Click here to subscribe today or Login.
LARKSVILLE — Borough police Chief John Edwards recently hand-delivered a “welcome letter” to residents of a suspected drug and prostitution house.
Edwards also delivered a copy of the letter to every other resident on the street, alerting them to increased police presence in their neighborhood that will continue until the suspected drug/prostitution house residents are either arrested or leave the borough. And he has posted similar correspondence on the department’s Facebook page.
“It has come to the attention of the Larksville Borough Police Department that people living in a half-double rental residence on Murray Street have been engaging in the use, purchase and sale of narcotics,” the letter reads. “Along with this, we’ve also learned that certain females at this residence may also be engaging in prostitution.”
In his missive, Edwards extended a snarky “warm welcome” directly to the people involved in the suspected illegal activity, assuring them that every member of the borough police department would be “showing you as much attention as possible.”
Edwards hand-delivered the letters as a follow-up to his promise to keep borough residents informed of problem properties in their neighborhoods, citing the need to sometimes use “unorthodox methods” to fight and prevent crime.
Edwards invited neighborhood residents to call police when they notice any suspicious sights, smells or sounds in their neighborhood.
“Essentially, we want residents to call 911 anytime they see ANYTHING out of the ordinary. All calls will remain anonymous and your assistance is greatly appreciated,” he wrote.
Edwards included his direct work phone number in case the recipients “have any questions regarding my welcome letter.”
“It would be a terrible injustice if we failed to give you a proper welcome and to make our law abiding citizens aware of your presence,” he wrote, addressing the residents of the problem house. “I again want to (assure) you that we will use every ounce of lawful police authority to provide you with our services.”
“After all, what kind of police department would we be if we didn’t make you feel as welcome as you deserve,” he wrote. “Have a nice day!”