General Crime Victim Services

Contact us on our 24 hour Crime Victim Hotline:
612-340-5400
TTY:612-206-3340 available during business hours
Deaf Crime Victim Resource Page

Overview

General Crime Victim Services (GCVS) strives to find innovative and effective ways of assisting people who have been affected by crime. Our advocates seek to reduce the stress experienced by individuals in the aftermath of a crime, by offering both emotional and material solutions to immediate problems. Additionally, we provide on-going support through the complex criminal justice system to those who request it.

Theory of Change
If you provide services to victims of general crime (i.e., hotline support, in-person intervention, on-going support, education to professionals and community members) then the victim’s well-being will improve.

Project Services
o 24-hour crisis line operated by trained advocates
o Referrals to counseling, safe housing, legal assistance, and more
o Emergency lock re-keying to ensure safety
o Cell phone loans for domestic violence & stalking victims working toward a new, violence-free life 
o Limited emergency funds or help locating them
o Access to 24-hour phone interpretation for non-english speaking victims
o Explanation of the criminal justice system and rights of crime victims in Minnesota
    -Click here to learn more about Crime Victim Rights in Minnesota.
o Facilitation of contact with other criminal justice agencies
o Assistance filing Reparations claims and requesting restitution
o Court-room support for general crime victims, including Harassment Restraining Order (HRO) hearings
o Assistance to identity theft victims in recovering their “good name”

Many emotions surface when you or someone you know has been a victim of crime. Feelings of “why me?”, fear, anger, and frustration are common. We offer support and assistance through this difficult time.

 If you are experiencing shock, confusion, or just need someone to talk to about your victimization, we have a 24-hour confidential hotline for you to call.

 If you feel as if no one understands what it is like to be victimized by crime, we offer supportive groups to unite you with other victims of similar crime.

 If you are uncertain about or confused by the criminal justice system, we can assist you in understanding its complex processes and procedures.

 If your family or friends are affected by your victimization and need someone to speak to, we provide a supportive environment in which they can discuss their concerns and fears.

 If you feel unsafe at home and are constantly checking your locks, we provide lock changes and home repairs at no cost to help you feel secure. 

We also provide information and referrals to services and programs that can offer you additional support and assistance.

Client Survey

Have you contacted the Victim Services hotline for services, support, or assistance? If so, please take a moment to complete our client survey by clicking the link below.  Your feedback helps us to continually improve the services provided by our victim advocates. The survey is anonymous and confidential. Your answers will not affect your relationship with the Council. Thank you for taking the time to evaluate our services! 

Client Survey Here

What is general crime?
What if my car is stolen?
What if my purse or wallet was stolen?
How can I avoid consumer fraud?

Some examples of general crime are:
Robbery
Assault
Stalking
Kidnapping
Bias/hate crimes
Vandalism
Homicide
Burglary
Gang violence
Theft
Drunk driving
Consumer fraud
Terroristic threats
Arson

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My Car is Stolen! What do I do now?

Make sure your vehicle was stolen, not towed or repossessed. If you were not parked illegally and have been making payments on your car, it is safe to assume your car was stolen.

• Call 911 to report the date, time and place of theft. 
• Give police or dispatcher helpful information such as the make, model, color and year of your car.
• Get the case number and badge ID of the officer assigned.
• Notify your insurance agency of your claim.
• If you recover your vehicle on your own, notify the police to avoid being pulled over for driving a stolen vehicle.

Who to Call
Impound Lots
(Have your license plate number ready)

Minneapolis 612-673-5777
St. Paul 651-292-3642
Brooklyn Center, Crystal, Golden Valley, New Hope,
Robbinsdale, State Patrol 763-535-4015

Police Departments
Minneapolis 612-673-2853 (headquarter)
St. Paul 651-291-1111

Insurance Claims 

AAA	952-927-2518
Allstate	952-975-0500
GE Auto Insurance Companies	1-800-523-4040
Consumers Direct	1-800-467-5891
Farmers	1-888-344-4343
Geico	1-800-341-3000
Liberty Mutual	1-800-719-3333
MSI	651-631-4912
Nationwide	1-800-421-3535
Progressive	1-800-274-4499
Prudential	1-800-437-3535
Safeco	1-800-332-3226
State Farm	651-653-2300

Watch Your Car ™ Program
Toll-free 651-643-2576

Essentials of Preventing Auto Theft

• Never leave your car running without being in it.
• Always lock up and be sure all windows and sunroof are closed.
• Park in busy, well lit areas that are close to your destination.
• Store valuables out of sight, preferably in the truck and place them there before reaching your destination.
• Keep a spare key in your wallet or purse instead of hiding a key on your vehicle.

Other Hints

• Consider an anti-theft device, such as a steering wheel lock.
• Register your car with the “Watch Your Car”™ program. This program helps police know if your car is stolen.
• Keep garage doors locked when parking at home.
• Note the name of the valet service and ask the attendant to see a picture ID.
• When parking, turn wheels all the way to the left or right and engage parking brake to prevent thief from towing your vehicle.
• Don't carry a key chain with the type of vehicle on it.

We can help!!
Call our Crisis Line (612-340-5400) or send us an email. We may be able to assist you in obtaining police reports, finding out court dates, etc.

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My Purse or Wallet was Stolen! What do I do now?

Having your purse or wallet stolen can be a frustrating and sometimes frightening experience. There are steps you can take to get things back on track and we can help.

• Call the Council on Crime and Justice’s 24-hour crime victim hotline.
• Call 911 to file a report. They may be able to find who took it and you’ll have a report for insurance purposes.
• Call to cancel any credit cards and checking accounts. Also, call social security and driver's license to report your card stolen and order a new one.
• If your keys were taken, call a locksmith to change your house and car keys. The Victim Services hotline can refer you to a locksmith who can provide free or reduced-fee services if needed.

Remember, it is not your fault. This can happen to anyone!

Important Phone Numbers and Links:
CREDIT CARD NUMBERS:
• American Express 1-800-992-3404
• Diner's Club 1-800-234-6377
• Mastercard 1-800-307-7309
• Visa 1-800-336-8472
• Wells Fargo 1-800-642-4720
• Marshall Fields 612-307-5852
• Sears 1-800-347-8480
• JCPenney 1-800-542-0800

BANK NUMBERS 24-hour service
• Wells Fargo 1-800-869-3557 (1800TOWELLS)
• TCF 612-823 2265
• USBank 612-872-2657

CELLULAR COMPANY NUMBERS
• AT & T 1-800-462-4463
• T-Mobile 1-888-223-7425
• Nextel 1-800-639-8359
• Qwest Wireless 1-800-222-3772
• Verizon 1-800-594-8482

Social Security Card Replacement
1-800-772-1213

Driver's License Information
651- 296-6911

Suggestions and Prevention Tips

• Know where the nearest phone is.
• Go shopping with a friend.
• Only have a few dollars in your purse or wallet.
• Have a list at home of all your credit cards and account numbers.
• Carry your purse with the strap on your shoulder and the bag in front of you. If possible place the bag on your hip with the strap going across your body to opposite shoulder. In public places, carry your wallet in your front packet.
• Carry your keys in a front pocket that is accessible to you.
• Never put your name or address on your keys! Instead, attach your telephone number if you want to be notified if they are lost.

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How to Avoid Consumer Fraud

Home Improvement Scams:
Offer to pave driveway, repair roof, or paint house with supplies “left over from another job in the neighborhood”.
Shoddy work completed very quickly

Warning Signs/Red Flags:

• Traveling company with no local connections (drive pickup with out-of-state license plates)
• Cash payment demand
• Refusal to provide references or a warranty
• Final price higher than initial estimate

Characteristics of Living Trust Scams:
• Unsolicited visit by door-to-door salesperson who is a stranger.
• Sales pitch emphasizes need to avoid probate.
• Salesperson requires highly personal financial information.

Warning Signs/Red Flags:

• Grossly exaggerated estimate of cost of probating estate (i.e., your $80,000 estate will cost $9,600 to probate)
• Misleading statements about trusts: “A trust will protect your estate from inheritance tax”
• Thousands of dollars charged for boilerplate forms (blank forms)

Important Phone Number
COUNCIL ON CRIME AND JUSTICE
(612) 340-5400

SENIOR FEDERATION LEGAL REFERENCE PROGRAM
(651) 645-0261

SOCIAL SECURITY CARD REPLACEMENT
(800) 772-1213

CHARITIES REVIEW COUNCIL OF MINNESOTA
(651) 224-7030

ATTORNEY GENERAL’S OFFICE
1-800-657-3787
TDD (800) 366-4812

SENIOR LINKAGE
(for referrals to senior services)
(800) 333-2433

BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU
(651) 699-1111

SUGGESTIONS TO VICTIMS:
Contact local Police or Sheriff
Take time to consider purchase

You-Have-Won-A-Prize. Scam Characteristics
• Telephone Calls
• Computerized voice message
• Request for credit card number
• To win you must send money within a short time (usually 24 or 48 hours)

Warning Signs/Red Flags:

• Pressure to make quick decision to send money
• Out-of-state company usually within a P.O. Box mailing address
• Someone who states, “A credit card is never needed to confirm your identify, but it may be used for authorization charges (any reputable company will give you time to think)

What to do:
• Contact the Senior Federation Legal Referral Program
• Do not reveal credit card number
• Ask the Better Business Bureau for information about a company
• Consult with a trusted financial planner, stock broker, or banker
• Contribute to charities by check - cash donations are impossible to trace

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