Burglary Trend Identified In Lower Merion, Police Urge Vigilance

LOWER MERION TOWNSHIP, PA — Police in Lower Merion Township said a burglary trend has been identified in four neighborhoods recently.

Lower Merion Police are investigating recent burglaries in Villanova, Gladwyne, Bryn Mawr, and Penn Valley.

Victims of the recent burglaries results in the loss of jewelry, cash, and electronics.

Police said all burglaries have occurred between 4 p.m. and 10 p.m. while the homes were unoccupied.

"This crime trend is affecting our region and beyond. Highly organized burglary rings are suspected to be responsible," police said in the announcement. "The rings are transient and highly mobile. It is important to know that they do not want to confront homeowners, which is why they target unoccupied homes. Nonetheless, be vigilant and be careful."

With the recent trend of residential break-ins, police are increasing marked and unmarked patrols to the affected areas to interdict potential offenders, working with law enforcement partners to share criminal intelligence and develop potential suspects, and using all technical and forensic means to evaluate any potential evidence and develop suspects.

Residents should review any surveillance footage for any suspicious circumstances between Oct. 22 and Nov. 5. Anyone with information or who sees any criminal activity should call 911.

Police encourage residents who expect to be away from their hoes for more than 48 hours to use the department's Vacant House program by calling 610-649-1000 or going online here. This program lets residents give police their contact information, travel destination, and emergency contact information. Patrol officers will be assigned to conduct periodic security inspections of homes while residents are away.

Police issued the following tips for residents in the township:

• If you see something, say something. Watch out for your neighbors and your neighborhood. If something looks suspicious, call 9-1-1. We will respond and investigate.
• Keep doors and windows locked when not using them, along with keeping garage doors down.
• Keep interior lights on timers, and the exterior of your home well lit. Burglars do not want to encounter homeowners so anything you can do to suggest someone is home can be a deterrent.
• If you have an alarm, please arm it when away or arm the perimeter when inside for a period with no intention of leaving. If your alarm has an audible siren, utilize it to help deter any potential intruders. We know that burglars want anonymity, and frequently flee when audible or visual signals suddenly reveal their entry to a home.
• If able, consider adding window sensors to second story windows or any points of entry that overlook a first story roofline. Consider adding motion sensors to second floor hallways, especially outside of sleeping spaces or places where valuables are concentrated.
• If you have cameras, please make sure they are in working order. If you use battery operated cameras, please make sure that they are charged regularly and connected to your selected monitoring application.
• Do not leave ladders around which can give easier access to second floor exterior entry points. Do not stack patio furniture or other large items near first story rooflines to prevent easy climbing points.