Citizen Guide

Lights, Camera, Action

A guide to making your community a safer place to live, work, and play

As a resident, there are steps you can take to deter criminals, protect your home, and create a safer community.

Protect your home and vehicles

• Install good deadbolt locks in your doors and use them! About 33% of burglars enter through unlocked doors and windows
• Avoid door locks that can be manipulated by breaking glass or door panels to reach inside.
• Trim back shrubbery that hides doors or windows. Cut back tree limbs that could help a thief climb into a second story window.
• Make sure porches, entrances, and yards are well-lit.
• Install security cameras on your property.
• Help keep your community in good shape. Dark alleys, litter, and run-down areas attract crime.
• Do not hide house keys in mailboxes, planters, or under doormats. Consider giving a duplicate key to a trusted friend or neighbor in case you are locked out.
• Lock your vehicles! Most vehicle break-ins occur to unlocked vehicles.
• Leave only your ignition key with service mechanics and parking garage attendants.
• If you lose your house keys, change the locks immediately.
• Make sure your house number is clearly visible from the street and the alley to help the police, fire department and ambulance respond to emergency calls.

Be a good citizen

• Report any non-working street lights by email to Public Works immediately or call 610-970-6527
• If you notice suspicious activity, nuisance behavior, or witness a crime, call 911 immediately!
• Exchange work and vacation schedules with a neighbor you trust so you can keep an eye on each other's homes.
• Never tell a stranger or an individual you don't trust that a neighbor lives alone, is ill, or is not home.
• Obey the curfew for minors: Sunday through Thursday 9:30 pm, Friday and Saturday 11:00 pm.

Nuisance Behaviors

Nuisance behaviors are those that cause repeat calls of disturbance, NOT calls for service like theft, runaways, etc.

Examples:

• Noise
• Barking dogs
• Loud music
• Drinking outdoors

Abandoned Vehicles

To report an abandoned vehicle on public property, contact the Pottstown Police Department at 610-323-1212 or "Report a Concern." A vehicle may be deemed abandoned if it hasn't been moved in 48 hours and has expired registration and/or inspection, or is dilapidated to the point where parts are missing and is a hazard.

If a vehicle has been deemed abandoned by an Officer, the following steps will be taken:

• A violation sticker will be placed on the vehicle.
• Owner is given seven days to remove prior to further action being taken.
• If not removed, arrangements will be made to have the vehicle towed on a case by case basis.
• Once towed, the owner may contact the salvage yard to make arrangements for retrieval or disposal.
• Citation may be issued to the last registered owner for up to $500 plus costs.
• At any point prior to towing, the owner may correct the deficiencies and move the vehicle and no further police action will occur.

Drug Activity

If you witness drug activity in progress, dial 911 immediately. If you suspect drug activity is occurring, call the drug tipline at 610-326-4109 or email the drug tipline.

• All tips are CONFIDENTIAL and ANONYMOUS.
• Provide as much detail as possible such as: Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How.