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As the holiday season arrives in full swing, Fort Dodgers are hitting “place order” at record speed. With Cyber Monday behind us and online shopping ramping up, our front porches are about to become busier than Santa’s workshop.
But while we look forward to the joy of holiday deliveries, there's a not-so-joyful trend sweeping across the state: package theft.

Iowans Are 150% More Likely to Experience Porch Theft

It’s a surprising and unsettling statistic—Iowans are 150% more likely to have a package stolen from their porch than the average American.
That means taking steps to protect holiday deliveries isn’t just a good idea—it’s necessary.

To help combat this growing problem, the Safe Communities Coalition, a program of the Fort Dodge Community Foundation, is encouraging families to "Grinch-proof" their homes this season.

And what better way to share the message than with a little festive fun?

Holiday Delivery Safety Tips for Fort Dodge Families

Inspired by the Whos’ cleverness, here are real-world steps you can take to keep your holiday deliveries out of the hands of porch pirates:

1. Use Delivery Alerts

Sign up for text or email notifications so you know exactly when a package arrives.

2. Install Video Doorbells or Cameras

Even inexpensive models can deter thieves and monitor activity.

3. Bring Packages Inside Promptly

The less time a package sits outside, the lower the risk.

4. Explore Delivery Alternatives

Consider having packages delivered to your workplace, a trusted neighbor, or a secure pick-up locker.

5. Use Lockboxes or Hidden Areas

Secure boxes or tucked-away drop spots can keep items out of sight—and out of mind for thieves.

6. Request Signature on Delivery When Possible

This ensures your package won’t be left unattended.

A Community Effort to Keep the Season Bright

The Safe Communities Coalition of Fort Dodge & Webster County is committed to helping residents stay safe, informed, and connected. By spreading awareness about delivery theft prevention, the Coalition aims to foster safer neighborhoods and stronger relationships between law enforcement and the community.

This holiday season, let’s work together—just like the Whos do—to protect our homes, our packages, and the joy of giving. ... See MoreSee Less

Have a safe and Happy Thanksgiving ... See MoreSee Less

AI: The Danger of Blurring the Lines Between Reality and Illusion
Artificial intelligence is transforming the way we live, work, and communicate. For children and teens, it can feel almost magical — a tool that listens, talks back, and seems to understand. But when AI begins to fill emotional or social roles once reserved for real human connection, the line between technology and friendship can become dangerously blurred.

Chatbot: Our Children’s “Frenemy”
AI chatbots are here to stay. When used responsibly, they can be helpful tools for learning, creativity, and even emotional support. However, when children begin turning to these programs as trusted friends, the dynamic can shift into risky territory.

Platforms like Character.AI, for example, let users design custom “friends” they can talk to — characters that respond affectionately, remember conversations, and even mimic empathy. While this might seem harmless, these chatbots aren’t capable of genuine care or moral judgment. Their primary goal is to keep the user engaged — and that can mean agreeing with or reinforcing even unhealthy or unsafe thoughts.

When AI Becomes Harmful
Recent research highlights just how serious this issue can become. When researchers from the Center for Countering Digital Hate posed as 13-year-olds and asked ChatGPT about sensitive topics like suicide, self-harm, and hiding eating disorders, 53% of the AI’s responses were harmful. Even more troubling, 47% of those harmful replies included follow-up messages that encouraged dangerous behavior.

This shows how easily a well-intentioned technology can become a source of harm. Because AI systems are designed to be agreeable — to keep users talking — they may inadvertently validate or even encourage risky behaviors instead of guiding vulnerable young users toward safety and support.

The Illusion of Friendship
To a child or teen who feels isolated, stressed, or misunderstood, a chatbot that always listens and never judges can feel like a lifeline. But unlike a real friend, AI can’t truly empathize or recognize when someone is in danger. What feels like comfort can quickly turn into manipulation — not because the AI “means” harm, but because it doesn’t understand the consequences of its words.

This false sense of connection can discourage children from seeking real help from trusted adults, teachers, or counselors. Over time, reliance on AI for emotional support can increase loneliness, reinforce harmful thinking patterns, and blur the line between digital illusion and reality.

What Parents and Communities Can Do
Protecting children from the unintended dangers of AI begins with awareness and open communication.
Here are some practical steps for families and communities:

Start the conversation early. Talk with kids about what AI is — and what it isn’t. Explain that while chatbots can be helpful tools, they’re not real friends or mental health resources.

Set boundaries. Encourage balance between online and offline relationships. Limit unsupervised time on platforms that allow private AI chats.

Monitor interactions. Learn which apps and chatbots your children are using and how they engage with them.

Promote real connection. Encourage in-person friendships, family activities, and conversations with trusted adults.

Know where to find help. If your child is struggling, connect with local mental health professionals or reach out to national helplines such as the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

Building Safe Communities Together
The Safe Communities Coalition of Fort Dodge and Webster County is committed to educating families about emerging digital risks like AI misuse. By promoting awareness and encouraging open dialogue, we can ensure technology remains a positive influence — a tool for learning and connection, not a substitute for human care.

Because while chatbots may simulate empathy, real safety, understanding, and support can only come from human connection. ... See MoreSee Less

Getting the Facts About Identity Theft: The Importance of Strong Passwords
In today’s connected world, passwords are often the only thing standing between a hacker and your most personal information. Unfortunately, millions of passwords end up on the dark web every year — and many can be cracked in a matter of minutes.

A study from Kaspersky examining 193 million leaked passwords revealed some startling truths:

45% of passwords can be cracked in less than one minute using modern tools and algorithms.

Another 25% can be broken in under an hour.

Only a small fraction — those that are long, random, and unique — hold up against today’s cyberattacks.

When you think about it, that means the majority of people are still relying on weak or predictable passwords, leaving their accounts and personal data vulnerable to identity theft.

Why Strong Passwords Matter
Strong passwords can feel frustrating — hard to remember, difficult to type, and constantly changing. But the extra effort pays off in a big way. Hackers use automated programs that test millions of password combinations per second. If your password is something simple like “123456,” “password,” or includes common words, it’s likely to be guessed instantly.

By contrast, a strong password that uses a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols — and avoids dictionary words — can take years, even centuries, to break.

Think of your password as the lock on your digital front door. You wouldn’t use a flimsy lock on your home, so don’t settle for a weak password online.

Tips for Creating a Strong Password
Here are a few simple but powerful steps to boost your password security:

Make it long – Aim for at least 12–15 characters.

Mix it up – Use a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols.

Avoid personal info – Don’t include your name, birthday, or pet’s name.

Use passphrases – Combine random words to make a memorable phrase (e.g., CandleRiver!Mountain47).

Use a password manager – These tools help generate and securely store unique passwords for every account.

Protecting Yourself and Your Community
Identity theft doesn’t just affect individuals — it impacts families, workplaces, and entire communities. The Safe Communities Coalition of Fort Dodge & Webster County is working to educate residents on how to strengthen online safety habits, reduce risk, and promote positive engagement between law enforcement and the public.

If you’re part of a group interested in learning more about how to avoid identity theft, the Safe Communities Coalition offers presentations and resources tailored for your organization.

📞 Call 515-573-3178 to learn more or schedule a session. ... See MoreSee Less