The Taylor Neighborhood Crime Watch meets at the Taylor Borough Building,  the first Monday of every month at 6 p.m. For more information, call (570)-614-9863.

 

 The Taylor Neighborhood Crime Watch Sponors Clean Up Day

 The Taylor Neighborhood Crime Watch will sponsor a cleanup day on Saturday April 21, 2012 from 9:00A.M.-1:00P.M. The clean up will take place from the Top of Taylor Hill on Main Street and end at Main Street and Sibley Ave. If any group would like to get involved with the Crime Watch on this day please contact 570-614-9863 or email taylorneighborhoodcrimewatch

 

Taylor Borough Crime Watch Reminds You………………..

 

 

Dean Martin-Director

Erin Keiperr-Co Director

Jean Marie Webb- Treasure

Byron Webb- Sergeant at Arms

Brandy Phillips-Secretary

The simple fact is often forgotten in the ongoing debate over crime and its causes. Prevention works when individuals take common-sense actions to protect themselves, their families, and property. It works when these individuals, singly or in groups, reach out to strengthen communities.

The theme for crime prevention goes back to these basics: good home security, self-protection skills for kids and grown-ups, drug prevention, and Neighborhood Watch.

Crime prevention does begin at home, the first community that children know. The sense of security that comes from living in a home that provides physical safety, love and support empowers the child to explore, learn and trust. In the home, adults who settle their differences without violence–without abusive words or actions–set a powerful example. This foundation also sets the stage for community prevention efforts–involving young and old, law enforcement, schools, businesses, religious institutions, community organizations, government agencies–that have the power to drive crime and fear from our lives.

Test Your Street Smarts:

Do you:

Jog or walk by yourself early in the morning or late at night when the streets are quiet and deserted?

Stuff your purse with cash, keys, credit cards, checkbook–and then leave it wide open on a counter, a desk, the floor? Put your wallet in a jacket, which you then hang up or throw over a chair?

Let your mind wander–thinking about your job, or all the things you have to do–when you walk or drive?

Think it’s a waste of time to lock your car when you’ll be back in a few minutes?

If you answered “YES” to any question, you need to change a few habits. Even if you answered “NO” and made a perfect score, read on. Spend a few moments now to prevent trouble later.

Basic Street Sense:

Whenever you are–on the street, in an office building or shopping mall, driving, waiting for a bus or subway–stay alert and tuned in to your surroundings.

Send the message that you’re calm, confident, and know where you are going.

Trust your instincts. If something or someone makes you uneasy, avoid the person or leave.

Know the neighborhoods where you live and work. Check out the locations of police and fire stations, public telephones, hospitals and restaurants, or stores that are open late.

On Foot – Day and Night:

Stick to well lighted, well traveled streets. Avoid shortcuts through wooded areas, parking lots or alleys.

Don’t flash large amounts of cash or other tempting objects like expensive jewelry or clothing.

Carry a purse close to your body, not dangling by the straps. Put a wallet in an inside coat or front pants pocket, not a back pocket.

Try to use automated teller machines in the daytime. Have a card in hand and don’t approach the machine if you’re uneasy about people nearby.

Don’t wear shoes or clothing that restricts your movements.

Have your car or house key in hand before you reach the door.

If you think someone is following you, switch direction or cross the street. Walk toward an open store, restaurant, or lighted house. If you are scared, yell for help.

Have to work late? Make sure there are others in the building, and ask someone–a colleague or security guard–to walk you to your car or transit stop.

On Wheels:

Keep your car in good running condition. Make sure there’s enough gas to get where you’re going and back.

Always roll up the windows and lock car doors, even if you are coming right back. Check inside and out before getting in.

Avoid parking in isolated areas. Be especially alert in lots and underground parking areas.

If you think that someone is following you, don’t head home. Head to the nearest police or fire station, gas station, or open business to get help.

Don’t pick up hitchhikers. Don’t hitchhike.

Taylor Crime Watch brings extra set of eyes to borough streets

By Jim Lockwood (Staff Writer Scranton Times) 1-30-2012

TAYLOR – Dean Martin walks the streets of Taylor every day.

He’s not a mailman and doesn’t do it to improve his health. Rather, he strolls the sidewalks as a member of Taylor Neighborhood Crime Watch.

“I get out every single day. Christmas Day – even my birthday,” Mr. Martin said.

Revival of the group, which had fallen dormant for two decades, began in 2009 with Mr. Martin, a Bristol Lane resident.

Now, with about two dozen members, the group is small but looking to grow, and its efforts have been welcomed by borough officials.

“If they see anything suspicious, they call the cops,” said Councilman John Tigue, who heads council’s public safety committee.

Borough Police Chief Leonard Mickavicz added, “They’re active. They’re an extra set of eyes out there.”

Members meet monthly and take turns walking or driving around town. There are two to six Crime Watch members in any given neighborhood of Taylor, and they usually start in their own neighborhood and work their way out into other areas, Mr. Martin said.

Either way, whether walking or driving, the goal is to be visible; members have magnetic signs for vehicles and reflective vests for pedestrians, he said. Mr. Martin said he tells members, “You’re there to look for crime and report any crime you find, but I want everybody to see you.”

Prospective members undergo training and background checks, he said. Members, who range in age from 20s to 80s, carry Crime Watch identification cards and also must sign a statement affirming that they have read and understand the group’s rules, which include never intervening in a crime or taking matters into their own hands, Mr. Martin said.

“Eyes and ears only. We have a 100 percent hands-off policy,” said Mr. Martin. He stresses to members, “You are not a law enforcement officer – period.”

Before going out on a patrol, members inform patrol coordinators of their activities, and afterward fill out a patrol report, Mr. Martin said.

“What we’re trying to do is get people out,” Mr. Martin said. “In my area, for the longest time, I didn’t know my neighbors.”

A cook for Meals on Wheels, Mr. Martin said he was spurred to get involved and began resurrecting the crime watch group in 2009, after a 5-year-old girl from his neighborhood had been beaten and sexually assaulted in her bedroom by a stranger attending a Fourth of July party at the girl’s home, he said. The first task Mr. Martin and other members undertook as a group was a fundraiser for the girl and her family.

“We had Crime Watch signs in town. When I asked about becoming a member, they (local officials) said, ‘It doesn’t even exist anymore. Why don’t you start it?’ And I agreed to it,” he said.

Since its revival, the Crime Watch group also has hosted speakers on crime prevention regarding bullying and gang activity, sponsored a Christmas party for seniors and cleaned up litter on Earth Day, Mr. Martin said. In August, Taylor Neighborhood Crime Watch joined roughly 15,000 communities across the country in hosting the 28th annual National Night Out, a nationwide event that aims to promote safe communities by advocating crime prevention. It was the first National Night Out in Taylor in 20 years.

Crime Watch members also have helped find shelter, food and clothing for homeless individuals, and donated funds to fire victims, he said.

When it comes to crime, Mr. Martin also looks beyond Taylor’s borders and is hoping to organize a regional law enforcement and emergency services expo in the summer. It’s in the early planning stages, but he envisions a one- or two-day event that brings together various police and emergency services agencies in one location where they can display exhibits or perform demonstrations. Such an event would generally be an opportunity for police and emergency services personnel to promote their activities and give the public a chance to interact with them, he said.

“Everybody has some kind of mutual aid set up,” Mr. Martin said. “The idea is to make the public aware of all the various facets.”

 

National Night Out Held

Crime watch helping to bring Taylor together

TYLER MILES Go Lackawanna intern

TAYLOR – Borough residents had the chance to learn about their police department and neighborhood crime watch on Tuesday, Aug. 2, during the family-friendly National Night Out celebration at the Taylor Community Center.

The event included games, finger printing, face painting, pie throwing and sack races for children. Volunteers grilled hot dogs and hamburgers as those in attendance browsed a table of cakes and other sweets donated by the Lackawanna County District Attorney’s Office.

Members of the Taylor Neighborhood Crime Watch, now in its second year, have noticed that the community has become more open.

“They feel safer now and everybody is getting to know their neighbor better,” said Dean Martin, the group’s executive director. “That’s what makes Taylor really nice.”

The participants of the watch group take daily walks through their neighborhood and even participate in bicycle or driving patrols to keep an eye out for anything suspicious.

“This is what makes the neighborhood residents feel so safe. They always see the watch out introducing themselves and handing out information,” Martin said.

Newly appointed Taylor Police Chief Len Mickavicz, who has been involved with the department for 30 years, said the community has seen a change in population over the years, but overall, they aren’t facing any issues that are proving to become too overwhelming.

“Everybody isn’t overwhelmed with the drug problem or anything. We still have a nice, tight knit community.

“These people here are actively involved, and anything out of the ordinary they report right away.” Mikavicz added of the crime watch.

Martin said he is very proud that the watch provided help for nine homeless people last year. He and Borough Manager Dan Zeleniak provided people with information on shelters and helped to get them out of the elements.

Mayor Richard Bowen is delighted for the help that the group provides for his community.

“They know their responsibilities and they react to their jobs. They do the right thing,” Bowen said. “That’s what the crime watch is supposed to do. That’s a big help to the borough and the community.”

Becoming part of the group isn’t the only way to help keep the borough safe, Martin said.

“It’s nice for camaraderie, but just keep an eye on your neighbor,” said Martin. “Don’t be ashamed or embarrassed or afraid to ask what you can do if they need help. You don’t have to join a crime watch to know to do the right things.”

 Taylor Crime Watch Christmas Party

Taylor Crime Watch helped sponsor a Christmas party at the Riverside Rehabilitation. The party had a visit from Santa 60 residents from the Rehabilitation Center were in attendance.  The Crime Watch members at the party were Dean Martin, Erin Keiper, Kathy Barlow, Warren Barlow, Thomas Bracey, Dave Kleback and Ellen Gilboy.  A great time was had by all. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Taylor Crime Watch Holds Saftey Day for Children

 The Taylor Crime Watch held a Safety day for the children at Little Biggar Day Care. McGruff made an apperance to speak to the children along with Taylor Patrolman Burke.