June 5, 2009

In my last column I reported on the progress of the new Public Safety Building, with the architect in the process of completing the plans. The Governing Body has now decided that it would be in the best interest of the Borough to put a hold on the project because of the present economic situation. While the members of the Police Department are understandably disappointed in this decision, we fully understand the reasoning behind it and cannot find fault with the decision. For me personally, it has to be the biggest disappointment during my tenure as Police Chief. I have been working for many years on the goal of building a much needed facility and to get so far and have it put on hold, is disheartening. I also cannot find fault with the Borough's rationale in their difficult decision. Mayor Fiamingo and the Council Members all realize the important need for a new Public Safety Building and are committed to restarting the project when the economy improves. Hopefully, this will be in the not too distant future.

Recently, there has again been an increase in residential burglaries occurring when residents are not home. The latest burglaries are occurring on the North side of the Borough.When leaving your residence, remember to make it appear as if someone is still inside. Leave lights on timers and a radio on as if someone is home. When leaving for an extended period, stop your mail and newspaper deliveries. Have a neighbor keep a watch on your home and have the property maintained. In the winter, when you are away, make sure at least your sidewalk is cleared of snow. The same goes for your lawn in the spring, summer and fall. Have someone maintain your lawn to give the appearance that your residence is occupied. Nothing tips off a potential burglar to an unoccupied home faster than a stack of newspapers in the driveway, unshoveled snow long after it stops falling or a lawn that is not maintained. Our experience shows that MOST burglars check to make sure no one is home before forcing entry. They will knock and ring the doorbell in an effort to determine if the residence is vacant. Do not tip them off to a vacant residence beforehand. If anything or anyone appears to be suspicious in your neighborhood, do not hesitate to call Police Hdqtrs. at 276-1700.

It is a pleasure to serve as your Chief of Police and if I can be of assistance to anyone, feel free to contact me at 276-1705 or [email protected].

Police Chief William Dowd