Seneca County Sheriff warns of scams

Seneca County Sheriff Tim Luce is alerting people about recent scams.

Holiday season is also scam season. Scammers will call, email or mail communications that are false in order to steal from the recipients.

They often pose as sweepstakes officials, police, IRS agents and even representatives of

utility companies like cable, internet and power.

Recently a call was received in Waterloo from a scammer posing as a cable T.V. and internet provider.

The callers ultimately try to obtain personal information such as dates of birth, social security numbers, account numbers, etc. They may also try and get you to send money and offer “to good to be true” deals.

The sheriff warns all citizens to be wary of these scams and to report any suspicious calls to law enforcement as soon as possible. Scammers can be very persistent; if you give them even partial information it can trigger more calls.

Seneca County to Participate in STOP-DWI Halloween Crackdown

Seneca County Sheriff W. Timothy Luce:

Halloween is meant to be scary, but not when it comes to driving. When it comes to impaired driving Halloween can turn the roads into a horror fest. While we spend time trick or treating and hosting parties with our loved ones, law enforcement officers across New York State will take to the roads in an effort to stop impaired driving, prevent injuries and save lives. The statewide STOP-DWI Crackdown efforts start on October 27th and will end on November 1st. New York State Police, County Sheriff and municipal law enforcement agencies across the state will be out in force.

Research shows that high-visibility enforcement can reduce impaired driving fatalities by as much as 20 percent. Sobriety checkpoints play a key part in raising awareness about the problem. Tragically, Halloween impaired-driving fatalities are on the rise. There were 55 deaths on Halloween night in 2015, up from 17 in 2011—and steadily increasing each year in between. If you plan to go out with the ghouls and goblins to enjoy an adult beverage, make sure you plan a safe ride home before you leave the house. Even if you “only have a couple,” you are in no shape to drive.

The STOP-DWI Halloween Weekend Crackdown is one of many statewide enforcement initiatives promoted by the New York State STOP-DWI Association with additional funding from the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee and implemented by the STOP-DWI Foundation. Throughout the remainder of the year the Statewide STOP-DWI Crackdown Campaign will also target Thanksgiving and the national Holiday Season in December.
While STOP-DWI efforts across New York have led to significant reductions in the numbers of alcohol and drug related fatalities, still too many lives are being lost because of crashes caused by drunk or impaired drivers. Highly visible, highly publicized efforts like the STOP-DWI Crackdown Campaign aim to further reduce the incidence of drunk and impaired driving.
Let’s make memories, not nightmares! Have a safe and happy Halloween Weekend!

Seneca County sheriff urges 'extra caution' for boaters on Seneca, Cayuga Lakes

Seneca County Sheriff Tim Luce is announcing a Lake Level advisory for Seneca and Cayuga Lakes, along with the Seneca- Cayuga Canal.

Sheriff Luce reports that with the recent rain - the water levels are high and extra caution is needed for any boat traffic. As the weather gets warmer and people are getting back on the water- the Sheriff's Office is urging extra caution. Submerged logs and various debris pose an extra hazard for boaters. Until the water levels go down boaters are also advised to operate at a reduced speed so as not to create a wake that will damage other boats and docks etc.

Sheriff Luce reports that at this time there is not a ban on boat traffic but urges extra caution, the Sheriff's Office will be monitoring the situation.

Travel advisory issued for Seneca County

WHEC TV:

Seneca County Sheriff Tim Luce has issued a travel advisory for Seneca County.

deputies are currently responding to many calls of vehicles off the road. Sheriff Luce reports most roads are snow covered and slippery, and that many roads have not been plowed.

Sheriff Luce urges no unnecessary travel until further notice.