Dearborn Police Chief Ron Haddad.

DEARBORN — Dearborn Police Chief Ron Haddad told The Arab American News that the department is doing its best to ensure residents are safe following potential threats last week aimed at the community.

A social media threat made by Navy veteran Sarah Beebe started a wave of fear and anxiety across the city last week. Haddad said her case has been forwarded to the U.S. Attorney’s office for consideration of possible charges.

The threat impacted the community severely, according to Haddad. The department received hundreds of calls from concerned residents after her tweet went viral. 

In an effort to combat concerns, the department has collaborated on a task force with the FBI to ensure residents aren’t targeted following the aftermath of the Paris attacks. 

“Residents should feel at ease. Not only do police have their backs, but also citizens report crime daily. Neighbors are looking out for each other.”

In recent weeks, the police department has increased its patrolling efforts at key infrastructures around the city. 

“We started it before any of this happened,” Haddad said. “We’ve increased police around every place of worship, schools, business venues and other critical infrastructures. We have many in Dearborn.”

While Beebe’s tweet was treated as a serious threat, Haddad said some threats and concerns residents have brought to the attention of the department turned out to be untrue. 

Those included a fake tweet that has been circulating online that threatens residents in Dearborn and a fake alert being forwarded via text message that claims there are possible threats targeting residential homes through UPS and the U.S. Post Office.

While these threats turned out to be  hoaxes, Haddad said to look out for suspicious activity regardless. Mosques and residential homes occupied by Muslims have been targeted in recent weeks in other states and in Canada. 

“If you aren’t expecting a delivery and you see a truck, you should report it,” Haddad said. “If you see someone…particularly in a business area or school that’s making a delivery that seems out of place, you should report it.”

Haddad said despite none of these threats materializing to be true, he suggests residents should remain cautious throughout the holiday season but at the same time resume their routine activities.

“You should always be mindful of your surroundings,” Haddad said.  “I wouldn’t be any more alarmed because of the global events. Go on with your life and let us do what we do. If you don’t see something right, call us.”

Haddad noted that recent crime trends have shown a spike in car theft during the winter months. He advised residents to not leave their cars running without it being occupied by a passenger and to remove all personal belongings from vehicles to avoid theft.

To report suspicious activity residents can call anonymously at 313-943-3030. Residents are also encouraged to join Nixle, the city’s text message alert system, by texting the city’s zip code to 888777.