The Sun sat down with Palmyra PD to find out more about the recent string of crimes
Much to the chagrin of Palmyra police and residents of Palmyra Harbour near the Palmyra-Tacony Bridge, five forced-entry burglaries have occured in the area over the course of five months.
What’s more alarming, according to police, is the perpetrators managed to enter through the front door each time without being seen. While that may be a good track record for the burglars, residents are likely wondering what they can do to keep that 0–5 tally from climbing any higher. Palmyra PD’s Lt. Meghan Campbell and Det. Arek Arargil said there are a few measures those living in the 4000 and 5000 sections of Harbour Drive can take to help police and protect their homes.
Report suspicious persons or vehicles immediately
“If residents see something suspicious, they need to report it right away and not hours later,” Aragil said, noting several neighbors who heard loud noises or saw unfamiliar people did not come forward until after crimes were committed.
Campbell added while the department has increased patrols of the area and is following up on leads, the cooperation and vigilance of residents are crucial in putting a stop to the string of forced entries that have plagued the Harbour, which saw its most recent burglaries on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
According to police reports, some residents believe they saw a tall, overweight white male with blonde hair in his 40s go door-to-door and later leave in a dark SUV. Another resident reported seeing a possible lookout, a heavy set black woman between 40 and 50 years old, pacing the area until being spotted.
Be on the lookout for rental trucks, which are often used in burglaries. If residents witness anything unusual, they can reach dispatch by calling (856) 829–0191.
Talk to your association
If possible, Aragil and Campbell advise reaching out to housing associations for assistance.
“I wish the apartment complexes would install [security cameras] them themselves, but that’s up to them,” Aragil said.
Requesting additional protection in lieu of the recent pattern of burglaries is a reasonable request, and the more residents ask, the more likely they will be to receive accommodation.
Install your own security
Purchasing your own system may not be ideal, but in the digital age, there are plenty of affordable options that can be sent right to your home. Home security options not only capture thieves on camera, but may also help deter potential burglaries.
“They’re extremely helpful and useful if they’re of good quality and positioned correctly,” Campbell added.
Purchasing a plan from a home security company is another viable option, and it doesn’t have to break the bank.
