Vigilance the Best Burglary Deterrent, Police Chief Says

The Lower Merion Police held a community meeting on public safety Thursday night, and one resident asked police Superintendent Mike McGrath if he had one piece of advice for residents.

“Talk to your neighbors,” McGrath said.  “Get to know your neighborhood, and call 911 when you see anything suspicious.”

Police called Thursday’s meeting after a recent rash of burglaries in the township.  So far in 2013 there have been 213 burglaries in the township, and the township has averaged 204 per year from 2010-2013.

“There’s been a real uptick in the last six months,” McGrath said.  “These are problems we’re seeing in all parts of Lower Merion.”

McGrath also encouraged residents to call 911 whenever they see suspicious activity, even if it isn’t an emergency.

“You can use 911 as a way to get a hold of the police,” McGrath said.  “If you dial 911 or the ten digit number, they both go to the same person.”

Lt. David Snyder said that the best eyes on the street the police can have in a neighborhood are the residents.

“You know what looks normal,” Lt. Snyder said.  “You know what you should see.”

Snyder added, “If you see or feel like something is making you uncomfortable, don’t be afraid to call the police.  People aren’t suspicious.  Behavior is suspicious.”

McGrath also said that there are a lot of simple things people can do to prevent crimes.

“The majority of the theft from vehicles we have are from unlocked cars,” McGrath said.  “Make sure your cars are locked.  Lock up when you leave the house. A lot of residents pay for an alarm system, but they don’t turn it on.”

McGrath said that the police can relate most of the crime in the area to drugs.

“Almost all of the theft that we see is drug related,” MCGrath said.  “People need quick cash so they can get their fix for the day.”

McGrath added, “But what does that mean for the next day.  It means that they have to do it all over again.”

“Keep calling in suspicious activity,” McGrath said.  “Don’t be afraid to call 911 if you see something, anything.”