'Uptick' In Crimes Against Property Prompts Alert In Horsham Township

HORSHAM TOWNSHIP, PA —With "an uptick in crimes against property" sweeping the Montgomery and Bucks counties recently, the township's police chief is alerting residents to take protective measures.

Horsham Township Police Chief Scott J. Fida, in a release Wednesday morning sent to Patch, said that the region has experienced the uptick in crimes against property over the past several weeks, especially during the overnight hours.

"Unfortunately, and despite our best efforts, Horsham has not been immune to this criminal activity," the chief said. "In particular, we have seen a marked increase in both thefts from vehicles and thefts of vehicles. Rest assured that we are doing everything we can to thwart these activities and arrest and prosecute those involved."

The chief said that several arrests have been made, but no details were provided by police about those arrests. Police also did not say how many crimes against property there have been in the township recently.

The police department said it needs the help of residents to contain these crimes. The chief also offered residents tips to protect their homes and vehicles.

They include:

• Always keep your car doors locked. Nearly all of the recent thefts from vehicles involved cars that were unlocked.
• Never keep valuables in the vehicle. This includes wallets, purses, work bags, gym bags, etc. Anything that's kept in the vehicle should remain out of sight.
• Please do not leave car keys/key fobs in the vehicle. Several recent car thefts were made "incredibly easy to accomplish" since the keys/key fob was in the vehicle.
• Try to park in a well-lit area, if possible.
• Keep all doors and windows locked in the home. Only leaving for a short time Lock them anyway.
• Keep the inside and outside of the home well-lit, if possible. Thieves typically don’t like to be seen or heard. Evaluate your home’s current lighting and consider whether anything additional is needed.
• Consider adding exterior cameras (i.e. Ring cams, etc.). They act as a deterrent and help police identify suspicious individuals.
• Don't post upcoming vacations on social media. Police warn that's a "tell-tale sign" that the home is likely unattended. (Tell us all about your trip when you get home.)

The police chief said that anyone who sees something should say something.

Residents should immediately call 9-1-1 to report anything suspicious in the area. Police officers will respond and assess the situation, the chief said.

"And rest assured, your identity will be kept strictly confidential," Fida said. "Together, we can combat this criminal activity in our beloved community. I thank you for your time and your support."