Crime Watch Tips/ Police Blotter:

This page was designed to inform our residents of criminal activity, community efforts involving the Police Department, and updates on Traffic Safety.  Should you observe any suspicious activity, or anyone possibly fitting the description of any information provided on this page, we encourage you to call 412-833-2000 or 911 to report the activity.  We appreciate your assistance in keeping Bethel Park a safe place to live and work.  We hope this page will provide you with valuable information to keep everyone safe. 

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**** Community Alert 8/11/10****  The Bethel Park Police Department has taken multiple reports of vehicles being entered and items stolen from within the vehicles.  The common demoninator in all of these thefts is that the vehicles were left unlocked and items of value clearly visible inside the vehicle.  The Bethel Park Police Department strongly encourages our residents to remove valuable items from inside the vehicle and to lock your vehicle.  Also, these thefts are occurring during the night time hours, so if you see something suspicious, please report the activity to the Police Deapartment immediately.  The Emergency number is 412-833-2000 or 911. 

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The Police Memorial  at the entrance to the Bethel Park Police Department was recently renovated.  The Bethel Park Community Foundation, Jim Jenkins Landscape Center, Flowers N Stuff,  Paul Henney Memorial Chapel, and Kiefer Supply all made donations of services or money towards the project.  Officer Robert Gary and retired Sgt. Skip Hornak performed the design work and the labor on the memorial.  It certainly looks much better as a result of everyone's efforts and we are all appreciative of their dedication to this project.  It is certainly important to remember those who 
                                             made the ultimate sacrifice serving our community.

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The Bethel Park Police would like to recognize the following residents and business owners in helping to refurbish the Department's Crime Prevention/ Community Resource vehicle by donating money or parts to complete this project.  A special thanks to Mr. Tom Shanahan who's vision for a more visible vehicle was what prompted the project to move forward. 

Shanahan Transportation Systems  : Mr. Tom Shanahan
Dorsey Automotive :  Mr. Brian Dorsey & Mr. Tad Dorsey
Keystone Coach Works :  Mr. Ed Shelpman & Mr. David Knaus
Meineke Muffler:  Mr. Jeff Konyk
Kozel Auto Parts: Mr. Robert Kozel & Mr. William Kozel Jr.
Hoffman Auto Body: Mr. Kevin Hoffman
122 Racing:  Mr. John Symsek
Car Quest Auto Parts: Mr. Bill Thornton

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Emergency/ Non Emergency calls

The Bethel Park Police Department is requesting that our residents do not call 412-833-2000 or 911 if you have a non-emergency type request.  During the recent snow situation, residents were calling and asking when their power was coming back on, when their streets were to be plowed, and if garbage pick-up was delayed.  This is a serious situation, especially if there are actual emergency situations.  As much as we would like to provide around the clock information for everything, we are not able to do so.  For non emergency type questions, please call Monday thru Friday at 412-831-6800.  We want to make sure anyone with a real emergency is able to get the help they need when they need it.  We thank you in advance for the proper use of the emergency numbers 412-833-2000 and 911.

***Remember***

Emergency calls: 412-833-2000 or 911

Non Emergency Calls 412-831-6800 (Monday thru Friday 8:30 am- 4 pm)

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 Crime Reports for Second 3 Months of Year (2010)

    April    May   June
Robbery           0        1        0
Assault    10        9        7
Burglary     7        4        2 
     Residence      
        Night   6p-6A        0         0        0
        Day     6a-6p     2           3        0
        Unknown     2         1         0 
     Non-Residence        
         Night  6p-6A     3         0        2
         Day    6A-6P     0         0         0 
         Unknown     0         0         0 
Theft    14          16       19 
   Pocket Picking     0         0         0 
   Purse-Snatching      0          0         0 
   Shoplifting     6          5        6 
  From Vehicle      0         4        6 
  Vehicle Parts      1          1         0 
  Bicycle      2         0         0 
  From Buildings     4          3         0 
  Coin-Op Machines     0           0         0 
  All Others     1         3         7 
Vehicle Theft     1         1         1 
Forgery     0         1         3 
Fraud     4          6        3 
Vandalism     7              8        6 
Drug Violations     7       11         4 
DUI     5         6        6
Public Drunkeness     2         4         2 
Disorderly Conduct    16       16       22 

 

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Crime Watch Tips: Crime Prevention Safety Tips (8/1/10)

 Subject: What to do if stopped by a Police Officer in a Marked Vehicle  

1.     Red and Blue Lights and/or a siren mean to pull over to the right, as soon as safe to do so and where you will not block traffic.

2.     If it is dark, the officer may use a bright spot light or flashlight to illuminate you and your car.

3.     Upon request, Drivers are required to provide their Information, which includes Drivers license, registration and proof of insurance.

4.     Depending on the circumstances, officers may request identification from passengers as well.

5.     Remain in your vehicle, keep your hands where the officer can see them (steering wheel) and follow his/her instructions.

6.     Avoid making any sudden movements, and do not reach for your license or any other items until requested to do so.

7.     Depending on the circumstances, the officer may require you get out of the vehicle.  Do not attempt to exit until told to do so.

8.     Advise your passengers to remain calm and follow the instructions of the officer.

9.     Never argue with the officer. If you want to ask questions, do so but be polite.  If you do not agree with the citation, that is what court is for.  

 

If Stopped by an Officer in an Unmarked Police Car:

1.     Turn on your safety flashers.

2.     Drive slowly to a well lit and well populated area.

3.     If you have a cell phone, you can call the Police dispatch and request a marked vehicle. (Most cases at night, a marked cruiser will be on way to the stop anyway for backup and safety reasons)

4.     Do not exit your vehicle.  Lower your window slightly to communicate with the officer.

5.     Request that they wait until a marked police vehicle arrives on scene.

6.     Once satisfied that the officer is legitimate, cooperate with the officer.

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Traffic Alerts:

The Traffic Division has been responding to complaints from residents of speeding vehicles, vehicles not stopping for stop signs and violations in our school zones.  The Traffic Division is issuing a lot of citations.  We are asking our residents to drive carefully and obey the laws in all areas of the Municipality.  The minimum fine with costs is $109.50 in Pennsylvania.  That money could be better used for your family.  Allow yourself enough time during the holiday season so you can get to your destination without violating any traffic laws.

With the arrival of nice weather, the Traffic Division will be out enforcing all traffic laws in force.  This is to provide our community with the safest possible conditions for our residents.  We encourage all residents to obey the speed limits, stop at stop signs and drive the way you want others to drive in your neighborhood, when traveling in Bethel Park.  The minimum fine is 109.50 and most moving violations also have points assessed to your driving record which can be costly with insurance companies.

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Police Blotter:

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Recently, the Bethel Park Police Department made an arrest of a resident in connection with a burglary.  Through investigation, this arrest has cleared up multiple cases involving thefts from construction sites and residential areas in Bethel Park as well as surrounding communities.  The recovery is estimated at approximately $250,000 or more.  We want to commend the resident who called the police when  observing something suspicious in the neighborhood.  Without this call, this case as well as others would still be unsolved.  Please call the police when you observe something out of the ordinary in your neighborhood.  Please call the police when you observe something out of the ordinary in your neighborhood. Don't wait, let us investigate!

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 The Police Department is encouraging our residents to be aware of your neighborhood happenings and help us make things difficult for the thieves.  Report any suspicious activity in your area, and advise your neighbors to do the same.  Please report these incidents promptly and let the police department investigate.  You would be surprised of the cases resolved by a simple phone call to police for a "suspicious person or incident".

 

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