Residents of the West Torresdale and Morrell Park sections of the Far Northeast are encouraged to join a new Town Watch organization that is forming in their communities.
The West Torresdale Town Watch will conduct its inaugural training session and organizational meeting on Thursday, Oct. 11, at 6:30 p.m. at the 8th Police District headquarters, Academy and Red Lion roads.
The new Town Watch will patrol an area within the following boundaries: Grant Avenue, Academy Road, Red Lion Road, Knights Road and Frankford Avenue.
According to founding president Nick Peronace, about 25 people are already signed up to participate. Problems with unsanctioned and suspected criminal activity at Mitchell Playground prompted the neighbors to organize and contact local police seeking help, Peronace said.
Town Watch volunteers can sign up for patrol duty or for “eyes and ears” duty, in which residents need not leave the safety of their own front porches or steps. All volunteers are expected to donate at least one hour a week for evening or weekend activities.
Prospective Town Watch members should sign up before the Oct. 11 training session and fill out paperwork. Those who complete the Oct. 11 training will be granted Town Watch status.
For information, call Nick Peronace at 267–702–7942 or Community Relations Officer Rudolph Muller at 215–685–9377. ••