Firearm-Related Crimes Rising In Bensalem Township

BENSALEM TOWNSHIP, PA —Besides the recent rise of crimes involving ATVs, Bensalem Police have another issue that statistically might surpass or exceed last year's figures.

Firearm-related crimes this year could top the 2022 figure of 75, Sgt. Glenn Vandegrift said.

"We have no official numbers to date, but we are on track to meet or exceed 2022," he said.

Vandegrift provided Patch with statistics over a five-year span of firearm-related crimes.

While last year hit 75 crimes, 2021 was much higher with 99 crimes reported, he said. That number was more than double the 2020 figure of 47 as the pandemic ended and more people were able to leave their homes. Firearm-related crimes totaled 49 in 2019.

Vandegrift could not provide a number for gun seizures over that same period but did state that police have seized nine firearms so far year to date.

While the total number of guns seized is much higher, Vandegrift said these nine seizures are somewhat significant.

"These guns were also seized primarily during traffic stops for minor traffic violations," he said.

Every one of those seized firearms was also taken from a person who by law was precluded from carrying a firearm and was charged with PA Crimes Code Section 6105 Persons Not to Possess, Use, Manufacture, Control, Sell or Transfer Firearms, Vandegrift said.

Of late, the township has cracked down on ATV crimes, which have been rising recently. The township passed a "zero tolerance" policy on illegal dirt bikes and ATVs riding on private property. Police said the ATV complaints will top 2022's tally.

Meanwhile, Public Safety Director William McVey issued a memo in which he discussed the impact of Philadelphia's crimes on the suburbs.

With Bensalem being a stone's throw from the city's borders. McVey said that 40 percent of the township's crimes come from Philadelphia.