Dear Neighbors,
The following is from our friends at the Harrisburg Police Department:
This is just a reminder that if you decide to travel and are leaving your home for an extended period of time, the Hbg. Police will do house checks in your absence. Call 255-3131, give the dates that you will be away from your home, let personnel know if anyone will be in your home, and what lights will be on. Also leave contact information in case of emergency. Officers will leave a card giving the date and times of their checks on your home. This is a service free of charge, and will help ensure that you return to a crime free home.
Please also consider the following crime and safety tips:
- Carry your valuables wisely. Do not keep cash in your wallet. Instead, keep it in an inside pocket and only carry the credit cards you’ll need.
- Do not leave valuables in your vehicle. If you must leave packages in your car, put them in the trunk. Keep receipts with you.
- Carry a cell phone with you. If someone makes you suspicious or uncomfortable, notify security or call the police.
- Whenever possible, park and walk in well-lit areas. Be aware of your surroundings, especially the people around you.
- Carry your purse close to you, with the opening or flap towards your body. Never leave a purse unattended in a shopping cart.
- Do not keep a wallet, credit cards or cash in a backpack. If you are in a crowd, consider carrying the backpack in front of you. Pickpockets can quickly and easily remove items from a backpack wtihout being noticed by the owner.
- Protect your credit card numbers and other personal information. Carefully dispose of receipts that have a credit card number on them. Never provide credit card information in response to unsolicited calls or emails.
- Don’t announce your new high-dollar purchases. Break down the boxes of TVs, stereos, computers, etc. and turn them inside out before putting them in the trash.
- If you are traveling, make your home look “lived in”. Have a friend or neighbor collect your mail and newspapers or have your service suspended while you are away. Use timers to turn lights off and on.
As always, please notify our police of any suspicious activity by calling 9-1-1.
Please turn on your porch lights!
One of the simplest ways to deter crime and promote safe streets is to keep porch lights on. Not only do porch lights add extra illumination to the streets, a light also signals that residents are aware of what’s going on around their homes. Please use compact fluorescent light bulbs!
For up to date crime alerts, see the Harrisburg Crime Blotter:
http://www.harrisburgpa.gov/Resident/Public_Safety/police_dept/Police_Blotter.php
If you have a neighborhood crime alert, please email it to:
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This page has the following sub pages.
just had mugging at Susquehanna and Herr Sts
Dear Santa,
Please reserve two large lumps of coal for the stocking of the grinch who stole wreaths off our front door on the 200 block of Reily Street Monday night. We have been very good this year but not everyone has. It didn’t ruin our holiday spirit, so we’ll continue spreading Christmas cheer, and will remind our neighbors to keep their exterior lights on. Grinches don’t like lights.
Merry Christmas
A Susquehanna Street resident was mugged Monday 11/29 @ 5:40 p.m. Her report:
It happened on the 1500 block of Green Street at 5:40 last night. The man was very small (around 5’2″) and very dark skinned African American. He was wearing a black over-sized sweatshirt (with no hood), black pants, shoes, and a black knit hat. He was riding a small black bike (like a BMX-style or maybe even a kid’s bike.) He jumped off his bike as we were approaching each other on the sidewalk, and as I swerved to avoid him he pointed at me as if he was carrying a gun and grabbed my arm very tightly. I immediately yelled NO twice, and almost got out of his grip. But he then grabbed my face and covered my mouth and I ended up on the ground. He said, “where’s the money?” and I said I didn’t have any. He demanded money again and I told him to just take my bag. As he grabbed my bag he jumped back on his bike and rode up Boyd to Susquehanna. A neighbor came outside to help me and called the cops immediately. It all happened very quickly.
Please be on the look-out. The cops said that this guy has robbed several people over the past couple weeks. In fact, the Susquehanna Street resident was his second victim last night. The other woman that he mugged was in the vicinity of the Metro Bank on 2nd Street.
Where: 100 Block of Verbeke Street
When: Sometime between 11:00 a.m. on October 30th and 9:30 a.m. on November 1st.
What: Theft. An unknown person or persons stole a vehicle license plate from a parked vehicle.
Where: 100 Block of Harris Street
When: Sometime between 2:45 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. on October 30th.
An unknown person threw a rock and shattered a car window. The victim’s purse was stolen from the vehicle.
Harrisburg Police are encouraging all to not leave valuable items in their vehicles in plain sight.
When: 10-29-2010 @ about 10:20 a.m.
Where: The Hamilton Store, 224 Hamilton Street
Who: Black male, about 17-18 years old, and wearing a white mask, tan colored coat with hood up, and jeans. Armed with a handgun.
Black male wearing a black hooded sweatshirt with the hood pulled up and blue jeans.
Narrative: On 10-29-2010 at about 1020 hrs. police were dispatched to the Hamilton Store on a report that a robbery just took place. The clerk told the officers that the robbers came in, one brandished a handgun, and the other robber went behind the counter and took money from the register after knocking the clerk to the floor. The robbers got a small amount of cash and some cigarettes.
The investigation continues and anyone having any information on this is asked to contact Det. Donald Heffner at 717-255-3181 or email dheffner@cityofhbg.com or Sgt. Dennis Sorensen at 717-255-6586 or email dsorensen@cityofhbg.com.
Unknown person(s) broke into 228 Hamilton St. No items were taken. Entry was made through the rear of the residence. Report was taken on the 24th of Oct. @ approx. 4:21 am.
Armed Robbery
September 28, 2010 11:15 p.m.
Green St. and Kelker St.
A gentleman who lives in our neighborhood was approached by four black males. As the victim left his car he was confronted by the four robbers. The victim struck one or two of his attackers and three fled. The fourth attacker trained a handgun on the victim until he activated
a siren in his vehicle. The fourth attacker ran when the siren began. Responding police officers were able to arrest and charge two of the attackers.
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This second incident took place outside of Engleton but is a reminder to be vigilant:
Armed Robbery
September 28, 2010
1100 Block of North 3rd St.
On 09-28-2010 at about 5:15 p.m. a H/M/24 was riding a bicycle while going south on N. 3rd St. He was on his way home after an appointment in the Uptown section. As he got to the 1100 block of N. 3rd St. he saw a group of young black males sitting and standing at a porch of a residence. Two of the group ran out into the street and attacked him. One robber displayed a handgun and ordered the victim to surrender his valuables. That robber grabbed the victim by the shirt and pulled him from the bicycle as other robber grabbed the bicycle. The robber with the gun took the victim’s money and ran off. The other robber rode off on the bicycle.
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The victim called for police. A witness saw the entire incident and also alerted police. Responding officers caught Jared Jones riding away on the victim’s bicycle. He was arrested and charged as noted. He was charged as an adult due to the nature of the offense and that a
deadly weapon was used.
Also reported from a neighbor:
Neighbors, beware of calls from 877-388-9547 saying Verizon has new low rates and they want to verify whether you’re DSL or FIOS. My fake telemarketer was KEVIN. I asked for his number, said I would call Verizon to verify, and call him back. He gave me the above number. No way to know if that is truly the number from which he was calling.
Of course, Verizon says that number is not a Verizon number and there are no new low rates. Total scam.
Do not give out ANY information until you check with Verizon.
Dear neighbors,
A neighbor on the 1700 of Susquehanna Street reports:
On Monday, Sept. 20 @ 4:30 a.m., there was a shooting at Green and Kelker Sts. The reporting person and his wife, along with many others in the area, woke up to to the sound of 3 gun shots. Someone had shot three rounds through the barber shop window at Green and Kelker. The police were called.
Dear Neighbors,
The following incidents have been reported recently:
1. During this last weekend a passenger side window of a vehicle parked in the 200 block of Verbeke was broken with a brick. No items were reported to be missing.
2. On Sunday September 19th a neighbor reported 2 females were accosted and chased by several other individuals at Green and North streets. While this incident was outside of our neighborhood it is a good reminder to remain vigilant.
A neighbor reported:
On Thursday, September 16th at approximately 2 a.m., a car on the 1600 block of 3rd, b/t Clinton & Hamilton Sts. was broken into. A window was broken to get access to the vehicle. Nothing of value was taken. The police were called, but did not come to the scene. A report was taken over the phone. No witnesses.
PRESS RELEASE
Type of Incident: Homicide
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Date / Time: 08-03-2010 @ 2230 hrs.
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Location: 200 block of Market St.
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Narrative:
The victim reported that he was walking in the area of North 2nd Street and Market Street near the bus terminal when two unknown males confronted him. An argument ensued and the victim was stabbed and hit on the head. The suspects fled from the area on foot. Ty Depew is in critical condition in the hospital. Due to his condition, Mr. Depew has been unable to provide any additional information at this time. UPDATE: Mr. Depew’s condition worsened over the past few days and he was not able to recover from the injury to his head. He died overnight making this the 8th Criminal Homicide this year.
Charges Brought: 08-18-2010
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Due to the many great tips received from the public, Detectives were able to put together information that has lead to the arrest of Mr. Glacken and Mr. Sims.
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Detectives are looking for a possible 3rd person that was involved in this Homicide. He goes by the name of “Flaco” (Please see images above) and is described as a light skin black male or Hispanic male, 5’8”- 5’10, 150 lbs with a short afro, thin build.
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Anyone having any additional information on this incident is asked to contact Det. C. Krokos of the Detective Division at 717-255-7299 or email him at CKrokos@cityofhbg.com.
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You may also contact the Dauphin County Crime Stoppers at # 1-800-262-3080
Simple Assault: 1700 Block Green St.
August 10th at 10 p.m.
A white female walking home to her residence was assaulted by two black males. Nothing was taken from the victim. The Harrisburg Community Policing Officer recommends “If you can help it, don’t walk alone late at night. Always be mindful of your surroundings.”
Home Burglary: 1500 block of Penn Street (2nd Block)
The home owner believes the intruder(s) used a neighbor’s garbage can to get over their fence and opened a rear window which they believe the cleaning lady may have left unlocked.
The intruder(s) took liquor and a cell phone. A laptop was sitting on the counter, but they didn’t touch it. Apparently the thief(s) may have sat on the cell phone accidentally calling a friend of the homeowner from the stolen phone at 11:47 p.m. last night . . . there was a message that sounded like someone walking.
The homeowner said they were home at the time and had just gone to bed 45 minutes earlier. They must have left through the window, which was left open all night.
The crime was reported to the police.
PRESS RELEASE
Type of Incident: Robbery – motor vehicle
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Date / Time: 07-27-2010 @ 0520 hrs
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Location: 400 block of Muench St.
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Investigating Officer: Det. Michael Savel
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Victim R/S/A: B/F/58 – Patriot News delivery
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Accused: Pending investigation
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Charges: Pending investigation
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Narrative:
On 07-27-2010 at about 0520 hrs. a City woman stopped her car in the 400 block of Muench St. As she got out, to deliver morning papers, she was confronted by a young man who threatened to kill her as he gestured that he had a gun. The victim backed away from the car and the robber got in and drove off. The robber stopped a short distance away and picked up another man. The robber was said to be a black male, dark complexion, young 19-20, about 5’5” and thin build. He wore a black baseball hat, white t-shirt and black jeans. The second man was said to be black, thin, walked with a limp and seemed to be somewhat of diminished capacity.
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The missing car is a 2008 Jeep Cherokee, maroon, and bearing PA registration PD4966E.
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Anyone having any additional information on this is asked to contact Det. Michael Savel at 1717-3118 or email msavel@cityofhbg.com and or Cpl. Deric Moody in the Detective Division at 717-255-3156 or email dmoody@cityofhbg.com
UPDATE: A neighbor reported having spoken to the victim of the car robbery and the vehicle has been found. Her husband located it on Kelker Street.
PRESS RELEASE
Type of Incident: Thefts – bicycles
Date / Time: 06-01-2010 to 07-28-2010
Location: City wide
Investigating Officer: Det. Quinten Kennedy
Victim R/S/A: City residents
Accused: Pending investigation
Charges: Pending investigation
Narrative:
Since June 01st there have been 14 reports of bicycles stolen in the City. Three incidents took place in June and the rest in this month. Most of the bicycles were nice and or ‘high end’ expensive items.
None of the victims had serial numbers for their bicycles which presents a problem for the police in recovering them.
Police are advising residents to record the make, model, size and serial number of their bicycles. The serial number is most often found under the pedal sprocket, on the handle bar post or on the side of the rear wheel mounting bracket. A tracing of the serial number and or a digital photograph of the bicycle and one of the serial number is a good thing to have.
Anyone having any additional information on this is asked to contact Cpl. Todd Abromitis at 717-255-3115 or email tabromitis@cityofhbg.com .
Theft by unlawful taking:
July 22, at 8:15 am. Theft from motor vehicle on the 1500 block of Green St.
It has been reported that a handgun was among items taken from the vehicle.
No further details of this incident are available at this time.
Attempted Burglary:
On July 23rd @ 12:45 a.m., 1606 N 3rd St. A black male described as short in stature, skinny legs, with no shoes and wearing a ski mask entered the house through the 2nd story balcony window, which was unlocked. The homeowner awoke to find the perpetrator in his bedroom. The homeowner chased the man out of the house through the front door. The perpetrator appeared to have no weapons. Nothing was taken and no injuries are reported. The police were on the scene almost immediately as they happened to be driving down 3rd St at the time of the incident. The suspect has not been found.
Theft by Unlawful Taking
It was reported that unknown person(s) took a computer, ipod, and wallet out of a vehicle overnight. Crime occurred in 1600 block of Penn Street. Vehicle was a black VW GTI. There are no suspects or witnesses.
Prowler: 200 block Reily Street/1500 block Penn Street
Thursday, July 1, 2010, a man was seen prowling in the backyards of homes along the 200 block of Reily, via the pedestrian alley at 1500 Penn. He was approached by a neighbor and fled Northeast toward 3rd on Reily on his bike. The police were called and arrived within 5 minutes to take the report and look for the individual.
He is a black male, early 20′s, apx 6ft, white t-shirt, black shorts, white sneakers, riding a silver bmx bike.
Just another reminder to keep our homes secured.
Burglary:
1800 block 2nd Street
A 3rd floor apt. was broken into through the front door by unknown person(s).
Taken was a Playstation2,Nintendo 64 and 20 games.
Business burglarized on the 200 block of Reily Street.
Sometime between Saturday afternoon (6/13) and Tuesday morning (6/15) Lords and Ladies Salon was burglarized. Various items were taken but details are limited as the investigation is ongoing. Business resumed in the salon Tuesday afternoon.
Anyone with information about the burglary is urged to notify the police.
Attempted Theft 6/15
Police are currently looking for a black male wearing a tan hat, orange striped shirt, and tan shorts who was observed trying to steal a bicycle along the 1500 block of Penn Street. He has been seen in the area of the 1500 & 1600 blocks of Penn, and the pedestrian alleys behind those blocks, over the last couple of days. This person seems to be scouring the area looking for opportunities. He was approached today by a citizen and ran off when he knew the police were called. He’s been wearing the same clothing each time he’s been seen. Should you see this person, call the police.
It’s a good reminder to be sure window air conditioners can’t be pushed in to gain access to your home, and anything of value being stored outdoors is locked up.
CRIME ALERT:
Burglary at 1619 N. 2nd Street.
A first floor apartment was entered around 8:00-8:30 pm.
Purse, money, and keys were taken.
The non-emergency 255-3131 number was called at 8:53pm and again twice at 9:15 pm. Non-emergency didn’t answer the phone for the two calls placed at 9:15. Five hours later at 1:43 am the police arrived.
All of the recent activity is a reminder to keep doors locked, lights on, and call 911 in case of emergency.
CRIME ALERT
A white male was assaulted last night (Sunday 6/6/10) at 11:15 at gun point by three tall black men (one around 5’10″, the other two over 6’2″) at the corner of Boas and Green. They took his wallet and my cell phone and punched him in the jaw knocking him down.
All three had guns.
It took HBG two hours and two 911 calls to respond.
There was also an assault by people matching the same description @ 3rd and Calder.
Chief Ritter is inquiring why a two hour delay occurred for response time. We will keep the community posted on any further details.
Crime Alert:
May 31, 2010 @ apx. 11:00 pm
Violent home invasion on the 200 block of Sayford Street.
Two men, 1 white/1 black (no other description provided at this time), knocked on a resident’s door at 11pm. One asked for “Michael”. When the resident said no one by that name lived there, the men forced their way into the home. It was reported that the resident was pistol whipped, was told they were going to kill him, and forced to produce valuables throughout the home. The intruders injured but did not kill the resident, and left with an unknown amount of valuables. The victim was admitted to the hospital for treatment.
Neighbors are encouraged not to answer doors late, keep exterior lights on, and should tell friends or family to call first if they are coming by at late hours.
UPDATE: Arrest made of man linked to multiple physical assaults occurring along Riverfront Park and Downtown Harrisburg
Homes & businesses in the midtown area are being spray painted with graffiti over the last several weeks. A report has been made with the City of Harrisburg Police requesting follow-up. Help stop this practice and report graffiti on property to the police through their non-emergency police phone number. 255-3131
PRESS RELEASE
Type of Incident: Simple Assault – unprovoked encounter –Riverfront Park
Date: 05-05-2010 @ 1430 hrs.
Location: 0900-1000 block of N. Front St. – area
Investigating Officer: Officer Stephanie Barrelet
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Victim R/S/A: W/F/47
Condition: Good – contusions and abrasions
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Narrative:
At about 1430 hrs. the victim was walking in Riverfront Park with another woman. As they neared the sunken gardens they were confronted by a black male who appeared to be homeless. He attacked the victim for no reason, knocking her down and hitting her several times about the head and face. The other woman was able to get help and got the attacker to stop. The victims believed that the man may be living at the sunken garden site.
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A similar incident took place in the same area on 04-27-2010 at about 2000 hrs. A man fitting the same description confronted a W/F/47 who was walking near the sunken gardens. He brandished a brick and cursed at the victim. She got away and was not injured.
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The investigation continues and anyone having any information on this is asked to contact Cpl. Deric Moody 717-255-3156 or dmoody@cityofhbg.com
FYI, Engleton received this email earlier today:
I’m a midtown resident (Harris / Green). 4/20/2010 11:30 pm I parked my car on Third Street near HACC at Third and Harris. At 7:45 am 4/21/2010, I saw that the passenger side front window was busted out, glass all over. Gym bag was taken, but I noticed no other missing items (nothing of value in the vehicle), and no obvious rummaging through the glove box. I notified Harrisburg City Police Department, and HACC Midtown security.
Saturday April 10th someone stole a wreath from a home in the 1600 block of Penn. It happened between 9:00 in the evening and Sunday morning. Guess the neighborhood summer vandalism has begun!
3/15/2010 15:25 203 Hamilton St (Robbery -Inflict Threat Imm Bod Inj).
A neighbor was robbed inside the entrance of his home. He has talked to the accused on several occasions before but does not know his name. No further information is available at this time. If anyone has further details, or a description of the individual, please email engletoncommunity@comcast.net so we can share this information with the community.
Everyone should be informed that there are counterfeit $50 bills floating around the Harrisburg area. Please be vigilant if receiving any large bills from anyone besides a bank.
On Saturday, February 20th, sometime after midnight, a neighbor on the 1600 of N 3rd Street had a large plastic flower pot knocked off her front stoop and then demolished on the sidewalk. It looks as if it was kicked and stomped on
Sometime between the hours of 2:30 pm and 6:00 pm on Tuesday, March 2, 2010 a home was burglarized on the 1600 block of Susquehanna St. To gain entry into the house the burglars pried open a window and then unlocked the backdoor of the home. An undisclosed amount of valuables were taken. Harrisburg police were called but it is unknown at this time what action if any is being taken by authorities.