Evesham Township Police Visit The Orchards at Greentree

As part of their ongoing community engagement initiative to strengthen partnerships within Evesham Township, Captain Siitonen and a fellow ETPD officer attended The Orchards’ November 16th open meeting at the Clubhouse (and live-streamed on Zoom) to discuss speeding and safety concerns in both our community and the town.

Throughout Evesham Township, the Department has seen an uptick in commercial criminal activity and shoplifting, while not as much residential-area crime. In their opinion, our neighborhood has very little activity and is a great part of town. They welcome and encourage forums such as this to maintain positive partnerships with the various communities that make-up Evesham Township.

Safety Tips and Suggestions from ETPD

Install cameras – and register them.

• The officers’ first recommendation is to install outdoor security cameras (such as Blink, Nest, Ring, etc.) so activity can be recorded and captured. Take it a step further and register your camera on their website in order to aid in future neighborhood investigations.

Motion-activated lights and floodlights are known to deter would-be criminals.

• In recent years, there has been an uptick in overnight activity for stealing catalytic converters, breaking into vehicles, and stealing vehicles from private driveways. Motion-activated lights often startle the criminals, and they leave the property.
• In addition, well-lit areas can A) help deter the criminal(s) as they don’t want to be visible and B) can help investigations by brightening the area for both cameras and patrolling officers.

Our community roads are private, but that does not mean immunity from breaking the law.

• While most minor motor vehicle infractions are not enforceable on our court roads as we are a private association, know that arrestable offenses are still enforceable by the authorities. This includes DUIs, reckless driving, a suspended license, theft, violence, drugs, and more crimes.

How can residents be informed of police activity?

Transparency is your right as an Evesham Township resident, as long as it impacts public safety and does not impede an ongoing investigation.

• Residents can request public records.
• Register to receive Nixle alerts.
• Follow ETPD on Facebook and Nextdoor.

How can residents report offenses?

• Download the Tip411 app. This app is 100% anonymous.
• Any resident can file a ticket or police report at the police station. The officers advise that retaliation should not be a concern. It is the best way if you observe repeat offenders.
• If you see something, say something. Officers cannot be present 100% of the time. If you notice suspicious activity such as recurring skeptical cars, call the police or their confidential tip line at (856) 983-4699 and report the activity or license plates. You never know if these details could be crucial to a detective’s active investigation.

Continue to strengthen the partnership with our local police and patrolling officers.

• Attend township Town Watch meetings held every other month at the municipal building.
• If you see an officer driving by, don’t be afraid to say hello and initiate conversation.
• Be diligent in your observations within our community. We know our community best.

Note:

Just because something is not considered “enforceable,” we still have the safety and concern of our residents, children, and pets to consider. PLEASE abide by the community’s posted signage such as the 15MPH speed limit, stop signs, and no parking signs. If you are dropping your children off at the bus stop, please be courteous and self-aware of other traffic on the roadway. Be extra cautious around curves, blind spots, and higher-traffic pedestrian areas (such as the playgrounds).