Whitemarsh Township Police are warning residents to lock their cars and take valuables inside after issuing a theft prevention advisory Thursday.
Chief Christopher Ward's department published the notice in the township's weekly newsletter and on its Facebook page, listing three steps residents should follow:
- Always lock your vehicle, even at home.
- Remove valuables from the car, especially wallets, electronics and firearms.
- Never leave keys or key fobs inside the vehicle.
The department did not cite a specific recent incident but framed the notice as a standing reminder for the community. The advisory comes ahead of a summer weekend when more cars may sit in driveways and parking lots.
The tips echo a pattern police have flagged before. In a March 2021 incident on Mulberry Lane in Lafayette Hill, a neighbor called 911 after spotting a man trying car door handles late at night. That encounter escalated when the suspect pointed a firearm at a responding officer, according to 6abc, and resulted in attempted murder charges.
SafeWatch Whitemarsh
The department also operates SafeWatch Whitemarsh, a voluntary registry where residents can list home security cameras and smart doorbell systems. The registry is kept confidential. Officers cannot view footage directly or access equipment without the owner's consent, but they use the list to identify potential witnesses when a crime is reported nearby.
Signing up is free. Residents can register through the police department's website.
How to report
The department asks anyone who sees suspicious activity around parked vehicles to contact Whitemarsh Township Police. The Crime Alert page on the township website lists current contact numbers. For emergencies, dial 911.
