There have, in recent weeks, been a series of burglaries throughout Lower Merion. While it is likely it is not just one perpetrator, a number of the crimes have common characteristics. They have occurred after the resident has left the house, often with windows being broken to allow entry, with the intruders then going directly to the master bedroom to look for jewelry and other valuables. In light of the incidents, Superintendent Michael McGrath of the Lower Merion Police Department has issued the following information and suggestions. I encourage you to read them, and want to reiterate the advice continually given by the Police: If you see something unusual or suspicious in the neighborhood, call the Police. Superintendent McGrath has repeatedly emphasized that the best eyes and ears for the Police are our residents, who know their own neighborhood best. Lower Merion Township has long had one of the largest and best-trained police departments in the Commonwealth, and it is in our collective interest to provide them with assistance in helping them protect us.

Bruce D. Reed

Lower Merion Township Commissioner

Ward 13 (Cynwyd and Merion Park)

The Police Department reports that for the last few weeks burglaries have increased in frequency around the Township. These are primarily occurring during the daytime and at unoccupied homes. The Police Department has redeployed all available resources to specifically address this issue. The property targeted is jewelry and electronic equipment. In order to effectively protect yourselves and your property, the Police Department is making the following recommendations:

• Immediately report any suspicious people or vehicles seen in your neighborhood. Frequently, a person (male or female) will randomly knock on doors to determine if the home is occupied and if confronted provides a cover story that they are lost and came to the wrong address. If there is no answer at the door, this person acts as a lookout while an accomplice(s) enters the home.
• Utilize your Alarm System when away from your home. It only takes a few extra moments when you leave and return to ensure that the system is protecting you and your property.
• Do not leave signs that you are away. Lock your doors, close garage doors, put lights on timers or motion sensors, pick up newspapers and stop paper and mail delivery if you are going to be away for any length of time. If you have an extra car, leave it in the driveway rather than the garage. Ask a relative or neighbor to keep an eye on the house in your absence.
• Sign up for a free Crime Alert System from the Lower Merion Police Department. You can quickly and easily sign up for Crime Alerts from the Police Department at Nixle.com. The system can deliver timely information to your cell phone or email address, whichever you determine. The information comes directly from the Police Department and is completely secure.

Please take a few moments to consider these tips and to sign up to the Crime Alert System. Working together, we can help prevent the spread of crime and protect our community.