Police provide tips for dealing with transients, burglaries, bears

The Whitefish Police Department has issued guidelines for three areas of concern in town.

The department sent out a notice concerning transients, burglaries and bears.

First on the list, is an item the department says it gets the most calls about — transients. It gives a reminder that “they are people and have rights.” The department says there is no city ordinance in place that makes it illegal be loitering or be homeless. Transients have the right to sit on a bench downtown, use city parks and walk on sidewalks.

Business owners do have the right to refuse service to anyone, but the police department said it has found that if treated with respect most transients will comply when asked to leave.

However, “blocking the sidewalk, producing loud noises that disturb the peace or your business is not permitted” the department notes and advises that if an individual is intoxicated, mentally ill or belligerent the police should be contacted.

Whitefish Police warn against allowing transients to use outside outlets to charge devises, giving them food or money or letting them sleep on private property. They also discourage confronting transients as some may carry communicable diseases.

In addition, the guidelines note that it’s important to lock doors, cars and garages because many transients are criminals of opportunity and will enter an open door to take what they can.

“If you see a transient doing something that is obviously against the law, call us,” the guidelines say. “Many people say they don’t want to bother us, it’s our job.”

In addition, the police department is issuing a reminder regarding burglaries. The guidelines note that many times when a call is received stating that a car was broken into, the doors to the car were unlocked.

“Please keep valuables out of sight or take them out of your car,” the notice says. “Lock your cars, houses and out buildings.”

The department offers tips regarding folks who are a leaving town — let trusted neighbors know when you are going to be gone, don’t post about your vacation on social media, and cancel you paper and mail if you will be gone for an extended period.

Finally, Whitefish police remind residents that bears are wild animals and are attracted by garbage, pet food and fruit trees later in the summer.

The police department has adopted a zero tolerance policy on the city’s garbage can ordinance and says those who leave their trash can out in violation of the ordinance will receive a citation in the mail.

The citywide ordinance requires that trash only be taken out for collection no earlier than 4 a.m. on the day scheduled for pickup and must be returned to a secure facility no later than 7 p.m. the same day. Trash cans, even animal resistant ones, can’t be left on the curb and must be secured on the property.

“We have warned residents for years, published articles in the paper, appeared on local media so Whitefish residents and those who provide home maintenance services should be well educated by now,” the department says.

For more information, call the Whitefish Police Department at 406-863-2420 and select option two to be connected to dispatch and then ask for an on-duty officer.