Community ALERTS

Police have numerous reports of two (2) males going door to door claiming that they are selling magazine subscriptions for a college trip. The actors claim to live in the neighborhood and state that the magazines are for the US troops that are stationed overseas. The actors do not live in the neighborhood, they do not have a permit to solicit door to door in the township and in one case, when the actors were in a home of a resident, items were missing from the residence soon after the actors left. The Colonial Regional Police ask the residents of Hanover Township if actors come to their door, do not invite them in and contact the police immediately. If any resident has given these actors money, they are asked to contact the police to file a police report. The non-emergency telephone number for the Colonial Regional Police Department is 610.330.2200 or 610.317.0808

Hanover Twp - April 2009

CRPD is currently investigating more vehicle break-ins that have occurred over night 4/5/09 - 4/6/09. The actors have targeted the areas of Greenleaf Drive, Greenfield Drive, Gloria Lane, Claire Street and Brentwood. The actors either broke car windows to get into cars or the cars were left unlocked. The actors took GPS units, IPods, purses and money that was left in the vehicles. The police ask that if anyone has seen anyone suspicious in those neighborhoods to report it. Callers can remain anonymous.

PLEASE REMEMBER TO LOCK YOUR VEHICLES AND DO NOT LEAVE ANYTHING OF VALUE IN THE VEHICLE.

Lower Nazareth Twp - January 2009

CRPD are currently investigating four (4) daytime burglaries that have occurred in the Lower Nazareth Twp area since 12/23/08. The actor(s) have gained entry into the homes during the day while the residents are not home, either by an unlocked door/window or by kicking the rear door in. In every burglary money and jewelry has been taken. The police ask the residents to make sure their homes are secure and to contact the police if they see anything suspicious in their neighborhood.

Bath Borough - January 27, 2009

CRPD are investigating a burglary that had occurred on 1/27/09 at approximately 3pm. The residents located at 228 Penn Street reported that an actor came to their residence and stated to the elderly residents that he was hired by the neighbors to put a fence at the neighbor's home. The actor requested that the elderly residents follow him outside to show him where the property line was. The actor kept the residents outside for about 15-20 minutes while two other males entered the house and took a sizable amount of money, along with a safe. The actor's drove through the homeowner's yard to load the safe. The actors were described as three males that spoke with an accent, driving a black van or SUV.

ALL Areas - December 2008

CRPD is continuing to receive reports of thefts from motor vehicles throughout Hanover Township and Lower Nazareth Township. The actors are targeting cars that are UNLOCKED and are entering those vehicles taking anything that they can carry. The Police are requesting that residents LOCK THEIR VEHICLES at all times. DO NOT LEAVE ANYTHING IN VIEW that would be tempting to a thief. Do not leave holiday gifts in your vehicle and be sure to remove any GPS units. Areas that have been victimized are in the Jacksonville Road - Hanover Township area and the Schlegel Avenue - Lower Nazareth Township area.

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Safety tips ....

Driving

Keep all car doors locked and windows closed while in or out of your car.
Set your alarm or use an anti-theft device.
If you must shop at night, park in a well-lighted area.
Avoid parking next to vans, trucks with camper shells, or cars with tinted windows.
Park as close as you can to your destination and take notice of where you parked.
Never leave your car unoccupied with the motor running or with children inside.
Do not leave packages or valuables on the seat of your car. This creates a temptation for thieves.
If you must leave something in the car, lock it in the trunk or put it out of sight.
Be sure to locate your keys prior to going to your car.
Keep a secure hold on your purse, handbag and parcels.
Do not put them down or on top of the car in order to open the door.
When approaching and leaving your vehicle be aware of your surroundings.
Do not approach your car alone if there are suspicious people in the area.
Ask mall or store security for an escort before leaving your shopping location.

Automated Teller Machine (ATM)

If you must use an ATM, choose one that is located inside a mall or well-lighted location.
Withdraw only the amount of cash you need.
Protect your PIN by shielding the ATM keypad from anyone who is standing near you.
Do not throw your ATM receipt away at the ATM location.

Shopping

Shop during daylight hours whenever possible. If you must shop at night, go with a friend or family member.
Dress casually and comfortably.
Avoid wearing expensive jewelry.
Do not carry a purse or wallet, if possible.
Always carry your Driver's License or Identification Card along with necessary cash, checks and/or a credit card you expect to use.
Even though you are rushed and thinking about a thousand things, stay alert to your surroundings.
Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
Pay for purchases with a check or credit card when possible.
Keep cash in your front pocket.
Notify the credit card issuer immediately if your credit card is lost, stolen or misused.
Keep a record of all of your credit card numbers in a safe place at home.
Be extra careful if you do carry a wallet or purse. They are the prime targets of criminals in crowded shopping areas, transportation terminals, bus stops, on buses and other rapid transit.
Avoid overloading yourself with packages. It is important to have clear visibility and freedom of motion to avoid mishaps.
Beware of strangers approaching you for any reason. At this time of year, "con-artists" may try various methods of distracting you with the intention of taking your money or belongings.

Children

If possible, leave small children at home with a trusted babysitter.
Teach your child to go to a store clerk and ask for help in case your child is separated from you.
Teach children to stay close to you at all times while shopping.
Never allow children to make unaccompanied trips to the restroom.
Children should never be allowed to go to the car alone and they should never be left alone in the car.
Teach children their full name, address and telephone number to give to police officers or mall security.
Teach children to immediately inform you if a stranger is bothering them.

At Home

Be extra cautious about locking doors and windows when you leave the house, even for a few minutes.
When leaving home for an extended time, have a neighbor or family member watch your house and pick up your newspapers and mail.
Indoor and outdoor lights should be on an automatic timer.
Leave a radio or television on so the house looks and sounds occupied.

Frayed or damaged wiring can cause a fire.
DO NOT leave front doors/garage doors open while working in the backyard.

Strangers at Your Door

Be aware that criminals sometimes pose as couriers delivering packages.
It is not uncommon for criminals to take advantage of the generosity of people by soliciting donations door-to-door for charitable causes although no charity is involved.
Ask for their identification, and find out how the donated funds will be used. If you are not satisfied, do not donate.
Donate to a recognized charitable organization.

Hosting a Party

Have non-alcoholic beverages available for party guests.
Find alternative transportation for intoxicated guests.
Arrange for an official designated driver for your party who will not drink at all.

Attending a Party

Have something to eat before consuming alcoholic beverages.
Eat high protein foods that will stay in your stomach longer and slow the absorption of alcohol into your system.
Remember only time will eliminate the alcohol from your body.
Know your safe limit.
Never drink and drive.

If you suspect anything suspicious.....dial 911

2009 Colonial Regional Police Department