Police Department News

Tips for Preventing Vehicle Break-Ins

Having your vehicle broken into is not something we hope for, in fact, we hope for the exact opposite. Unfortunately, no matter where you go, there is a possibility of a break-in. But, there is a lot you can do to prevent it. The Lower Providence Township Police Department has unfortunately seen several vehicle break-ins lately. Below is a list of tips to help prevent thieves from targeting your vehicle.

Decatur Electronics Speed Trailer

The Lower Providence Township Police Department has implemented another resourceful piece of equipment to help prevent speeding motorists in residential neighborhoods. The Decatur Electronics Speed Display Trailer was deployed in March of this year and shows a vehicle's speed, displays various messages, and has flashing red and blue lights. The goal is to help motorists become more aware of speed limits, especially in residential areas, to prevent any unfortunate accidents.

Do You Need to Be Fingerprinted?

The Lower Providence Township Police Department offers fingerprinting to anyone who lives or works in Lower Providence Township for a fee of $25.00 dollars. Many times, residents are looking to get fingerprinted for employment purposes, licensing, immigration, or background checks. To make an appointment, call retired police sergeant Daniel McCabe at 610-5395901.

Always lock your vehicle.

Do it every time, no matter where you are or how long you will be away. Do not leave anything of value in plain sight.

Use lockable consoles and compartments, place items in the cargo area, or take them with you. Remember to stow them before parking in case someone is watching. Keep it tidy.

Any item visible from the outside can be seen as valuable. Stow electronics and accessories out of sight or remove them. Evidence alone may be enough to interest thieves, so hide power cords, iPod adapters, or navigation system mounts. Completely close windows and sunroofs.

Thieves may reach in through the gap and open locks with a hanger. Any opening leaves you more vulnerable to vehicle breakins and may provide them with additional time to loot it. Increase your visibility.

Park in busy, well-lit areas and avoid concealment from other vehicles, fences, or foliage, if possible. The greater the chances are that someone might see a crime in progress, the lower the risk that a potential thief will attempt it. your property throughout the day and night. If anything out of the ordinary is observed,officers will investigate further and contact you if needed.

Signs of a SCAM

1. Scammers pretend to be from an organization you know.

They often pretend to be contacting you on behalf of the government. They may use a real name, like the Social Security Administration, the IRS, or Medicare.

2. Scammers say there is a problem or a prize.

They may say you are in trouble with the government, you owe money, or someone in your family had an emergency.

3. Scammers pressure you to act immediately.

They may threaten to arrest you, sue you, or take away your driver's or business license.

4. Scammers tell you to pay in a specific way.

They often insist that you pay by spending money through a money transfer company or by putting money on a gift card and then giving them the number on the back. Some will send you a check (that will later turn out to be fake), tell you to deposit it, and then send them money.

Remember not to give out your personal or financial information to a request that you did not expect. Resist the pressure to act immediately; legitimate businesses will give you time to make a decision.

Vacation Home Checks

Are you going away on vacation or leaving for a business trip? The Lower Providence Township Police Department offers a courtesy service where we will check on your home while you are away to confirm no criminal mischief takes place. You can visit our website at www.lowerprovidence.org to fill out an application. Officers will periodically check on the exterior or