Signal Mountain Police Chief Boyd Veal spoke on "Internet Safety," which included identity theft, Internet theft and particularly the impact of the Internet on children, at the October meeting of the Signal Mountain Community Guild.

Most people already know how to avoid identity theft, but repetition is important, he said. Even on Signal Mountain, theft does happen and while police try to prevent it, it does happen. "Be aware of your surroundings and don't make yourself a victim," he said.

Chief Veal said that according to the Federal Trade Commission 86 percent of victims had no idea their identity had been stolen and only found out when they applied for bank loans and were not approved, but by then it was too late.

Some of the ways in which identity is stolen include handing credit cards to servers at restaurants, signing credit cards, carry your Social Security Card in your wallet, supply personal information over the Internet, leave mail in your home or office mailbox for the postman – or a thief – to collect, leave personal information in a hotel room or in your car. He suggested shredding every piece of unwanted mail with personal information or offers on it and reviewing your credit report monthly, semi-annually or annually.

What to do when identity has been stolen begins with a report to the police department. Then contact by phone your local bank and financial card banks and give them the case number of the police report and notify them of the theft.

Call group, club and other membership organizations and have them issue you new cards and change access information if necessary.

Some of the numbers to be called include Equifax, Experian, Trans Union and the Social Security Administration.

A huge issue now for parents with children is online predators, he said. While the police do what they can, this depends on education for parents and children and that parents take an active part in the life of their children.

Delete Online Predators is a Tennessee Police Project, :Law enforcement agencies are working hard to combat Internet crimes against children. Local police, sheriffs and prosecutors are coordinating with the FBI, Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, the State Attorney General's Office and other agencies to respond to cases of child pornography, cyber-enticement and other Internet crimes.

Parents, guardians and other adults caring for kids need to talk openly with young people about how they use the Internet. The Delete Online Predators project is about communicating with kids, identifying the risks and knowing how to respond. It is vital for parents and guardians to understand the Internet and be aware of their kids' online activities.

Surveys indicate the Internet poses potential risks for youth online ages 10 to 17. More than half of teens have profiles on popular social networking sites such as MySpace and Facebook. One in seven has received a sexual solicitation or approach over the Internet. One in three has had unwanted exposure to sexual materials. One in 25 has received an aggressive sexual solicitation - someone asking to meet somewhere, calling on the phone or sending offline mail, money or gifts.

Delete Online Pr3edators has prepared written materials which will help educate parents and children and are available from the police department