CRIME PREVENTION TIP OF THE MONTH

Community Affairs and Crime Prevention: Sgt. William Watson

The Community Affairs/Crime Prevention office is open 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.

Phone #- 856-662-2474 ext. 320

Email address: wwatson@merchantvillenj.gov

FAX #- 856-665-1662

The Crime Prevention office coordinates the Neighborhood Watch program. If you are interested in becoming “the eyes and ears” for the police department, the Crime Prevention office will tell you how to become a part of this program and remain anonymous. The Crime Prevention Unit will, upon request, conduct a security survey of your property and give you a written report with recommendations on how to make your property more safe and secure.

 

Teen driving video 

TAKING CHARGE –  WHAT TO DO IF YOUR IDENTY IS STOLEN   [See Details]

ATTENTION RESIDENTS

Recently in our town and in surrounding towns, there have been a few unattended packages being taken from the doorsteps of homes. The suspect(s) usually drive or walk around the neighborhood and look for packages sitting on doorsteps, they will then walk up and take it.

If you are having something delivered, try to be home or have someone you trust to be there so the package can be taken in immediately. If you see someone driving or walking slowly around the neighborhood,

the call the police and have them check things out. Anything you can remember about the person or vehicle including a description or direction of travel would be helpful.

PILL BOX COLLECTIONS

The Merchantville Police Department is pleased to announce that we now have a permanent pill collection container located in Borough Hall. In the past, we collected old or unused drugs twice per year.

Old drugs can now be turned in during normal business hours which are Mon-Fri 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. The container is located in the main hallway next to the drinking fountain.

If residents have any questions, please feel free to contact the police department at 856-662-0507.

MERCHANTVILLE POLICE INFORMATION: PREVENTING BURGLARY A GUIDE FOR CITIZENS

Recently there was a suspicious incident where a person went to the door of a private home and identified himself as an alarm company repairman. He had no ID and the resident did not allow him to enter. The police were called, but the individual left the area prior to police arriving. The police did contact the alarm company this person claimed to be working for. They were told that the company never sends anyone to any customer without making an appointment first.

Even with an appointment, the alarm company personnel will have proper identification. This is also the same policy for utility workers.

Don’t let anyone in your home if you are not sure of their ID or they do not have any ID. Call the police. Even if you do have an appointment for someone to come to your home to do some work or check some equipment, or read a meter, and you feel uneasy about them, call the police. Let the police check them out. If they are legal they will not mind. You are not required to let anyone into your home.

MERCHANTVILLE POLICE NOTICE:

Please remember to lock your vehicle whenever, and wherever you park it. Don’t leave anything out in plain sight, on the dash, or the console or seats.

If you use a GPS that is either dash or windshield mounted, remember to remove the mounting bracket along with the unit. Leaving the bracket on the dash is a signal that you have a GPS.

Don’t leave change in small compartments in the console or the dash. A thief looks for these signs of valuables in a vehicle. Most thieves will attempt to open a vehicle door. If it is locked they will move on.

If they see a cell phone, cash, or a GPS in the vehicle, they may try to break a window to get into it.

It only takes a second to safeguard your valuables. Store them out of sight, and lock the vehicle doors.

Let your family, friends, and neighbors know these thefts have happened and the best way to prevent it from happening to you is carefully secure your valuables and lock your vehicle.

FALSE ALARMS INFORMATION

Burglary Prevention Basics

No town is completely safe from crime, and the police can’t be everywhere at all times.

Part of the job is up to you to keep your home or apartment safe from burglary. Take these precautions so you don’t become a victim.

Make your home look occupied, and make it difficult to break in.

  1. Lock all outside doors and windows before you leave the house or go to bed (even if it is for a short time, lock your doors).
  2. Leave lights, TV, and/or radio on when you go out. If you are going to be away for a length of time, connect some lamps to automatic timers to turn them on in the evening and off during the day.
  3. Do not allow daily deliveries of mail, newspapers or flyers to build-up while you are away. Arrange for the post office to hold your mail or arrange for a friend or neighbor to retrieve it daily.
  4. Arrange for your lawn to be mowed if you are going away for an extended time.
  5. Pushbutton locks on doorknobs are easy for burglars to open. Install deadbolt locks on all your outside doors.
  6. If you come home to find an unexplained open/broken window/door, do not enter – the perpetrator may still be inside and do not touch anything or clean up until the police have inspected for evidence.
  7. Write down the license plate numbers of any suspicious vehicles.
  8. Note the descriptions of any suspicious persons.
  9. Never leave keys under doormats, flowerpots, mailboxes or other “secret” hiding places; burglars know where to look for hide-a-keys.
  10. Form an informal Neighborhood Watch Group with your neighbors or contact Sgt William Watson of the Community Affairs Unit at 856-662-2474, ext 320 for more information on Merchantville’s Neighborhood Watch.
  11. The “MOST” important thing “YOU” can do is “CALL THE POLICE” to report a “CRIME” or any “SUSPICIOUS” activity. You have to be the eyes of your neighborhood. And remember you can always remain a pair of anonymous eyes.

How to report a street light out?

You can call the Community Affairs Officer at (856) 662-2474 x 320, by email: wwatson@merchantvillenj.gov or you can call directly to Public Service Electric & Gas (PSE&G) at 800-436-PSEG (7734)

Residents can give the police department information about your property in case of emergencies by completing the

BOROUGH OF MERCHANTVILLE RESIDENT EMERGENCY INFORMATION FORM