osoab
26th April 2011, 02:07 PM
Better close your windows. :D
Maybe a good idea for the "criminal" to follow the cop and hit the houses with the green tags. ;D
Oh, over leveraged people, unemployment, high taxes, and corrupt judicial system has nothing to do with crime.
Good to know.
New program in Conewago Township will post notice at homes where thefts are likely to occur. (http://www.eveningsun.com/localnews/ci_17919487?source=rss)
Conewago Township Police hope that a new program can help residents deter thefts.
At last week's meeting, Police Chief David Williams explained a new strategy in which officers will place "Crime Prevention Notice" hang-tags on the doorknobs of residences that appear vulnerable.
Text on one side of the bright green tags explain them to homeowners.
"It has been determined that persons with unlawful intent often look for inviting conditions prior to selecting a target for their crime," cites the hang-tag to be filled in with the specifics by the officer. "While on patrol in your neighborhood I noticed a condition that by it's shear existence might prove to be a threat to your property."
The tag asks the resident to review the suggestions and identifies the officer who wrote them and his identification number.
"We often see expensive 10-speed bikes just laying out in the yard," Williams said. "That's almost an invitation to steal it. We want to encourage people to conceal their valuables and discourage crime."
The back of the hang-tag has a list of possible crime inviting situations, including doors, windows, garages, gates, and vehicles left open or unlocked, bicycles or motorcycles not secured, parcels left by delivery persons, newspapers or mail not collected, or boating/camping/RV equipment not properly secured.
The tag also has a spot that can be checked by the officer if the property was inspected and found to be secure.
The new program replaces the "What can I steal?" approach instituted by the township about two years ago, Williams said. The previous program, called the "Midnight Shift," notified the residents by letter if patrolling officers noticed scenarios that could lead to thefts.
That initiative had two drawbacks, Williams said. It took several days for the residents to get the letter and it cost the township money to mail them.
"This way the residents get their notice right away and the township saves the money it would have spent on postage," Williams said. "We think this new program will be appreciated by our residents."
It might take a few weeks for residents to get used to the hang-tags, Williams said, adding that officers hope residents will be prompted to identify what should be placed under lock and key without being warned.
In related news, Williams said the township's most recent Neighborhood Watch meeting packed the township's large meeting room.
Conewago Township began its Neighborhood Watch program about four years ago, Williams said, and the group has since grown to dozens of members throughout the community.
"The room was full and there was at least three times that everyone was completely silent as it sunk in that substance abuse is the No. 1 culprit driving up costs within our community," Williams said.
One Conewago Township resident in particular had everyone's undivided attention, Williams said, as she explained that she was a recovering addict that once had a $3,000 a week drug habit.
"That really made everyone think," Williams said. "Not only that this neighbor was once an addict but where did she get the money to spend on her habit? It was evident that drugs are fueling thefts and other crimes throughout the area."
Maybe a good idea for the "criminal" to follow the cop and hit the houses with the green tags. ;D
Oh, over leveraged people, unemployment, high taxes, and corrupt judicial system has nothing to do with crime.
Good to know.
New program in Conewago Township will post notice at homes where thefts are likely to occur. (http://www.eveningsun.com/localnews/ci_17919487?source=rss)
Conewago Township Police hope that a new program can help residents deter thefts.
At last week's meeting, Police Chief David Williams explained a new strategy in which officers will place "Crime Prevention Notice" hang-tags on the doorknobs of residences that appear vulnerable.
Text on one side of the bright green tags explain them to homeowners.
"It has been determined that persons with unlawful intent often look for inviting conditions prior to selecting a target for their crime," cites the hang-tag to be filled in with the specifics by the officer. "While on patrol in your neighborhood I noticed a condition that by it's shear existence might prove to be a threat to your property."
The tag asks the resident to review the suggestions and identifies the officer who wrote them and his identification number.
"We often see expensive 10-speed bikes just laying out in the yard," Williams said. "That's almost an invitation to steal it. We want to encourage people to conceal their valuables and discourage crime."
The back of the hang-tag has a list of possible crime inviting situations, including doors, windows, garages, gates, and vehicles left open or unlocked, bicycles or motorcycles not secured, parcels left by delivery persons, newspapers or mail not collected, or boating/camping/RV equipment not properly secured.
The tag also has a spot that can be checked by the officer if the property was inspected and found to be secure.
The new program replaces the "What can I steal?" approach instituted by the township about two years ago, Williams said. The previous program, called the "Midnight Shift," notified the residents by letter if patrolling officers noticed scenarios that could lead to thefts.
That initiative had two drawbacks, Williams said. It took several days for the residents to get the letter and it cost the township money to mail them.
"This way the residents get their notice right away and the township saves the money it would have spent on postage," Williams said. "We think this new program will be appreciated by our residents."
It might take a few weeks for residents to get used to the hang-tags, Williams said, adding that officers hope residents will be prompted to identify what should be placed under lock and key without being warned.
In related news, Williams said the township's most recent Neighborhood Watch meeting packed the township's large meeting room.
Conewago Township began its Neighborhood Watch program about four years ago, Williams said, and the group has since grown to dozens of members throughout the community.
"The room was full and there was at least three times that everyone was completely silent as it sunk in that substance abuse is the No. 1 culprit driving up costs within our community," Williams said.
One Conewago Township resident in particular had everyone's undivided attention, Williams said, as she explained that she was a recovering addict that once had a $3,000 a week drug habit.
"That really made everyone think," Williams said. "Not only that this neighbor was once an addict but where did she get the money to spend on her habit? It was evident that drugs are fueling thefts and other crimes throughout the area."