Drug Sweep Targets 28 In Coraopolis, Moon, McKees Rocks

DANET in action.... Morning Police Round-Up Takes Suspected Dealers Into Custody

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A Letter to Crafton Residents

Dear Crafton Residents,

In a little over a week you’ll find your self at the polls ready to cast your vote. Many of you have already decided who you’re voting for, but some of you may be on the fence about your choice or haven't thought about it yet. There are however a few things to keep in mind. This upcoming election isn't about being a Democrat or Republican; it’s not about abortion rights, global warming or the national debt. It’s simple; it’s about the well being, safety, financial security, and future of this borough and its residents.

In the past few years there have been a number of changes in the borough that have in some way affected most of us. Much of our frustrations are directly attributed to the decisions or lack of decisions borough council makes. Many of those decisions are not always in the best interest of the residents.

- Blacks Bridge was a sore spot for many of us and even thought its open the repairs are not complete. It still needs tens of thousands of dollars worth of work and the road is a mess before and after you cross it.

- It took months to resolve the ambulance debate. You would’ve thought it was a simple decision, choose one “REMS: 16hrs/day 7days/week or Northwest: 24hrs/day 7 days/week.” Don’t get me wrong, REMS has a wonderful and highly qualified staff. God forbid though someone needs an ambulance at 3 a.m. I would much rather that ambulance come from the borough building rather than Robinson Township. Some of those who opposed the change took it upon themselves to scare the seniors in this borough into believing they would somehow be receiving sub-standard ambulance care. Are they? No! Politicizing this issue makes me sick.

- Another example is the boroughs decision to cancel their DANET agreement and subsequently reestablish themselves in it after a number of residents complained. Even though the Crafton Police Dept. is “part of” DANET, they have no real participation. Regardless of its cost, the fact is collaboration and cooperation with other municipalities helps reduce drugs across a number of communities even if the arrests are not made in Crafton. That is the purpose of DANET, isn’t it? I would have to think that residents would be happy to see their tax money spent on programs that assist in keeping drugs out of the borough and arresting those who commit crimes, rather than unnecessary police overtime. Keep in mind, the DANET costs to the borough are minimal at most. What’s so difficult to understand about this simple program?

- There has been a clear increase in drug activity and other crimes in Crafton. Still today we have an under-staffed and poorly scheduled police department. What’s the point of having 3 police officers on during the day along with a police secretary? Yet on many occasions the evening shift has only 1 officer. Scheduling isn’t hard, even with a police department that’s short a guy or two.

- Simply having a "Crime Watch" program doesn't mean crime doesn't exist. The Crime Watch program is broken and its mere existence makes people feel safe in some distorted way. Crime Watch can be a great program and very beneficial in assisting the police department. I give those residents who are involved a lot of credit. However, the program it self is poorly managed. Notices that are sent out via the Crime Watch email alert are conveniently crimes that would not typically cast the borough in a bad light. Keep in mind I understand everything isn't public information. What do I mean by this? For example, an alert was sent out about a broken window at Walgreens, but nothing about the burglary at Andrea’s or the drug related homicide on Crafton Boulevard (most of us found out via the news). This program is meant to notify residents regarding crimes they may be able to provide information about. It’s also meant to encourage residents to keep an eye out for unusual activity in their neighborhoods.

When you go to the polls on November 3, you should ask yourself one simple question “Is who I’m voting for going to make Crafton a better place?” You’re not doing yourself or any resident of this borough justice if you simply vote for your friend because they’re your friend or pull a straight party ticket because you don't like the other party.

Think about your decision and choose wisely.

Thank you,

Crafton Watch

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Lawyers.com Forum Answers Question Regarding Skateboarding Incident

See what some lawyers had to say when the skateboard issue was presented to them on the lawyers.com forum.

• Click here to read the lawyers.com forum.

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Chief Rost Refuses to Return Kids Skateboards

A few weeks ago a couple of kids skateboarding in Crafton were stopped by Chief Rost and issued citations for disorderly conduct (not sure how that's being disorderly). He also confiscated their skateboards and since then has refused to return them. A father of one of the kids attended a council meeting and requested clarification on how the Chief can continue to hold their skateboards. He raised some good points. If your stopped for DUI and your car is towed, you can pay the tow/impound fee and get the car back.

This seems like a little much considering its only a skateboard and the kids were just being kids. The Mayor has refused to ask the Chief to return the skateboards. With the little research I did, I can not find any legal means by which Chief Rost can keep these skateboards. In fact the borough ordinance clearly outlines skateboarding in the borough of Crafton.

This is obviously an abuse of power and the last thing the borough needs is another lawsuit on their hands, especially over a skateboard.

Now you may think this is silly to even write about or care about, but it underlines the inadequacies in the Crafton Police Department and the irresponsibility of the Mayor. Why not focus more energy on crime prevention? For example, drug activity, burglaries, murders, etc.

Get my point?

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Crime Watch Alerts - 10/11/09

1. Sometime between 10/08/09 and 10/11/09 unknown actor(s) broke the rear door lock of a home on Barr Avenue and entered the home. Anyone having seen or heard anything please contact Crafton Police @ 412-921-2014.

2. Sometime during the night of 10/11/09 unknown actor(s) broke the drive-thru pharmacy window of Walgreens on West Steuben Street in an attempt to gain entry. No entry was gained. Anyone having seen or heard anything please contact Crafton Police @ 412-921-2014

3. On 10/10/09 @ 2:30PM a white male actor kicked in the rear door of a home on South Linwood Avenue. The actor is described as 5'10" tall, thin build, 20's driving a black pick-up truck. Anyone having further information is asked to call Crafton Police @ 412-921-2014.

All information obtained from Crime Watch Alert email.

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Crafton Borough Mayoral Candidates Launch Websites

Both candidates running for Crafton Borough Mayor launch websites for their campaigns. Their web sites (listed below) provide information about themselves and issues they see important. You can also find contact information for both candidates if you wish to ask questions.

• Mayor Susan O'Connell: http://www.sdoconnellesq.com
• Candidate, Jim Bloom: http://www.jamesgbloom.com

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Money Raised for 2yr-Old Cancer Patient Stolen During Restaurant Burglary

A burglary over the weekend that targeted Andrea's restaurant in Crafton Ingram shopping center included the theft of money meant for a young cancer patient.

If you have any information, please call the Crafton Police Department.

You can read more here on KDKA.com

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