News

(8/31/2010) On August 31, 2010 three female juveniles were walking on a park trail in Horsham Twp. between Norristown Road and Babylon Road. While walking on the trail towards Babylon Road a white male on a bike approached them from behind and rode past them. The male disappeared out of sight of the victims. A short time later they observed the same male appraoching them, still on his bike, however as he rode past the victims the observed that he was not wearing any clothes. The male rode by and again disappered out of sight heading towards Norristown Road.

Description: White Male, olive complexion, salt & pepper medium to short hair. Wearing a black muscle shirt and black shorts. The bike is described as a Mountian Bike, black or dark blue with black rims and straight across handle bars. On the frame of the bike there was a clear drinking bottle with blue liquid inside.

The victims were able to provide a composite sketch of the suspect. ( see attachment )

Anybody with similar incidents please contact Det. James Vincenti at 215-643-3600.

(8/26/2010) The Horsham Police Department is investigating several thefts from vehicles. Officers were called to the Days Inn on Easton Road for two vehicles that had items stolen from them. Both vehicles were work trucks and had been locked at the time of the thefts. Items taken include a GPS, two cameras and a generator. Officers also are investigating the theft of a GPS from an unlocked vehicle on Colonial. In addition officers are investigating Criminal Mischief to two vehicles on Salem and Hastings. Both vehicles had windows smashed by a brick or river rocks. Nothing was removed from either vehicle. Once again the Horsham Police Department would like to remind residents to lock their vehicles when not occupied and not to leave items in their cars that would attract a thief. These items include iPods, GPS units, money, laptops, holiday presents, etc. Also remove or cover up any accessories for these items.

(8/26/2010) Officers from Horsham Police, with assistance from Upper Dublin Police and Lower Gwynedd Police, responded to the Talamore area of Horsham Township for the report of subjects going through vehicles. Through the course of investigation assistance was also requested from Upper Moreland Police K9 and Warminster Police K9 units. A subject, a 16yoa male juvenile, was located and fought with the officers. As a result two Horsham officers were injured in the melee. The juvenile was arrested for Burglary, Theft, Aggravated Assault, Resisting Arrest and other related charges. He was petitioned to the Montgomery County Juvenile Court. While several of the items found on the subject have been accounted for, there are still victims in the Talamore area who may not know they have had items stolen. The Horsham Police are asking residents in that area to contact the Detective Division at 215-643-3600.

(6/28/2010) Between 3:45pm and 9:00Pm a home in the 400 block of Moreland Road was entered. The residents, who were out of the home during this time period, arrived home and found a door in the rear of the home was forced open. Jewelry, a small amount of cash, and a watch were taken.

(6/28/2010) Three vehicles were entered in the overnight hours between June 21st and June 28th. Taken from the cars were electronics devices. The vehicles that were entered were unlocked. Residents are reminded to keep valuables out of vehicles and always lock all doors.

(6/21/2010) On Thursday June 17,2010 at 8:30PM Officers responded to Double Visions Bar located at 1138 Easton Road in Horsham for a theft of a motorcycle in progress. The owner of the motorcycle advised the officers that the motorcycle was parked in the parking lot of the bar, just outside of the entrance to the bar. While inside the bar he heard his motorcycle start. Upon hearing this he went outside and saw a white male with reddish/blonde hair and wearing a white jacket driving away on his motorcycle. He and a friend got into a vehicle and went after the suspect south on Easton Road. They were not able to catch the suspect. The video surveillance shows two white males walking around the motorcycle. They then drive off in a light colored 2010 Honda Insight. Moments later the above suspect returns, gets on the motorcycle, backs it out of the parking space and drives out of the lot. The attached photos show one of the suspects inside the bar wearing a black tee shirt. When he returns to the bike he is wearing a white jacket. The other suspect is the driver of the Honda. The motorcycle is a 1999 Harley Davidson, PA Registration RTP07, VIN: 19ZWS31A9XB002756. Black. Value: $16,000. Has been entered into NCIC. Investigating Officer: Kevin Perozze 215-643-3600

Suspects: Surveillance Photo 1

Suspects: Surveillance Photo 2

Suspects: Surveillance Photo 3

(6/14/2010) Officers from Horsham Police Department and the PA Game Commission were called to the area east of Easton Road for the report of a small bear wandering in the area. While officers were attempting to contain the bear Holly Kuc, 35yoa, of the 200 block of Maple Avenue, Horsham, was following the bear and interfering with the officers’ work. After being told several time to stop and allow the officers to control the situation, Kuc continued to harass the bear and prevent it from being contained. As a result Kuc was placed under arrest for Disorderly Conduct. She was issued a non-traffic citation and released at the scene. The bear was captured and released in another part of the state.

(6/7/2010) The Evelyn Bissig Award for Community Service is presented by the Horsham Neighbors Association (HNA) to recognize an individual who, through her or his involvement in community service activities, has made valuable contributions to Horsham Township and its residents. HNA was proud to present the 1st Evelyn Bissig Award to JoAnne Zapata at Horsham Day Juen 5, 2010.

The award is presented in memory of and to honor Evelyn Bissig, who at the time of her death in 2009, was HNA’s corporate secretary. Evelyn was one of a very small group of public service oriented citizens who got together in 2001 and formed HNA for the purpose of addressing public safety issues and working with municipal with municipal authorities to find solutions to community concerns and providing financial support through the Chiefs Advisory Teams (ChATs). Evelyn was an exceptional individual who made volunteerism and community service a way of life and whose caring and sense of responsibility resulted in extraordinary contributions to the welfare of Horsham Township and its residents.

Horsham Neighbors Association is delighted to present the first Evelyn Bissig Community Service Award to JoAnne Zapata. JoAnne was born and raised in Horsham and treasures her children and grandchildren. Ms, Zapata is the General Manager of Days Inn in Horsham and was an early partner of the ChATs program by providing rooms to Horsham Township residents that had house fires and needed a place to stay. Ms. Zapata has been very involved in the Horsham Township community for many years and has made numerous contributions. JoAnne has been a very active member in Horsham Rotary, including being a past President, and helped create Everybody’s Playground in Lukens Park on Dresher Road that was designed for handicapped children. She is also a Corporation member of the College Settlement Camps of Philadelphia. College Settlement, located in Horsham Township, provides disadvantaged children from the greater Philadelphia area with Summer camp experiences. Ms. Zapata is the current President of the Greater Horsham Chamber of Commerce and a Director of The Friends of Horsham Library.

The award was presented to Ms. Zapata during Horsham Day 2010 by Horsham Township Police Chief Robert Ruxton.

(5/27/2010) Christopher Pulliam, 24 of Horsham was arrested on 5-26-10 for 3 residential burglaries that were committed earlier this year. The homes that were entered were on the 100 block of Apple Hill Road. During his processing a warrant for his arrested was discovered for robbery and related offenses that occurred in the city of Philadelphia. The warrant was issued by the Central Detective Division. They were notified of Pulliam’s arrest. Pulliam was taken to the Montgomery County Correctional facility after he failed to make bail. The investigation into his possible involvement in other burglaries in Horsham is ongoing. At this time he in not cooperating with investigators.

(5/15/2010) Horsham Fire Company No 1 and Ambulance Corp is holding its annual fund drive. The company is composed of both career and volunteer firefighters, EMS, and other professionals; and depends greatly on support from residents and local businesses to continue to meet the growing need for its services. Last year we logged over 670 emergency calls in our 17.5 square mile coverage area. If you have not made a donation for 2010, please consider making one today. You can download a Donation Form here. For more information on the Fire Company, Ambulance Corp, Fire Police or our Auxiliary, please download our newsletter here

(5/7/2010) A suspect wanted for burglary who escaped from the Horsham Clinic earlier this week has been arrested by PA State Police at his mother's home in Macungie, PA. No other details available at this time.

(5/4/2010) On 5-3-10,2:48PM, Officers responded to a reported burglary to a residential home in the unit block of Linda Lane, Horsham. The home was entered through a rear yard bedroom window. Taken from the home was a laptop computer and several pieces of jewelry. During the investigation it was discovered that a white male knocked on a door in the neighborhood. ( not the victims door ) The home owner who was unable to answer the door right away, observed this white male walking away. The white male is further described as being in his 20's, medium length hair wearing a medium blue short sleeve shirt and carrying a satchel. This male was seen at 1:30PM. There is no further description of this white male at this time. If anybody in this area saw this subject they can call the Horsham Police Department at 215-643-3600.

(5/4/2010) There have been a number of burglaries recently in Horsham - 3 on Apple Hill (near Blair Mill) and 1 on Linda Lane. It appears actor(s) have entered through unsecured windows or doors during the daytime. Residents are urged to be alert to any suspicious persons or vehicles they don't recognize in their neighborhoods and call police immediately (215-643-3600). Double check all windows and doors to make sure they are secure even if going out for only a brief time. Always make the house appear as though someone were home (possibly leave a radio on). Any resident with questions or concerns may call Lt Jon Clark at the number above.

(4/16/2010) The Horsham Police Department is investigating three burglaries that have occurred from April 8th to the 11th. Two of burglaries occurred in the 100 block of Apple Hill Road, the other was in the 200 block of Mckean Road. Among the items that were stolen from the homes were money, jewelry, video games and equipment. If anybody observed any suspicious activity in these areas please over the past weekend please contact the Horsham Township Police Department at 215-643-3600.

(3/3/2010) The Horsham Police Department and the Hatboro Police Department are happy to announce the start of the fourteenth Citizens’ Police Academy. The first class is scheduled for Wednesday evening, March 17, 2010 with graduation planned for Wednesday, May 19, 2010. The classes will be start at 7PM and run until 9:30PM.

The Academy is open to citizens of Horsham Township, the Borough of Hatboro and their surrounding communities. At the completion of the course there will be a graduation ceremony and participants will be awarded a certificate by the Chiefs of Police of Horsham and Hatboro Police Departments. The graduates will become members of the Horsham and Hatboro Citizens’ Police Academy Alumni.

During the 10 weeks the participants will become familiar with the way the police perform their duties. Topics will include accident investigations, the Pennsylvania Crimes Code and Vehicle Code, Police K-9, FireArms, Use of Force, Drug Awareness, Crime Scene Processing and other interesting and timely topics . Police Officers from Horsham and Hatboro will instruct the classes.

There is no charge to participate!

Anyone wishing to participate must complete an application available at either the Horsham Police Station at 1025 Horsham Road, Horsham, Pa 19044 or the Hatboro Police Station at 120 E. Montgomery Ave., Hatboro, Pa. 19040. Applications can also be downloaded here. Any questions can be directed to Horsham Police Lieutenant Jon Clark at 215-643-3600 or Hatboro Police Sergeant Pete VanDolsen at 215-675-2832.

Many people go through life as spectators. Many spectators can only complain about the way things are in their neighborhood. We urge the community to stop sitting back and watching, but to PARTICIPATE! This is an excellent opportunity to meet and interact with the members of the Horsham and Hatboro Police Departments about issues that concern you!

(10/15/2009) Halloween should be filled with surprise and enjoyment, and following some common sense practices can keep events safer and more fun: Click Here for Safety Tips from the American Red Cross.

(10/10/2009) Horsham Town Watch is a volunteer division of the Horsham Police Department’s ChAT’s Community Policing program whose mission is to Observe, Evaluate, and Report activities in our community that may affect the safety and/ or well being of our residents. We are currently accepting applications from residents who are interested in helping to keep our community safe.

Town Watch volunteers assist the police department with regular foot patrols in our neighborhoods, with parking at community events such as high school dances, and other assignments as needed.

Our Town Watch volunteers patrol our neighborhoods on a scheduled basis. We are currently looking to increase the number of volunteers available to cover certain areas and expand the program into new neighborhoods.

Volunteers must be over 18 and pass a police criminal background check. Training will be provided. Town Watch is a great way to get to know your neighbors and provide a service to your community!

Download an Application Here. You can mail the completed application to the PO Box on the form or drop it off at the Horsham Police Department at 1025 Horsham Rd.

If you have questions or would like additional information please contact the Horsham Town Watch Director, Tony Trotter.

(9/21/2009) The Eastern Montgomery County Emergency Management Group will be holding a weather related disaster planning event, on the morning of Sunday, October 18, 2009 at various locations across eastern Montgomery county. In order to help us successfully be able to drill, we are asking for help from the community in the form of adult volunteer “victims”.

Keith Valley Middle School in Horsham is a major shelter site for this exercise.

Volunteers - and their pets - are needed to test the emergency management agencies ability to process victims. Total time required for each person is 30-45 minutes.

Please contact Andrea Kelly if you have any questions or would like to participate. Volunteers will be asked to complete a volunteer form which can be downloaded below.

Disaster Planning Volunteer Form

(6/3/2009) It seems that not a week goes by that we don't receive a report of a vehicle being entered and cash, a purse, or electronic devices such as GPS units or MP3 players being stolen. So to better help you understand what's going on and how to protect your personal property, we've created a quick FAQ (frequently asked questions).

1. Have you noticed an increase in the number of car burglaries in Horsham? - Yes, over the past six months, there has been a larger than average number of calls reporting vehicles being entered mostly during the overnight hours and personal property being removed without the owner's consent.

2. Is this trend specific to just Horsham?- No, other jurisdictions in the area are experiencing a similar increase in calls reporting vehicular burglary.

3. What do you feel is the cause of this trend?- We believe the current economic situation has lead to in increase in property crimes particularly crimes of opportunity such as vehicular burglary.

4. What can we do to protect ourselves from being a victim of a vehicle burglary?- You can follow these four basic rules to reduce the likelihood of you being a victim:

a. Always lock your car doors, roll up all windows and remove your keys from the vehicle.
b. Remove any valuables from plain sight, put them in your trunk or better yet take them inside.
c. Always park your car in a well lit area.
d. Report any suspicious activity or strange vehicles to the Police by dialing 215-643-3600.

5. What are the police doing to catch those responsible? - While we can not discuss the specifics, additional patrols are focusing on the neighborhoods. We are also coordinating with other local municipalities to determine if any patterns exist. Lastly, our detective division is taking proactive steps to attempt to apprehend those responsible.

6. How can I help? The best thing you can do is follow all the suggestions listed in question four above. Together we can make Horsham Township a tougher target for those looking to commit property crime. If you see something or someone that just doesn't look right, call the station and report it. Most property crimes are solved by an alert neighbor calling to report suspicious activity. One note of caution, if you see someone you think is illegally entering a vehicle, do not attempt to intervene. Instead, call the police. Your personal safety is far more important than anything that's in the vehicle.

Please Contact Us with any questions.

(5/12/2009) Come join the 14th Graduating class of the Horsham/Hatboro Police Depts' Citizen's Police Academy. Special guest speaker will be Debra Delp RN, a detox nurse who will speak on Drug Addiction Awareness. This year's class brings our Alumni/ae of Police Academy students to over 250. Citizen Police Academy students participated in a 'mock' crime scene in which they solved a burglary, learned about K9 patrol, were treated to a night at 'district court' in which Judge Paul Leo spoke to the group about responsibilities of a Judge and were treated to an Emergency Response demonstration. In addition to several other law enforcement topics including the Vehicle Code and Use of Force, the class got the opportunity to meet many police officers from Horsham, Hatboro and Upper Moreland Townships as well as Lt Rich Peffall from the Montgomery County District Attorneys Office. Anyone interested in attending future Academys should contact Lt Jon Clark at the Horsham Police Department at 215-643-3600. | Horsham Community Center - 1025 Horsham Road, Horsham, PA 19044

(3/17/2009) Thank you to everyone who attended the Residential Coordinator's meeting on 3/11/2009. Summary of the meeting below:

Police Department – Lt. Jon Clark

Reported on fatal auto accident at Horsham and Dresher Rds.

Discussed likelihood of increase in small crimes in our area as a result of worsening economy. The Department asks that we remain vigilant in keeping our cars and homes locked. They ask that we report any unusual or suspicious activity immediately.

Website

The ChATs membership application process has been automated and is working nicely.

A Facebook group has been created to increase awareness among our friends and neighbors.

Neighborhood Watch

A group of volunteers assisted the School District in patrolling the parking lot during the Winter Ball.

More volunteers are needed to respond on an as-needed basis. Possible watch activity to include the Power Line Trail.

Fire / Emergency Management

An Emergency Preparedness exercise will take place on October 18, 2009 at Keith Valley Middle School in which a mock shelter will be established. Several local departments will be participating. ChATs is asking for 15-20 volunteers to act as victims during the drill. Anyone interested may contact Andrea Kelly (above)

Residential Services

Volunteers are needed for Blair Mill School / Clearbrook Park Clean up Day, April 25, 2009. This is a major project involving multiple agencies. The project looks to restore the creek to its original state, re-introducing plant and marine life. Approximately 175 trees will be planted. A free rain collection barrel will be given to all participants. For more information, contact Kevin at dikadoos@aol.com.

Download a copy of the meeting minutes here

(2/27/2009) 2008 Center for Disease Control report warns parents, teachers and health care providers about the so called “choking” or “fainting game”, which has killed 82 U.S. youths since 1995.

(this article is from an email dated 2/26/2009 from the Hatboro-Horsham School District to all parents)

After much discussion within our school district, we find it important to remind you of a dangerous activity that is occasionally being engaged in by children. A 2008 Center for Disease Control report warns paren ts, teachers and health care providers about the so called “choking” or “fainting game”, which has killed 82 U.S. youths since 1995.

“The choking game involves intentionally trying to choke oneself or someone else with one’s hand or a noose to attain a brief euphoric state or high. If the strangulation is prolonged, which is something that can happen quickly, death or a serious injury can result” explains Robin Tobin, Ph.D., MPH, of the Center for Disease Control’s National Center for injury Prevention and Control.

“If parents believe their child is playing the choking game, they should speak to them about the life-threatening dangers associated with the game and seek additional help if necessary” said Tobin.

In reality, this activity is so risky and so dangerous, that referring to it as a game sends a confusing message. Behavior that poses such a threat to the health and well-being of our children should realistically not be viewed as or referred to as a game.

Although this choking activity is not new, what is new is that children are playing alone and that they are using ligatures (nooses). Tobin also says that children seem to be learning the choking game from each other and that the CDC does not expect this information, if distributed, to cause an increase in incidents.

More information can be found at here.

Listen to a podcast from the CDC

You should review this website’s information before sharing its content with your child because of the graphic nature contained within.

As always, the Hatboro-Horsham School District is committed to passing information on to parents and caregivers. Awareness is the first line of defense in preventing tragedies.

(1/25/2009) Click Here for Intelligencer Article (1/25/09) on ChATs

(1/9/2009) Horsham Police Sergeants Jeffrey Woodruff and Larry Bozzomo, and Officers Steve Ryan, Jeffrey Wolf, Joseph Hopkins and Gregory Wittmer received departmental commendations from Chief Robert Ruxton in a ceremony on January 5, 2009.

Our officers display acts of courage and kindness everytime they patrol our streets. In 2008, several acts of bravery stood out and the officers involved were awarded commendations.

On January 31, 2008, Sergeant Jeffrey Woodruff rushed into a burning house on Springhouse Drive. After confirming that the house was evacuated, the Sergeant was able to extinguish the fire and saved the home from burning to the ground.

On July 8, 2008 Sergeant Larry Bozzomo and Officer Steve Ryan arrested a dangerous suspect who had just brutally stabbed two women, then fled into the Blair Mill Apartment complex. After searching the apartments, the attacker was taken into custody with no further problems.

On July 26, 2008, Sergeant Jeffrey Woodruff and Officers Jeffrey Wolf, Joseph Hopkins and Gregory Wittmer apprehended a deranged suspect who was firing a handgun wildly about the English Village Apartment complex. No one was injured, including the defendant, as the officers were able to subdue and arrest the gunman.

These are just a few of many examples of the dedication to duty, pride and professionalism our officers display on a daily basis.

Congratulations and thank you!

(12/10/2008) Check out new web site www.Horsham-Happenings.com to find news about youth sports leagues and other non-profit groups in the Horsham area.

(11/26/2008) The Grand Opening of the new Horsham Police Station will for Saturday December 12. Everyone is invited to attend this long awaited ribbon cutting and tour of the modern facility that will enable our Police Dept to even better serve the community for decades into the future. The new 13,800-square-foot building, is next to the township building on the 70-acre site at 1025 Horsham Road, and replaces the existing 5,000 sf station now located in the basement of that building. Ground breaking was held on Saturday morning December 6, 2008. The new police facility features secure areas for prisoner and evidence processing, work stations with computer access for the patrol officers, a roll call room, interview rooms for the accused as well as for victims of crime, and a sally port (an attached garage for secure transport of prisoners).

Horsham is only 1 of 60 accredited police departments (out of over 1200 in PA) and the new station will help the department maintain its high standards.

The department moved into its current 5,000 sf space in the basement of the Township building in 1971 when the force had 21 officers. Since 1998, the department has had 40 officers plus 9 non-uniformed employees in the same area. During that same 39 year period the nature of police work, ADA requirements, the need for computer access and safety standards have all evolved and thus the need has grown for an increase in space.

The area vacated by the police will be utilized to provide much needed space for other township departments that have also increase in terms of number of employees over the years.

The new police facility was designed by KCBA Architects, who also designed the new municipal building in Montgomeryville and features a secure area for prisoner and evidence processing, work stations with computer access for the patrol officers, a roll call room, interview rooms for the accused as well as for victims of crime, and a sally port (an attached garage for secure transport of prisoners).

The sally port is one of the many new safety and security features designed into the building. Suspects are driven into the sally port and a steel door is locked behind them. Officers empty and lock away their weapons before escorting the suspect into a fortified holding area, all under video surveillance. These areas, and 2 of the 4 interview rooms can only be opened from outside so prisoners have no possibility of escape even if they were to overpower an officer.

In addition, there are many environmentally friendly features including two rain gardens along with features to insure the quality and quantity of storm water run-off. And for the convenience and security of visitors there are also public rest rooms.

The police station is the latest in a series of major capital expenditures that have been accomplished without a tax increase or incurring any debt, as with the the purchase and renovation of the former public works facility, the conversion of the former public works garage into the Community Center in 2005, and the $4 million allocation toward the construction of two new firehouses. (from the Horsham Township Report Fall 2009)

(11/20/2008) The Horsham Police Dept will host their 11th Annual Project Blue Light on Tuesday December 8,2008 6:30 PM at the Fire Station at 1023 Horsham Road (across from Deep Meadow Park and next to the Township Building). Guest speaker at this year's ceremony will be Philadelphia Police Commissioner Charles H. Ramsey.

A reception will be held in the Community Center (behind the township building) immediately following the ceremony.

Please plan to arrive early. Parking is available at the township building, at Deep Meadow Park, and at Kohler Park (all are short walks to the Fire House).

Charles H. Ramsey was appointed Police Commissioner of the Philadelphia Police Department on January 7, 2008 by Mayor Michael Nutter. Commissioner Ramsey leads the fourth largest police department in the country with 6, 700 sworn members and 830 civilian members. He brings the knowledge and experience of nearly forty years in the law enforcement profession.

A nationally recognized innovator, educator and practitioner of community policing, Commissioner Ramsey is known to refocus police departments on crime fighting and crime prevention through a more accountable organizational structure, new equipment and technology, an enhanced strategy of community policing and, since September 11, 2001, new approaches to homeland security and counter-terrorism.

Click Here for Commissioner Ramsey's Bio

Project Blue Light 2009 Flyer

(11/20/2008) Fire Safety tips for the winter including smoke detectors available for free at the Horsham Township Building.

(11/20/2008) The Horsham Neighbor's Association (the organization that funds ChATs) at its board meeting on 9/11/2008 thanked Ed Zenzola for his service as treasurer (with Pam Zenzola) of HNA and coordinator for the Chestnut Lane neighborhood.

Ed and Pam have been an integral part of HNA and ChATs but are leaving Horsham for South Philly.

HNA and ChATs will miss you both and wish you the best of luck in your new home.

(8/6/2008) In the evening hours of Monday August 4th, several cars were entered in our Chestnut Creek and Hidden Creek neighborhoods. Personal property was removed including GPS units, computers, and blackberry devices. We ask that all residents make sure to lock your car doors and keep your driveway area well lit. Also, please remove all valuables from your vehicle overnight. Lastly, we ask that you report any usual or suspicious activity to the Police Department by calling 215-643-3600. Together we can take the opportunity for crime away from the criminals. Together we can make Horsham an inhospitable place for criminals.

(6/25/2008) ChATs periodically offers SEPA VOAD (Southerastern PA Vountary Organizations Active in an Emergency) and other course such as Disaster Preparedness, CPR and 1st Aid.

SEPA VOAD is Southeastern PA Voluntary Organizations Active in a Disaster, part of a national organization or diverse organizations and citizens trained to meet community needs should a large scale disaster occur. Download a flyer for more information on VOAD

We do not have any courses scheduled at this time. Please join our email list to recieve notifications of upcoming events or Contact us to inquire about specific training.

(5/23/2008) The Horsham Township Police Department is investigating an attempted child luring that took place on Thursday May 23, 2008 between 3:15 PM and 3:30 PM. It was reported that an 8 year old child walking home from school was approached by a white male in a black car at the intersection of Bender Ave and Crestview Road. The driver rolled down his window and told the child that he was looking for his lost dog and asked the child to get into his car and help him find the dog.

The suspect is described as a white male, about 35 years old, short brown hair and wearing a black t-shirt. The car is described as a clean black car with a white stripe on the trunk, possibly a Dodge Charger or Plymouth Barracuda.

Anyone with information on this case is asked to contact the Horsham Township Police Department at 215-643-3600.

Download Police Flyer Here

(4/10/2008) (from the Intelligencer)Hatboro-Horsham School District is unveiling a new tool to keep its schools safer.

The district's new director of security, Albert Hall, is unveiling a student tip line to report safety threats.

Students can call and leave a voice mail at 215-420-5100 or send an e-mail to tips@hatboro-horsham.org. The lines can be used to report crimes, acts of violence, bullying incidents, a student in danger, or any other situation that might present a threat to school safety, officials said.

A districtwide contest resulted in three posters to advertise the effort.

“The fifth-grade poster was geared around bullying and the high school poster was geared around violence,” said Hall in a telephone interview, reflecting the issues that made the biggest impression on the students.

At Monday night's school board meeting, the three students were honored for their work.

Chris Hammel, a fifth-grader at Blair Mill Elementary School; Wayne Arminavage, a seventh-grader at Keith Valley Middle School; and Lauren Liberg, an 11th-grader at Hatboro-Horsham High School, were recognized.

On Tuesday, the posters were placed in district buildings.

ChATs, or Chiefs Advisory Teams, an all-volunteer group of public service-oriented citizens, will be distributing posters to local businesses throughout the area to promote the program. Any local businesses that are interested in displaying a poster in their workplace should e-mail Hall at ahall@hatboro-horsham.org.

“The tip line will be one more tool for the district to employ as it seeks to prevent and avoid all types of incidents that disrupt learning or threaten student safety,” Hall said. He also instituted a telephone tip line and e-mail address when he served as director of safety at St. Joseph's University.

Hall's voice is on the tip line's message, and he will respond to the message.

Depending on the incident, information could be forwarded to school principals or directly to police if a threat is imminent.

Hall encouraged students to make use of the service.

“When in doubt, make the phone call,” said Hall, who added, “If you're wondering if you should call, you should.”

To help: If you witness bullying, a student in danger, or a situation that might present a threat to school safety, call 215-420-5100 or send an e-mail to tips@hatboro-horsham.org.

(4/7/2008) Horsham, Pa. police are warning township residents about kids who are putting a homemade explosive in mailboxes. And the explosive is made out of materials that can be found in most homes. (from KYW Brad Segall )

A woman was walking near a mailbox on Thornton Road near Jennifer Road on Saturday when it exploded, blowing off the door. She wasn’t hurt, but police are warning residents about the “works bomb.”

Detective Robert Waeltz says it’s made out of toilet bowl cleaner and aluminum foil placed in a plastic bottle:

"The tin foil and the toilet bowl cleaner create a gas. They then put the lid on the bottle, and it will eventually explode.”

Similar mailbox incidents have been reported in Upper Moreland and Warminster townships, and Waeltz says the same bombs have been found in Horsham before, in wooded areas.

He says police are aggressively investigating, and they will prosecute the case if the vandals are found.

(4/4/2008) Disaster can strike at any moment. Ready Montco will help you and your family prepare.

Montgomery County continuously faces emergency situations, and yet we know that most of our residents are not prepared for them. We know another emergency is coming; we just do not know when or what it will be. But we can and must prepare now for the next emergency – whether it is natural or man-made.

Montgomery County’s emergency professionals are among the most prepared professionals in the nation, well-trained with the latest technologies and resources to respond to any threat posed to the County. But it takes more than our emergency professionals to be ready. Residents and businesses must do their part to be prepared, aware and involved.

The Ready campaign is an educational program informing businesses and residents about the importance of preparing for any kind of natural, public health or man-made disaster. Working together, everyone can make a difference in creating awareness, motivating preparedness and encouraging involvement.

Ready Montco Web Site
Ready Region Web Site

(3/9/2008) 'Dust Off' - an aerosol product used to clean dust from PCs is being abused as a way to get high and can cause death within seconds.

This article is an edited version of an email that has been circulating "Do you know what Dusting is?"

"Dusting" is the abuse of "Dust-Off" or other computer cleaners. Dust-Off is a can of compressed air which also contains R2, a refrigerant. Abusers spray the cleaner and breathe it in. It produces a quick, brief high, making the user dizzy.

Dusting is being done mostly by kids aged 9-15. They consider it safer than huffing (inhalation of products such as airplane glue or nail polish remover), and that's why it's more accepted. There is no chemical reaction, no strong odor. It doesn't follow the huffing signals.

The refrigerant in Dust-Off - R2 - is a heavy gas, heavier than air . When you inhale it, it fills your lungs and keeps the good air, with oxygen, out. That's why you feel dizzy, buzzed. It decreases the oxygen to your brain, to your heart, and can kill you very quickly.

The horrible part about this is there is no warning. There is no level that kills you. It's not cumulative or an overdose; it can just go randomly, terribly wrong. IT'S NOT AN OVERDOSE You don't die later. Or not feel good and say I've had too much. You usually die as you're breathing it in, if not you die within 2 seconds of finishing "the hit." There is no chemical reaction, no strong odor. It doesn't follow the huffing signals.

More information about dusting can be found here.

(12/29/2007) Thank you to everyone who attended the Coordinators Meeting on 1/10/08. Click Here for meeting minutes (.doc)

(11/29/2007) The Horsham Township Police Department hosted the 9th Annual “Project Blue Light Ceremony" on Tuesday December 4, 2007 at 6:30 PM. The ceremony (an old fashioned tree lighting) was held in Battalion 2 Fire Station directly across from Deep Meadow Park and next to the Horsham Township Municipal Building.

The guest speaker this year was Mr. Joseph McGill, Esq. Mr. McGill is a former prosecutor from the City of Philadelphia, who prosecuted Mumia Abu Jamal in the murder of Officer Danny Faulkner. Also attending this years ceremony and lighting the tree will be the wife of Philadelphia Police Officer Gary Skerski who was killed in the line of duty answering a robbery call at a bar in Philadelphia.

Participants in this yesr's event also inluded the Loch Rannoch Pipes & Drums from Fountainville, PA. Loch Rannoch isthe affiliate pipe band of the Emerald Society of Bucks & Montgomery Counties.

Click here for a video of the 2007 ceremony.

Montgomery Trend Article.

(10/1/2007) The Internet Safety Forum was held at Keith Valley Middle School on October 4, 2007.

• Who does your child let into your house at night? Presented by Ray Kuter, a certified forensic computer examiner and Montgomery County Detective from the Internet Crimes Against Children taskforce of the Montgomery County District Attorney’s office
• A Law Enforcement Perspective Presented by Todd Stephens, Assistant District Attorney, Captain of the Sex Crimes Unit, Montgomery County District Attorney’s office
• Acceptable Internet Behavior Presented by the Hatboro and Horsham Police Departments
• Parental Empowerment Presented by a Keith Valley Guidance Counselor
• A parent’s real life story

Download a Flyer Here (pdf).

Suspect: African-American male,medium complexion. 29-40yoa. Actor was clean shaven, wearing a gold/black watch with black band. Driving a dark green SUV (similar to a Jeep) with a silver stripe on the side. Interior seats were black with small gray spots. Actor made remarks asking victim (11yoa) if she wanted a ride home, if she wanted to sit in his car and if she wanted to play with his dog. Incident occurred on Sept 13, 2007 at 1815hrs at the Keith Valley Middle School lower parking lot.

Any information please contact Detective James Vincenti at Horsham Police, 215-643-3600.

Download a Flyer Here.

(9/1/2007) The participants in our 11th Citizens Police Academy will graduated Wednesday, November 14th, 2007. Graduation was held again in the Community Center behind the police station and began with remarks from Chief Ruxton, followed by the drug awareness program 'Don't Be An Ostrich by Deb Delp.

Click Here for more information and an application.

• ChATs Director is a member of the Tournament Committee in charge of emergency service coordination including Fire Police and Ambulance Services
• ChATs volunteers work with the Horsham Fire Police to coordinate traffic and parking at the various venues.
• ChATs volunteers also patrol the fields and act as the First Responders in case of injury or other emergency.
• ChATs volunteers also bridge communications between the tournament management and local emergency services

(7/2/2007) Horsham Police on Saturday, June 26 arrested two young people, a male and female, for soliciting without a permit. Both these people were from out of state and were selling magazines, books and CD's (which don't exist) from a company called Dynasty Sales. Their 'catch' is to tell the resident that they are the son or daughter of a neighbor or that they are trying to earn money to go to London or another country with a soccer team or college. They will offer to have any books sold donated to a children's hospital (which is bogus). Our residents need to use extreme caution with anyone who comes to their door. Any person soliciting anything MUST display an ID card issued by the Horsham Police Department. This card is signed by the Chief of Police after a criminal background check of the person is completed and all his information is obtained. At the present, our department has issued NO permits for anyone to sell magazines. Should one of our residents give these people any money, at the very least they will loose their money and very possibly be at risk for further crimes such as ID theft of burglary. Please report any solicitors immediately to the Horsham Police at 215-643-3600.

• All solicitors must have a photo ID issued by the Horsham PD
• ID must be carried and displayed on demand
• Solicitor must also have another photo ID such as a driver's license
• Soliciting is only permitted Monday through Saturday during daylight hours
• No Soliciting on Sundays or State or Federal Holidays
• Solicitors must leave the property upon request of the occupant
• A Solicitor may not go to a house marked "No Peddling or Soliciting" or face arrest
• Call the Police Department 2153.643.3600 to report any unlicensed solicitor or suspicious person

• Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze. Try not to use your hand to cover your mouth because you can spread germs when you touch other surfaces. Keep tissues on hand - for yourself and to offer to others who may be coughing or sneezing near you. Throw out used tissues right away.
• Wash your hands frequently. Hand washing is one of the easiest and best ways to prevent the spread of the flu and many other diseases. Be sure to use antibacterial soap and hot water to kill germs. Scrub your fingers and clean under your fingernails.
• Use hand sanitizer gels. Keep a supply of alcohol based hand sanitizer gels on hand for yourself and others. They can be used when you can’t get to a sink. Antibacterial sanitizer towelettes can also be used to clean your face, hands and body.
• Keep surfaces clean. Germs are spread when a sick person touches surfaces, such as a doorknob or sink, and then someone else touches that same surface. Stock up on antibacterial wipes. Keep some in your car, home and office. They can be used in all kinds of places and on all kinds of surfaces. Use in public places such as restaurants and public bathrooms, or anywhere a flu virus or bacteria may be spread.
• Avoid close contact. If you have the flu, stay home from work or school to avoid spreading the illness to others. Likewise, If you notice that someone nearby is sick, avoid close contact with them.
• Get a flu shot. The best way to prevent the flu is to get vaccinated each year. The elderly, children, pregnant women and people with chronic medical conditions are most vulnerable, and should get annual flu shots.
• Maintain healthy habits. Smoking and excessive drinking can weaken the body’s ability to fight disease. However, cooking and serving nutritious whole foods, including foods with plenty of Vitamin C, as well as other fruits and vegetables and yogurt, can all help boost immunity to infections and viruses.