LOWER MERION COMMUNITY WATCH
Burglary prevention, and crime prevention, in general, can only result from a cooperative effort between the residents of a community and their police department. One of the most important aspects of this total law enforcement effort in Lower Merion Township is the Community Watch.
Organized in 1977, the members of this important adjunct of the department provide a valuable service by patrolling our residential and commercial areas.
The Community Watch is always seeking new members. It is obvious that we become a more effective tool for protecting our community with the greater the number of volunteers we can put “on the street.” You must be 18 years of age or older and a resident of Lower Merion Township. If you are interested in becoming a part of this worthwhile organization, please contact the Crime Prevention Unit of the police department for more information. APPLICATION FOR TOWN WATCH
BURGLARY PREVENTION TIPS
Useful Burglary Prevention Tips
•LOCK YOUR DOORS AND WINDOWS – Most burglars are opportunists. Many gain entry by “cruising” the neighborhood looking for unlocked residences. This allows a quiet and easy entrance to your home.
•LIGHT UP THE OUTSIDE – Good exterior lighting is one of the best deterrents of a burglar. Inexpensive electric timers, electric photo-cells, or passive infrared sensors will automatically turn lights on and off. If a burglar is afraid they will be seen around your house they won’t approach it.
•DON’T GIVE A BURGLAR A PLACE TO HIDE – Shrubbery should never block the view of your exterior doors and windows. This allows a burglar a place to hide while they attempt to gain entry into your home. It also shields then from passing neighbors and police patrols.
•DOG INSIDE – Burglars hate dogs.There are basically two types of dogs that can boost your security: Guard dogs, the big, scarier looking ones that intimidate and alarm dogs, the yappy ones that alert you to someone’s presence around your home. Don’t buy a dog for the sake of security, but if you’re thinking about getting a dog that also helps keep your family safe, it’s something to consider.
•REPORT ALL SUSPICIOUS PERSONS TO THE POLICE – The MOST important thing you can so is to report all suspicious persons to the police immediately. “Cruising” the neighborhood can occur at anytime. This could help prevent you or your neighbor from becoming a possible target of a burglar.
•ALARM SYSTEMS – An Alarm system is excellent for home security. It provides peace of mind to homeowners, especially while on vacation. There is a wide variety of alarm systems on the market. Make several inquiries to different companies for the best security system available to you and your budget.
•SOCIAL MEDIA – Don’t post any status updates about your vacation while you’re still on vacation or post upcoming travel plans. One of the biggest mistakes you can make is posting anything about your vacation while you are still on it. A thief trolling social media or perhaps a friend with a delinquent brother who happens to see your vacation post, will be able to put two and two together and infer that you are not at home, since you are posting while on vacation. Never assume that your status post is going out to ‘friends only’ as your friend may have left their Facebook account logged in to a computer at the local library, allowing complete strangers to view your status posts.
IF YOUR HOME IS BROKEN INTO – DO NOT ENTER
The perpetrator may still be inside. ◦Use a cell phone or neighbor’s phone to call the police by dialing 9-1-1. ◦Do not touch anything or clean up until the police have inspected for evidence. ◦Write down the license plate number of any suspicious vehicles. ◦Note the description of any suspicious persons.
The Lower Merion Police Department is sponsoring a FREE home security survey. For more information see Security Survey.
Remember the three “L” of Crime Prevetnion: LIGHTS, LOCKS & the LAW
LIGHT up your residence, LOCK your doors at all times, and call the LAW when you see something suspicious.
LOWER MERION VACANT HOUSE PROGRAM
When you are on vacation or away from home in excess of 24 hours, you can contact the Lower Merion Police Department at 610-649-1000 to report your home vacant. You will be asked a series of questions which include:
- Your Name
- Your Address
- The dates you will be away
- An Emergency Contact Phone Number
- Whether or not that Emergency Contact person has a key to your home
- Whether or not you have an Alarm System
- If you have lights on timers
- And any other specific instructions you would like the Police to know
Based on this information, the Lower Merion Police Department will assign a patrol officer to check your home in your absence.
When you return, please contact the Police to inform them that you no longer need this service.
Community Notification and Resources
Nixle is a community information service that alerts you to public safety threats and community events via web, e-mail, and cell phone.
Montgomery County uses the Roam Secure Alert Network to immediately contact you during a major crisis or emergency. The Community Alert System delivers important emergency alerts, notifications and updates to you on all your devices….(MORE INFORMATION)
Lower Merion Community Network 