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Crime Prevention Tips for Children

What Parents Can Do

   * Be responsible for your children.  Know what they are wearing when they leave the house, and know where they are going.  
   * If you write your children's names and addresses on their clothing, make certain this information is out of view of those who would use it to learn their name and gain their trust.
   * Teach your children to know their full name, age, and telephone number.  And instruct them in how to dial 911.
   * Teach your children not to wander off on their own, and if they are young REMAIN WITH THEM IN PUBLIC.  Small children should NOT be left to wander, even in a small town.
   * Carefully screen all caregivers.  If you are having someone watch your children outside of your own home, make certain that they are responsible adults, and are capable of providing first aid, should the need arise.  Also make certain that you know about any drugs, alcohol, or weapons which may be in the home, and make certain that the caregiver sees that such items are secured.
   * The more children know about their bodies and acceptable, safe behaviors, the safer they will be. Teach them the proper names of their private body parts and that nobody has the right to touch them without your permission.
   * Discuss sexual abuse in an open and sincere manner, in the same way you would discuss other safety guidelines.
   * Children need to be told that their safety is important and that they can play a big part in staying safe. Encourage your children to always report back to you about strange or frightening things that happen. The best way to keep your child comfortable talking to you about such things is to TALK TO YOUR CHILDREN.

For safe computer and Internet use, teach your children to:

   * never give out any personal information such as their name, address, telephone number or the name and location of their school.
   * tell you right away if they come across any information that makes them feel uncomfortable.
   * never agree to meet face to face with someone they have "met" online.
   * never send their picture to anyone online.
   * not respond to e-mail messages that are rude, mean or that make them feel uncomfortable. They should tell a parent right away so that they can contact the system operator.
   * never give their Internet password to anyone other than a parent.

Middletown's fire and ambulance services are dispatched through Dauphin County 911.  Middletown Police are dispatched via Middletown Communications.

If you need an ambulance or if you have a fire related emergency, dial 911. Middletown Police can be reached at (717) 944-4311. Our non-emergency number is (717) 948-3000.

Buckle Up Pennsylvania is about to begin another seat belt enforcement mobilization.   This means zero tolerance for those who fail to utilize their seat belt.  Be aware that Middletown Police are out in force.  Don't be a statistic this holiday.  Wear your seatbelt.  You may possibly spare a life.  You will definitely spare yourself a ticket.

 
ANNOUNCEMENT:  Until further notice the Middletown Police Department Neighborhood Watch will be held on the second Wednesday of the month.  It will be held at 6pm in the upstairs of the Borough Building at 60 W. Emaus St.  There will be no December meeting of the Neighborhood Watch.

 
While dilapidated properties most often fall under the category of codes violations, there are times when such cases become matters for the police.  Use common sense and keep your property in order.  See that refuse is contained and removed.  Keep up on repairs.  And if you see a violation that is in need of being reported, do not delay.  Contact codes enforcement at 948-3050 and choose option 2.

The victim was walking on Franklin Street at 47th Street in Swatara Township, when an older model light blue Dodge Caravan swerved across the street and asked the victim if he needed a ride.  The victim replied no and the driver responded, "yes you do" and reached out in an attempt to grab the victim.  The victim then fled towards his home.  The van went south on 47th St. toward Derry St.
The victim stated that the same person approached him on May 11, 2007 at about 1500 hours in the same van and asked if he needed a ride, but left the area after he said no.
The victim described the driver as a fair complected medium sized white male in his late 40s or early 50s, thin brown hair with receding hairline and oval face.  On both occasions the driver was wearing a gray t-shirt.

If you have any information, please contact the lead investigator at :
Detective Haney, Swatara Township Police Department, 564-2550

The Attempted Abduction Alery was prepared by the Intelligence Section of the Dauphin County Child Abduction Response Effort.

On June 14, 2006 this individual approached an 8 y/o female playing near her apartment in Pineford Village Complex.  He got her attention and tried to entice her to go with him.  When she would not he grabbed her arm and tried to force her to go around the back of the building.  He was startled by two other children attempting to aid the female.  He was seen loitering in the area about 15 minutes before the attempt
He was wearing jeans and a gray shirt with black and gray sneakers.

Height: 5’10” to 6’
Weight: 170-200 Lbs.
Hair may be slightly lighter

Congratulations to Gaylor "Pete" Green on earning the title of Officer of the Year.

Winners Announced in the Middletown Police Association Raffle:

Winner 2007 Harley Sporster Nightster: Francis X McCarthy, Hershey
Winner 500.00: Bryan Knowles, Bainbridge
Winner 250.00: Oscar Rivera, Middletown

Congratulations to all the winners, and thanks to those of you who bought tickets.

SAFETY AT YOUR FRONT DOOR

  1. Never automatically open your front door to anyone.
  2. If a stranger is at the door, ask for identification before permitting entrance.  Ask that it be passed under the door, if possible.  
  3. Install a wide angle viewer or peep hole so that you can safely see who is on the other side.

HOME SAFETY

  1. All doors in your home leading to the outside should have dead-bolt locks.
  2. When away, leave a light burning at night.
  3. Do not leave spare keys near your home.
  4. The single lock on a garage door is inadequate to keep intruders from prying up the opposite side and crawling in. Use a padlock.
  5. Mark your valuables and keep an accurate record of all your most valuable possessions.  This includes noting the serial numbers, and keeping the list in a secure location, away from the valuables themselves.
  6. When leaving on a trip:
A. Stop all deliveries.
B. Connect a light to a timer.
C. Notify the police and have a neighbor check your home periodically.
D. Have someone maintain your lawn.
  7. Be a concerned neighbor. If you see a suspicious person, car or situation, contact the police.
  8.Consider installing home alarm systems.
  9.Keep doors and windows free from obstructions such as landscaping or other objects that offer hiding places for criminals.
  10.Consider forming a neighborhood watch group.  Contact your local law enforcement for more information.

Don't be a DUI death stat!


According to M.A.D.D., in 2003 Pennsylvania saw 1,577 traffic-related deaths. Almost 40% of those were alcohol related.

If you drink, do so responsibly. Never get behind the wheel while under the influence. Never get into a vehicle with a driver who has been drinking.

The odds are against you, if you do.