Mt. Airy Police Briefs

Posted: August 26, 2010

Crime Report

If you have been the victim of a crime and would like information or services, call Northwest Victim Services, 6301 Germantown Avenue, at 215-438-4410. Their services are free.

West Mt. Airy Neighbors requests that all crimes committed in Mt. Airy be reported to WMAN at 215-438-6022.

The following crimes were reported in Mt. Airy from August 16-22, 2010.

THEFT FROM AUTO, ATTEMPTED AUTO THEFT

None reported this time period.

STOLEN AUTO

None reported this time period.

BURGLARY

August 16: 6300 block Chew Ave. - 42” TV taken from residence, no sign forced entry.

August 17: 7200 block Devon St. - complainant alleged that relative broke into locked room at residence, took watch and keys.

August 18: 600 block Carpenter Lane - complainant stated that unknown offender entered her home, took wallet with ID, fled westbound on Carpenter Lane.

August 19: 7000 block Greene St. - garage door left open at location, two mountain bikes and gas-powered scooter taken.

August 22: 200 Pelham Rd. mountain bike taken from location.

THEFT

August 16: 6500 block Belfield Ave. - washing machine vandalized by person attempting to take coins, nothing taken.

August 16: unit block E. Hortter St. - miscellaneous items left on porch while

complainant fumigating house, were gone when he returned.

August 17: Germantown and Mt. Pleasant aves. - bicycle left at location, gone when complainant returned.

August 18: 6300 block Greene St. - wedding band, diamond engagement ring taken from location.

August 18: 6300 block Chew Ave. - two computer modems taken from residence.

August 19: 400 block E. Hortter St. - complainant stated that offender knocked on door, asked if he wanted to buy a watch. Complainant took watch inside, went upstairs to show to family member. When he returned found offender inside house. Later noticed wristwatch, CDs missing.

ROBBERY

August 16: 1200 block E. Johnson St. - 10:10 p.m. - complainant went to make food delivery to 1200 block E. Barringer St., was told no order placed there. He called phone number given, was told to go to 1200 block E. Johnson St. where complainant was robbed of cash, cellphone, food at gunpoint.

August 19: Stenton Ave. and Allens Lane, 12:45 p.m. - complainant walking south on Stenton when approached by two offenders. One held her, other took change purse, credit cards, MAC card, cash and jewelry. Offenders fled east on Allens Lane.

AGGRAVATED ASSAULT

August 22: 1300 block E. Johnson St., 9:30 a.m. - police responded to report of person screaming on highway. Complainant alleged that acquaintance struck her with butt end of shotgun in chest, then threw her on top of baby causing baby to stop breathing. Complainant and infant taken to hospital, suspect arrested.

SEXUAL ASSAULT

August 18: 400 block E. Sharpnack St. - complainant alleged that acquaintance sexually assaulted her while she was unconscious from medication. She allegedly awoke and pushed offender away, he fled.

On Thursday, June 24, officers of the 14th Police District, 43 West Haines Street,  were honored for 20 and 25 years of service to the Philadelphia Police Department.

Among those receiving plaques at the ceremony were (left to right) Officer Rodney Brown, 20 years; Officer Tony White, 20 years; Officer Joe Smith, 20 years; and Sgt. Sue DeMalto, 25 years.

Others receiving recognition (not pictured) were Officer John Donaghy, 20 years; Sgt. Joe Chiodo, 20 years; and Officer Sabra Johnson, 20 years.

Be On Guard Against Burglary

The 14th Police District has issued the following guidelines for avoiding burglary.

Most burglaries are committed by opportunist thieves. In two out of ten burglaries they don’t even have to use force - they get in through an open door or window.

Look at your home through the burglar’s eyes - are there places where they could break in unseen? Have you fitted strong locks on your doors and windows? Would they have to make a lot of noise by breaking glass?

Look at your construction site or house under renovation through the burglar’s eyes -  is it unsecured and full of expensive tools, ideal for breaking into the rest of the house and removing anything of value?

Reduce the risk of burglary happening to you by making sure you’ve taken these simple precautions:

Secure all Wndows: Easily visible locks may deter some thieves, because a window lock forces the thief to break the glass and risk attracting attention. Lock away any ladders or other portable items that could be used to reach upper windows. If your house is going to be left empty, make sure all windows and doors are closed and locked and remember to set the burglar alarm.

Secure all Doors: If your front and back doors are not secure, neither is your home. Make sure the doors and frames are strong and in good condition. Use a deadlock with a key, so a thief can’t smash a nearby panel to open the door from the inside; if the thief gets into the property through a window they can’t carry your property out through the door.

Good Lighting: Good lighting can deter a thief. Some exterior lights have an infra-red sensor that switches the light on for a few moments when it detects something in its range.

Burglar Alarms: Visible burglar alarms make burglars think twice.

Reward Offered in 2009 Murder

On March 27, 2009 at approximately 9:20 a.m., the body of Najee Purnell was found in the Delaware River near Delaware Avenue and Linden Street. Purnell had been reported missing on March 1 after he called his girlfriend telling her that he was leaving his place of work at the Cedarbrook Plaza Pathmark, located at Easton Road and Cheltenham Avenue. However, he never made it home.

The Citizens Crime Commission is administering a $5,000 reward for any information concerning foul play that resulted in the death of Najee Purnell.

Anyone with any information regarding the disappearance of Najee Purnell, please call the Citizens Crime Commission at 215-546-TIPS. Callers’ anonymity is protected.

July PSA Meetings in 14th District

July Police Service Area meetings in the 14th District will be as follows:

PSA1, with Lt. Raymond Jackson and community facilitator Geneva Green of the Block Captain Association, on July 22, 7-9 p.m., at the H&H Community Center,  Limekiln Pike and Haines Street. PSA 1 covers West Oak Lane, East Germantown between Stenton and Chew avenues, and East Mt. Airy south of Gorgas Lane and Vernon Rd.

PSA2, with Lt. Brian Murphy and community facilitator James Igess of Wister Neighborhood Council, July 28, 7-9 p.m., at New Bethel Church, 6153 Germantown Avenue.  PSA 2 covers the area  between Germantown and Chew avenues, from Gorgas Lane to Wister Street.

PSA3, with Lt. Mark Overwise and community facilitator Heather Pierce of Carpenter Woods Town Watch, on July 21, 7-9 p.m., at Germantown Jewish Center, 400 West Ellet Street. PSA 3 covers West Mt. Airy and West Central Germantown.

PSA4, with Lt. Michael Kopecki and community facilitator Dr. Arleen Bennett of Safe Streets, on July 27, 7-9 p.m., at Chestnut Hill Library, 8711 Germantown Avenue.  PSA 4 covers Chestnut Hill and East Mt. Airy between Germantown and Cheltenham avenues, bordered on the south by Gorgas Lane and Vernon Road.

For more information call the 14th Police District at 215-686-3140.

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