Members of the Manchester Township Police and residents of the township’s Summit Park community met at the Municipal Complex Civic Center on Wednesday, Oct. 5, to discuss ways they can work together to fight and prevent crime. The meeting focused on the many options residents have to easily supply information to police, and ways they can help to remove the opportunity for crime in their neighborhood.
Following two shooting incidents in their community in recent weeks, Summit Park residents have banded together in an effort to aid police. Chief Lisa Parker reported that arrests, weapons recovery, and vehicle seizures have been made in connection with the incidents. The investigation remains a top priority for Manchester Police and further law enforcement action is likely. This meeting was a productive way for the community, police, and town officials to connect and discuss neighborhood safety.
“It is very important to us that we see a community that cares and can come together to find a resolution,” said Chief Parker. “You can help us better serve you by being additional sets of eyes and ears. We encourage you to contact us with any information you feel may be important and we will always follow up.”
Residents are urged to inform police of any information that might be beneficial to keeping their neighborhoods safe. There are several ways to do so:
- Call the Manchester Police at 732-657-6111.
- Use the “Tip Line” located at ManchesterPoliceNJ.com.
- Sign up for Nixle by texting 08759 to 888777. Online registration can be done through Nixle.com, where tips can be sent.
- “Like” the Manchester Police Facebook page at Facebook.com/ManchesterPolice. Tips can be sent through private message.
Residents are reminded that all tips, no matter the submission method, may be submitted anonymously, and it is not necessary for an officer in a marked police vehicle to complete a follow up visit the tipster’s home. Remember, in an emergency situation please dial 911 or 732-657-6111 – do not use a tip line.
The meeting also provided some simple ways for residents to deter crime. Dsg. Christopher Hemhauser and Det. Richard Jupinka outlined these methods, including leaving outdoor lighting on at night, promptly reporting street light outages through JCP&L’s website, reporting any suspicious vehicles and/or activity, and getting to better know your neighbors.
Township Council President Brendan Weiner, who was joined at the meeting by Council members Craig Wallis, James Vaccaro and Samuel Fusaro, reported that a recent ordinance allows for the Township to clean up homes and businesses in disrepair if the owner fails to do so. A lien is then placed on the property so the clean up is at no cost to the taxpayer. This will help to keep neighborhoods in good condition and deter crime from moving in.