to leave the “cigarette lighter” chargers or bracket for your GPS system (or other electronics) attached to the windshield since this is a clue that a valuable device may be located within your vehicle.

 It is also worthwhile to mention that Christmas gifts and large shopping bags should not be visible in the vehicle.  The best place to store these items is in the trunk.

Homes have also been targeted by thieves during the holiday season.  Criminals have broken into homes hoping to steal gifts and other items of value.  Measures that can be utilized to protect your home while you are out shopping or celebrating include some of the following:

• Lock all doors and windows
• Leave lights on, or install a timer
• Leave a radio or television on, or install a timer to give the impression that someone is home
• Activate your alarm system if your home is equipped with one

Recently, packages that have been delivered to homes have been stolen shortly after being delivered.   Large boxes and packages have been stolen when left outside of the home on a porch, entryway, etc.  To help prevent this type of crime, it is advisable to make arrangements with package delivery companies to coordinate the arrival of packages, if practical, with times when someone is home.  You may also request that a signature is required when a package is being delivered or ask to pick up the package at the delivery companies location or store.  Another common method is to have the package delivered to your place of employment.  If you have a security camera installed ensure that it is positioned to capture your front door, and ensure that it is plainly visible to act as a deterrent.

The North Providence Police Department wants to promote active participation amongst residents to report suspicious activity when it is observed.  The public is a valuable partner in the prevention and solving of crime.  Therefore, please take steps to be observant and contact us if you see something suspicious.  For example,:

• You know your neighbor is not home but see a strange vehicle in the driveway, a strange person in the home or in the yard
• You notice a strange person enter a yard and take a package that was recently left by a delivery company (obtain a registration plate and description of suspect, if possible)
• You notice a vehicle that appears to be following a delivery company van
• You notice other suspicious activity

Please call the North Providence Police Department at 231-4533 to report matters that appear out of the ordinary.  Our officers will respond and investigate your complaint and observations as quickly as possible.

For media inquiries, please contact Deputy Chief Arthur Martins at 231-4533 Ext. 102.

2018 Thanksgiving Friday Press Release

North Providence Police safety tips for Halloween:

Costumes:

Should be bright

Use reflective tape or stickers on your costume and treat bags

Make sure your costume and shoes fit well to avoid trips and falls

Use soft and flexible costumes accessories, not sharp and pointy ones

Bring a glow stick to be visible

Trick-or-Treating

Go with a group and bring trusted adults

Carry a flash light

Walk, don’t run

Walk on the side walk

Before crossing the street, look all ways and listen for traffic

If there are no sidewalks, walk on the left hand side of the road facing traffic

Use caution when crossing driveways

Obey traffic signals

The North Providence Police Department would like to make a public safety announcement in reference to Marijuana edibles and Marijuana candy for this Halloween. These edible forms of marijuana pose a great risk to users, especially children who could accidentally receive them during the Halloween season. Marijuana candy contains tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the main active ingredient that causes a high. The THC levels in marijuana candy can be as high as 90 percent compared to 10-20 percent found in marijuana vegetation.

Marijuana candy products can come in many forms, including but not limited to cookies, brownies, lollipops, gummies, chocolates and other hard candies. Symptoms of ingested marijuana candy include dizziness, shallow breathing, red eyes and dilated pupils, dry mouth, increased appetite and slow reaction time. Other effects include distorted sense of time, random thinking, paranoia, anxiety, depression, nervousness and nausea and short-term forgetfulness.

Recommendations for Halloween Candy

• Adults should check for unusual candy packaging, such as homemade, plastic bag packages.
• Adults should also check for an odor that is similar to the smell of a marijuana plant.
• Read the packaging of name brand candy, as it is sometimes difficult to distinguish the difference based on appearance alone.
• Wear vinyl or non-latex gloves when checking the candy.
• Immediately contact your local police department if you believe that your child has received marijuana candy.
• Immediately seek medical assistance if you believe that you or your child has ingested marijuana
• Candy.

BE Smart BE Safe BE Seen

(AAA)

Recently the North Providence Police Department was notified of an incident in which individuals posed as impostors from a utility company.  The impostors knocked on the door and stated that they were there to perform repairs.

The homeowner allowed the impostors into the home.  The impostors checked the residence, asked a few questions and left the residence.

The suspects are described as two Hispanic males who arrived in a white pickup truck that was not marked with the utility company’s name or official markings.

This is a common tactic of thieves who want to gain access to a residence.  Once in the residence one of the impostors will distract the homeowner while the other suspect takes valuables from the home.  In this instance it does not appear that anything of value was taken.

The North Providence Police Department wants to warn our residents that this type of activity is occurring in the community.

Please take the following precautions if you are approached by persons posing as utility workers:

• If you did not call the utility company call them to verify they have authorized workers in the area
• Ask the worker for official identification, when calling the utility company provide the worker’s name and employee number to confirm he/she is one of their employees
• Ensure the vehicle the worker arrived in is marked with the utility company’s name
• If you did not make an appointment with the utility company do not allow the individual into your home under any circumstances
• Please contact your local police department and the utility company to report the incident
• Attempt to obtain as much information on the description of the individuals as well as the vehicle that they are driving

On Sunday, October 21, 2018, the Kingdom Lighthouse Church on Ruggles Street in Providence held their 6th Annual Community Awards Ceremony.  Deputy Chief Arthur Martins was in attendance representing the North providence Police Command Staff.

Police Officers from Cranston, Providence and North Providence were recognized for their commendable work in the community.

North Providence Police Officers, Igor Lima and Christian Orellana were among the officers who were recognized for laudable actions while in the performance of their duty.

OFFICER IGOR LIMA:

On March 2, 2018, nor’easter Riley impacted the area with strong wind and rain causing many trees and limbs to fall. This resulted in widespread power outages and property damage.  While on patrol Officer Lima observed an elderly woman waving a flashlight at the front door of her Gillen Avenue home who appeared to be signaling for help.  Upon arrival Officer Lima made contact the 87-year-old homeowner who was suffering from double pneumonia and had lost electricity as well as telephone service.  The interior temperature of the residence was down to 54 degrees, and she was unable to use her cellular phone or activate her Lifeline Alert system to summons assistance.  After ensuring the woman’s safety, Officer Lima made contact her friend, and was able to facilitate a safe, warm place for her to reside until power was restored.  Officer Lima’s situational awareness, alertness and diligence to duty, were instrumental in resolving a situation, which may have resulted in the loss of life. 

OFFICER CHRISTIAN ORELLANA:

On June 3, 2018, at approximately 2:30 AM, Officer Christian Orellana was assisting with a traffic stop when he heard a female yelling in the vicinity of Notte Park.  Officer Orellana went to investigate and observed a female sitting on a rock overlooking a lake.  The female appeared upset and was speaking loudly into a cell phone.  Officer Orellana began to speak with the female.  She told Officer Orellana to not approach her.  The female then threw her phone and jumped into the lake.  Officer Orellana observed the female was having difficulty staying above the water.  Officer Orellana immediately jumped into the water and brought her to the shore.  The female was then immediately treated.  Officer Orellana helped save a person from drowning.  The female victim was having trouble swimming and Officer Orellana took quick decisive action to save her life.

“As Chief of the North Providence Police Department, I could not be more pleased or prouder with the impressive and valiant actions of these two officers.  Their actions reflect the dedication long associated with the North Providence Police Department’s commitment to enhance public safety.  They are fine police officers who are a credit to the department and their families.  Job well done…”

Respectfully,

Colonel David P. Tikoian

Chief of Police

The North Providence Police Department in partnership with the U.S. Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration, will be hosting the annual National Prescription Drug Take Back Initiative. The event will be held on Saturday, October 27, 2018,  from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., in the rear of the police headquarters, located at 1967 Mineral Spring Avenue, North Providence, Rhode Island. The initiative aims to provide a safe, convenient and responsible alternative to disposing of prescription drugs. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Lieutenant Michael A. Tavarozzi at 401-231-4533 ext. 111

Mayor Charles Lombardi and Colonel David P. Tikoian with the men and women of the North Providence Police Department 

On Monday, October 1, 2018 at 9 AM, Ahlborg Construction, hosted a  “Steel Beam Topping Off”, ceremony at the North Providence Public Safety Complex.  This was a symbolic ceremony, where the crane set the final steel beam for the complex, signifying completion of structural steel installation for the project.  The ceremony was well attended and included;  Mayor Charles Lombardi, Former United States Attorney Peter Neronha, United States Marshal Jamie Hainsworth, members of North Providence Police and Fire Departments as well as members of the Public Safety Building Committee.

Don’t stay silent. It’s time to speak up all month long.

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, which first began in 1981 by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence as a Day of Unity to connect battered women’s advocates across the country.

Domestic violence affects millions, both women and men, of every race, religion, culture and status. It’s not just punches and black eyes — it’s yelling, humiliation, stalking, manipulation, coercion, threats and isolation. It’s stealing a paycheck, keeping tabs online, non-stop texting, constant use the silent treatment, or calling someone stupid so often they believe it.

Since the Violence Against Women Act passed in 1994, we’ve come a long way. This landmark legislation, led by then Senator Joe Biden, combined new provisions that hold offenders accountable and provide programs and services for victims. Between 1993 and 2010, the overall rate of domestic violence dropped nearly two-thirds and state laws have reformed to address issues such as dating abuse in the workplace, stalking, employment discrimination and more. Nearly three out of four Americans personally know someone who is or has been a victim of domestic violence. Now is time to take a stand. Support survivors and speak out against domestic violence all month long.

If you need assistance or want to talk to someone about domestic violence, call 1-866-331-9474 to speak with a trained peer advocate. Or contact the North Providence Police Departments Domestic Violence Advocate Brandi Leach at 401-231-4533 Ext. 145 or via email at dvsa@northprovidenceri.gov.

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