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GUEST COLUMN |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State Rep.
Thomas Caltagirone |
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Keeping Our Streets Safe: Crime prevention News You Can Use
By state Rep. Thomas Caltagirone
If you read the newspaper or watch the news, it seems not a day passes without a story about gun violence, robberies, stabbings or other such crimes in which innocent victims fall prey.
I am working to combat the many types of crimes that affect older Pennsylvanians. As chairman of the House Judiciary Committee, I would like to share with you several bills we are working on in the legislature aimed at increasing public safety.
· Repeat Violent Offenders: The worst kind of criminal, repeat violent offenders pose the biggest threat to the safety of Pennsylvanians because they commit one violent crime after another, often using deadly weapons. I support legislation to keep repeat violent offenders behind bars for longer periods of time by eliminating the possibility of early parole. I believe doing so would make our streets safer and send a message to other criminals.
· Counterfeit Prescription Drugs: Counterfeiting, or the sale of fake goods with the intent to defraud, has become one of the most profitable criminal activities, often involving prescription drugs. This poses a significant risk to public health because counterfeit drugs have not been tested or approved by the government. Legislation I am co-sponsoring would help prevent the growth of counterfeit activity in Pennsylvania by increasing the penalties for committing this crime.
· Phishing Scams: If you use the Internet regularly, you should be aware of phishing scams, which occur using bogus Web sites that mimic a legitimate Web site, such as a bank or government entity. Criminals will send bogus e-mails through the fake sites asking consumers for personal information such as bank account or Social Security numbers. Once this information is provided, criminals can steal your identity or money, or try to sell the numbers. Legislation approved by my committee would make it a felony to commit phishing scams.
In addition, there are steps you can take in everyday life to avoid becoming a victim of crime. For example, law enforcement officials recommend walking in the middle of the side walk, away from alleyways and vestibules. You should also avoid taking the same route every day, isolated areas and shortcuts. Always walk in well-lit and crowded areas.
Make sure your car is in good running order with plenty of gas so that you don't get stuck in a questionable area. Whenever possible, drive with your doors locked and windows up, and keep your wallet, purse and any valuables out of sight.
The sad truth is that we may never be able to fully prevent crimes from occurring, but there are steps you can take to protect your safety, and that of our loved ones. If you suspect you are being taken advantage of, or wish to file a consumer complaint, contact the state attorney general's Bureau of Consumer Protection at 1-800-441-2555.
As always, if I can be of assistance with any state-related matter, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Rep. Caltagirone represents the 127th Legislative District in Berks County. His office is located at 645 Penn St., 2nd Floor, Reading. The phone number is 610-376-1529.