Fox Chase: Town Watch Gets Community Involved in Keeping Crime Down
The Fox Chase Town Watch started in early 1995, but has gone through many changes through the years. The Town Watch began as a Friday and Saturday night patrol group. Stephen Phillips, president of the Town Watch, said after putting thousands of miles on volunteer patrol members’ cars, the group realized it’s better to have eyes […]
Olney/West Oak Lane: Town Watch Promotes ‘Neighbors Helping Neighbors’
Town Watch programs are used in cities in many different states. The main tenet of all Town Watch programs is, “Observe, Document and Report.” This is the simplest form of guidelines for people who are involved in this program. Eric Brice is the communications coordinator for the 35th District Town Watch. The 35th District is […]
Mayfair: Northeast Philadelphia Town Watch Groups Form Dog Walker Watch Program
For months, residents and leaders of Mayfair and other communities in Northeast Philadelphia have been fighting for a split of the 15th Police District. Mayfair residents, like John Farrell (right), expressed their concern about the lack of police in the area. Instead of a split, the district received 30 new police officers. In the absence […]
Mt. Airy: Neighborhood Watches Over One Another
The Mt. Airy-Nippon-Bryan-Cresheim Town Watch was originally started as a town watch 25 years ago but has become so much more since. Steve Stroiman, the coordinator for the neighborhood association, realized in order to stay relevant to their community, they would have to diversify. Stroiman realized patrolling a block would only do so much. He […]
Mount Airy: Residents Show Meaning of Community
Steps away from the Allen Lane train station lies the 100 block of West Mount Airy Avenue. From a distance, it looks like the typical residential street, with similar houses, front yards and holiday decorations. However, residents agree that this block is far from average. Neighbors have formed a community and forged friendships with each […]
Northeast: Tacony Town Watch Has a New President but Same Mission
“Ok, do a radio check,” said Paul Costello, president of the Tacony Town Watch to Sharon Weiseman, his partner for the night. Weiseman is the secretary of the Tacony Town Watch, responds and the pair start the patrol for the night. Two other cars are patrolling the streets of Tacony and Holmesburg with Costello tonight. They need to […]