Crime & Safety

Could Your Nosy Neighbor Save Your Jewelry?

Burglaries are being conducted in the light of day in Radnor. But where are the witnesses?

In the past few weeks, there have been six residential daytime burglaries reported within Radnor Township. As of Thursday, not one lead from a neighbor or witness had come into the Radnor Police Department.

"Maybe we need more people like Mrs. Kravitz," said Lt. Andy Block, half joking. Gladys Kravitz was the name of the nosy neighbor in the sitcom, Bewitched. She often peered out of her window to see what her neighbors were doing.

Maybe we do need more people like Mrs. Kravitz, not to spy on our neighbors but to help protect them.

Find out what's happening in Radnorwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

If you see something, say something

For every one Radnor Township police officer there are approximately 1,000 residents, which means people need to be the eyes and ears of the community.

"We want to be bothered," Block says in response to a reason that many people do not call the police. 

Find out what's happening in Radnorwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

In calling the police to report something that you think may be suspicious, you may help solve a crime or prevent one from happening. Block said if you see someone out of the ordinary acting suspicious in your neighborhood, call 911 (yes, it's not just for emergencies). For example, it's a hot day and you see someone you do not know walking down the street wearing a lot of big, baggy clothing, Block said. That clothing could be used for hiding stolen items.

Police do have the right to stop, pat down and question someone when, like now, there is crime activity afoot in Wayne, Block said. 

What might be another suspicious scenario that would prompt you to call 911? If you see someone at the door of your neighbor's house, for example, when you know they are not home. Then you see the person trying doors, or even going around to the back yard and disappearing.

So, maybe Mrs. Kravitz was not such a bad neighbor. She might have stopped a crime.

Have you ever seen something suspicious in Radnor? Did you call the police? Why or why not? Tell us by commenting below.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com.