New captain’s forum
held in 15th district

By Diane Prokop
Times Staff Writer

About a dozen residents turned out for the first 15th Police District captain’s forum held on Aug. 30 at district headquarters, Harbison Avenue and Levick Street.
Capt. Frank Bachmayer, commander of the district, instituted the forum at the request of members of the 15th Police District Advisory Council.
"I was asked to get a community forum going for more of a one-on-one with residents. If we can’t solve your problems, we’ll send it off to someone who can help," Bachmayer said.
Quality-of-life issues were at the forefront of neighbors’ complaints, ranging from the legality of feeding pigeons — it’s illegal to feed the birds — to foul language, trash, possible illegal activity and even physical threats.
Bachmayer assured the residents that the district would look into the matter and that Community Relations Officer Sharon Krause would go out to speak to the neighbors in question.
Bachmayer also told residents to be aware of a rash of residential burglaries in the lower end of the 15th district that are targeting the elderly.
The home invasions took place on the 5200 block of Burton St., 5200 block of Ditman St., the 5300 block of Jackson St. and the 2100 block of Bridge St.
While none of the burglaries occurred near the homes of the Mayfair residents attending the meeting, Bachmayer wanted them to be aware, should increased police patrols send the thieves to their area.
According to Philadelphia crime statistics, residential burglaries usually increase during the fall.
The police department issues these security guidelines to residents:
• Make certain all doors and windows are securely locked and alarm systems turned on. Keep garage doors closed and locked.
• Keep all doors locked at night and every time you leave the house — even if it’s just for a few minutes.
• Do not keep spare keys in obvious places, such as under doormats, in a planter, on a ledge or near a mailbox. Give a spare key to a trusted neighbor.
• Temporarily suspend mail and newspaper deliveries, or arrange to have these items picked up or forwarded to another address when leaving home for an extended period.
• Install motion-sensitive lights. Trim trees and shrubs so they don’t conceal doors and windows.
• Burglars tend to look for obscure entryways to your residence. Be vigilant to secure patio doors, side entrances and large windows.
• During the warm weather, lawn furniture and outdoor grills are especially vulnerable. Be vigilant about securing these items or placing them in a highly visible location.
• Consider a home alarm system that provides emergency monitoring for burglary, fire and medical emergencies.
• Don’t keep a lot of cash with you or in your home.
• Report any crime or suspicious activity or behavior to 911.
• If you are a crime victim, do not clean your house prior to the arrival of the police department. Officers may be able to obtain valuable evidence from your property.
The next 15th district forum will take place at 8 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 27, at district headquarters, Harbison Avenue and Levick Street.
Reporter Diane Prokop can be reached at 215-354-3036 or dprokop@phillynews.com