Over 80 fire companies joined forces to create branding and a website, www.montcofirefighters.org, so community members interested can locate their local fire company, learn more about the volunteer experience and fill out an inquiry form to get connected.

Since then, more than 150 interested residents have filled out inquiry forms. All materials lead back to the recruitment website and in the first year, the campaign raised awareness through media coverage, videos featuring testimonials from volunteers throughout the county, social media and digital marketing, a recruitment brochure, lawn signs and an outdoor booth display for community events to spread awareness county-wide.

Interestingly, a driving force of this campaign comes from the lawn signs spread across the county. Each fire company received 100 lawn signs to pepper in front of residential lawns, intersections, and businesses. More than 76 people saw the lawn signs and took action by filling out an inquiry form on the website.

“I grew up volunteering as a firefighter in Montgomery County and stopped roughly nine years ago because of my career,” said Ray Forlano, a firefighter at Towamencin Fire Company. “I saw lawn signs around my neighborhood and due to a recent career shift I have more time, so I figured I’d join my closest fire company.”

As a fire truck driver, Forlano noted, “There are many ways you can help that don’t involve running into a burning building. There’s a common misconception that when you get older you can’t do much to help; fire companies need fire police to direct traffic and administrative members to help with funding.”

In the news

Not only did the campaign bring back former firefighters to their roots, but it also sparked the interest of community members with no previous experience or knowledge of firefighting.

Recent national news about California wildfires inspired Micah Moono to research firefighting. After delving deeper into his research, he found the Montgomery County Fire Chiefs’ website and filled out an inquiry form.

“I began reading more local news sources about volunteer firefighters and that made me realize the urgency, especially in Pennsylvania,” said Moono. “My biggest questions were answered on the Montco firefighter’s website, www.montcofirefighters.org, so I filled out an inquiry form to get connected with my closest fire company.”

A couple of months ago, Moono was voted into the Perkiomen Fire Company as an official member.

“As a mixed-race individual, I’m not always sure what to expect in a new situation or environment. Since the first day of walking into the station the other members have been nothing but warm and welcoming,” said Moono. “Everyone shares bits of advice or feedback, or helps me get better training.”

Learning new skills

As a new volunteer firefighter, Moono assists with exterior firefighting when responding to emergency calls and participates in weekly training nights at the fire station. When he finishes his courses at the Montgomery County Fire Academy at the end of this year, he will receive his Firefighter I certificate and be able to fight interior fires.

“Although I don’t have my Firefighter I certificate yet, I learn a lot during training nights at the fire station. It’s a refreshing change of pace from my 9-5 desk job and very fun,” said Moono. He elaborated, “We learn how to do forcible entry, work the hoses, and light things on fire. At the same time, we’re learning life-saving skills.”

The fire chief’s recruitment campaign tagline is “Ordinary People, Trained for the Extraordinary” because anybody can volunteer. Volunteer firefighters come from all different walks of life, with all various work backgrounds.

“We want to spread the word in hopes people understand, regardless of their background we can use their help,” said Montgomery County Fire Chiefs Association President George Wilmott II. “Most people don’t realize their local firefighters are volunteers.”

Many volunteers, similar to Moono, have no experience fighting fires. Montgomery County fire companies pay for state-of-the-art training at Montgomery County Fire Academy and the equipment necessary to answer the emergency call safely.

While the campaign is leading to an increase in new volunteer firefighters, there is still an urgent need for volunteers countywide. Fortunately, the Montgomery County Fire Chiefs Association will have another three years to recruit more volunteers thanks to a Staffing for Adequate Fire & Emergency Response grant by the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Looking ahead, the campaign will include billboard ads and more on-camera testimonials, media coverage, digital advertising including geofencing and social media marketing and outreach at community events.

“As we continue with this campaign, we hope to increase and retain the number of trained firefighters in our communities,” said Limerick Fire Department Deputy Chief Glen Russell. “It’s been a great year and we can’t wait for what’s in store next year.”

To learn more about the campaign or fill out an inquiry form and take the next steps toward volunteering, visit www.montcofirefighters.org.

RETAIL THEFT >> A male who attempted to steal $235.65 worth of goods from Giant, 737 Huntingdon Pike, at 2:58 p.m. Dec. 6 was confronted by the store manager who retrieved the items, police said. The suspect, found to be in possession of a stolen driver’s license, Social Security card and some gift cards, was taken into custody by police and the stolen items were returned to the owner, police said.

THEFT >> A new Apple iPhone 14, valued at $1,000, was reported stolen from the porch of a home in the 300 block of Edgley Avenue at 9:01 a.m. Dec. 8, police said.

RETAIL THEFT >> A female who stole $353 worth of goods from Sephora in the Willow Grove Park Mall Dec. 8 was taken into custody and the items were recovered, police said.

ATTEMPTED THEFT >>Three males observed in the driveway of a home in the 100 block of Shelmire Avenue at 1:27 a.m. Dec. 9 attempting to break into a vehicle were started and ran back to a SUV, which drove onto the sidewalk and front lawns at a high rate of speed to elude responding officers, police said.

AUTO THEFT >> A vehicle in the 300 block of Hamel Avenue was stolen overnight Dec. 8, police said. The victim’s purse containing a phone, wallet and car keys was stolen at a club in Philadelphia earlier that night, police said.

RETAIL THEFT >> A female was taken into custody after taking $142 worth of goods from Nordstrom Rack at the Willow Grove Park Mall at 4:59 p.m. Dec. 9, police said.

RETAIL THEFT >> A male who stole multiple watches, valued at $45,000, from Grand Jewelers at the Willow Grove Park Mall at 3:37 p.m. Dec. 10 was arrested at the rear of a home on Vincent Road following a police chase, and all items were retrieved, police said.

BURGLARY >> A male who allegedly stole two red gas cans from the shed of a home in the 300 block of Tennis Avenue at 11:53 a.m. Dec. 11 was taken into custody and his vehicle impounded pending a search warrant, police said.

RETAIL THEFT >> A male stole $211 worth of goods around 8:30 p.m. Dec. 7 from TJ MAXX, 1495 Old York Road, police said.

RETAIL THEFT >> A female stole $179 worth of goods from Giant, 2350 Susquehanna Road, at 6:12 p.m. Dec. 11, police said.

RETAIL THEFT >> A female was taken into custody after taking $609 worth of merchandise from Sephora at the Willow Grove Park Mall at 11:25 a.m. Dec. 12, police said. The suspect also had $2,339 worth of goods from Victoria’s Secret; all items were returned to both stores, police said.

Cheltenham

RETAIL THEFT >> Three males stole $60 worth of goods from Wawa, 8250 Limekiln Pike, at 2:50 a.m. Dec. 11 and fled in a black Ford Explorer toward Easton Road, police said.

VANDALISM >> Two rear tires on a vehicle in the 8100 block of Fairview Road were slashed overnight Dec. 10, police said.

ASSAULT >> A warrant has been issued for a 66-year-old man of the 600 block of Webb Road, Elkins Park, charging him with simple assault and harassment following a physical altercation at his home at 7:57 a.m. Dec. 11, police said.

FRAUD >> A resident reported Dec. 11 being the victim of a phone scam for $200,000, police said. Banks are investigating, police said.

RETAIL THEFT >> Old Navy, 2401 Cheltenham Ave., reported at 10:16 a.m. Dec. 11 a customer stole $100 worth of merchandise, police said.

THEFT >> A PA license plate, MJL3895, was reported stolen at 10:50 a.m. Dec. 11 from the Coventry House Apartments in the 2300 block of Coventry Avenue, police said.

ID THEFT >> A resident reported Dec. 11 a fraudulent Xfinity mobile account was opened in the victim’s name, police said.

RETAIL THEFT >> A male stole $200 worth of goods from Burlington Coat Factory, 2471 W. Cheltenham Ave., at 11:15 a.m. Dec. 11, police said.

RETAIL THEFT >> A male and female stole Nike apparel valued at more than $200 from Snipes, 2401 W. Cheltenham Ave., at 12:29 p.m. Dec. 12, police said.

WARRANT >> A 23-year-old woman of the 6500 block of Ross Street, Philadelphia, was taken into custody at 4:58 p.m. Dec. 12 at Easton Road and Route 309 on a Plymouth Township warrant charging her with shoplifting, police said.

VANDALISM >> A vehicle in the 8300 block of Old York Road was found at 7:10 p.m. Dec. 12 with a tire slashed police said.

AUTO THEFT >> A silver 2013 Hyundai Elantra, PA tag LXA2506, was reported stolen at 5:31 a.m. Dec. 13 from the 100 block of Boncouer Road, police said.

BURGLARY >> Four professional businesses at 250 Yorktown Plaza were found broken into and ransacked at 7:17 a.m. Dec. 13, police said.

FRAUD >> A resident reported Dec. 13 being scammed out of $20,000, police said.

THEFT >> Gifts were reported stolen at 7:25 p.m. Dec. 13 from the driveway of a home in the 1200 block of Stratford Avenue, police said.

THREAT >> Keneseth Israel, 8339 Old York Road, reported at 12:08 p.m. Dec. 14 receiving an email bomb threat that was not credible, police said.

SUSPICOUS >> A white male in his 30s, clean shaven with a short, clean haircut, 5 feet 9 inches to 5 feet 11 inches, wearing a black North Face jacket without a hood and possibly gray pants was reportedly attempting to break into a mailbox in the 7900 block of High School Road at 6:06 p.m. Dec. 14, police said.

RETAIL THEFT >> Two males stole $100 to $150 worth of goods from Walgreens, 2727 Cheltenham Ave., at 9:24 p.m. Dec. 14, police said.

FRAUD >> A resident reported Dec. 14 not receiving merchandise valued at $104 the victim ordered online, police said.

RETAIL THEFT >> A thin, Black male, mid-20s, wearing a black hoodie, black sweatpants and a black face mask, stole 10 Nike hoodies, valued at $400, from Foreman Mills, 1000 S. Easton Road, at 8:36 a.m. Dec. 15 and fled in a silver SUV with tinted windows, police said.

RETAIL THEFT >> A female stole $200 worth of goods from Walgreens, 2727 W. Cheltenham Ave., at 9:16 a.m. Dec. 15, police said.

FRAUD >> A resident reported Dec. 15 mailed checks had been washed and attempted to be cashed, police said.

THEFT >> An iPhone was reported stolen at Wawa at 11:42 a.m. Dec. 15, police said.

RETAIL THEFT >> Two males stole 26 pairs of shoes, valued at $905, from Marshalls, 2401 W. Cheltenham Ave., at 12:57 p.m. Dec. 15, police said.

FRAUD >> A resident reported Dec. 15 a fraudulent AT&T account was using his information, police said.

FRAUD >> A resident reported Dec. 15 being extorted for money, police said.

RETAIL THEFT >> Three females and a male stole $1,533 worth of clothing from Snipes, 1000 S. Easton Road, at noon Dec. 16 and fled in a Chevy SUV, police said.

FRAUD >> A resident reported a check mailed was stolen, altered and attempted to be cashed, police said.

THEFT >> A resident of Hopkins House in the 8100 block of Washington Lane reported $600 was stolen overnight Dec. 16, police said.

ROBBERY >> A male was robbed of his backpack, jacket and shoes at 9:22 a.m. Dec. 17 in the 7800 block of North 12th Street by a Black male wearing a ski mask who fled in a white SUV possibly with two or three other people, police said.

AUTO THEFT >> A 2011 gray Hyundai Sonata, PA tag HYY1192, was stolen overnight Dec. 16 from the unit block of Mill Road, police said.

RETAIL THEFT >> A female stole a TV and other merchandise from Target, 2450 Shoppers Lane, at 12:15 p.m. Dec. 17 and fled in a maroon Ford with NJ tags, police said.

AUTO THEFT >> A 2016 red Hyundai Sonata, PA tag MHH4703, was reported stolen at 3:27 p.m. Dec. 17 from the 7800 block of Brookfield Road by two people, police said.

AUTO THEFT >> A 2019 red Kia Sport, NJ tag VVV20K, was reported stolen at 8:28 p.m. Dec. 17 from the 300 block of Boyer Road, police said.

ATTEMPTED THEFT >> An attempt to steal a vehicle found broken into in the 2400 block of Cheltenham Avenue was reported at 9:46 p.m. Dec. 17, police said.

THEFT >> Numerous items were stolen from a vehicle found with the door forced open in the 900 block of Gilbert Road overnight Dec. 17, police said.

RETAIL THEFT >> A Black male wearing a black jacket, white pants and a mask stole $100 worth of food from Walgreens, 2727 Cheltenham Ave., at 9 a.m. Dec. 18 and fled into Philadelphia, police said.

RETAIL THEFT >> A Black male wearing a black hoodie, gray coat and black sweatpants stole two bottles of gin from Wine & Spirits, 8156 Ogontz Ave., at 10:39 a.m. Dec. 18, police said.

ASSAULT >> A SEPTA bus driver was assaulted by a Black male, about 15-16 years old, 160-170 pounds, who threw coins in his face at 3:01 p.m. Dec. 18, police said.

THEFT >> A victim reported at 3:44 p.m. Dec. 18 the keys to a vehicle at LA Fitness, 2401 Cheltenham Ave., were stolen from a locker and $20 and a driver’s license were taken, police said.

ATTEMPTED THEFT >> A 2017 Hyundai Elantra in the 900 block of Gilbert Road was found with a window smashed and the steering column damaged in an apparent attempt to steal it at 3:42 p.m. Dec. 18, police said.

ASSAULT >> A warrant is being issued for a female involved in a physical altercation with another woman reported at 11:37 a.m. Dec. 19 at Shop Rite, police said.

ARREST >> A 41-year-old Philadelphia woman was arrested at 4:59 p.m. Dec. 19 at Target, 2450 Shoppers Lane, and charged with retail theft and receiving stolen property, police said.

RETAIL THEFT >> Three male juveniles stole approximately $100 worth of goods from Dollar Tree, 1000 S. Easton Road, at 7:42 p.m. Dec. 19, police said.

The flyers, one stating in part “Stand Up White Man” with a link to a white nationalist website and one promoting a white supremacist film, were found in plastic bags weighted with stones, according to police. Residents of the three townships who called police to complain about the offensive material reported seeing a white minivan tossing the items into the driveways, police said.

The propaganda, distributed under the cover of darkness overnight Dec. 9, was found in the 100 block of Springhouse Lane, the 300 block of Oak Road and the 100 block of Lismore Avenue in Cheltenham, Lt. Andrew Snyder said.

“We never had it in Cheltenham before; it was the first time we were informed,” Snyder said. “We’re aware of it and keeping an eye out, but we have to balance the nature of the materials, which are offensive, but not illegal, just very distasteful, with free speech rights.”

Because the materials did not pose any threats, littering would be the only offense that could be cited, he said.

Springfield police got a call at 8:19 a.m. Sunday from a resident of the Oreland section of the township who reported finding the propaganda in the driveway, police Chief Michael Pitkow said.

The flyers, an estimated 20 in all, were found on Rech Avenue, Ronald Circle and Lynn Avenue, he said.

“After we got the first call, we scooped them up,” Pitkow said.

In 2019, similar flyers were left in the Flourtown section of the township and within the last two years in Wyndmoor, he said.

“Even though it’s offensive, they know they have First Amendment protection,” Pitkow said. “We could summon them for littering; we have a township ordinance that prohibits that,” but the township didn’t find out who distributed the materials, he said.

“As before, in 2019, we don’t condone the behavior, but unfortunately we have to deal with it,” Pitkow said.

The flyers were also left in the driveways of multiple Fort Washington homes in the Washington Manor subdivision of Upper Dublin, 6abc.com reported.

Residents there had video of a white van from which it appears an object is being tossed, the report says.

While Abington homes previously have been targeted, there were no reports of residents receiving any flyers over the weekend, Lt. Steve Fink said.

“We’ve seen that in the past, but we haven’t seen these particular flyers,” he said. “It’s offensive and annoying to some people, but they usually do not cross the line of the First Amendment.”

The propaganda is affiliated with White Lives Matter, a network of white supremacists who engage in “pro-white activism” on a designated day each month, Morgan Moon of the Anti-Defamation League Center on Extremism said in an email.

The “Our Children Pay the Price for Our Inaction, Stand Up White Man” flyer distributed locally “is one of the more popular pieces of propaganda commonly distributed by WLM,” she said.

The QR code on the flyer links to the group’s national Telegram channel and “serves as a springboard for further involvement in the organization,” she said.

The other flyer promotes a white supremacist film with a link to a channel run by a white supremacist author and live streamer, Moon said.

“Propaganda campaigns, like this one, allow white supremacists to maximize media and online attention for their groups while limiting the risk of individual exposure … and public backlash,” she

said.

BURGLARY >> Keswick Jewelers, 253 Keswick Ave., was burglarized at 4:09 a.m. Nov. 29, police said. Officers responding to an alarm found a ladder next to the front glass window and broken glass on the floor, police said. Two glass displays were smashed and jewelry and watches, valued at more than $5,000, were taken, police said. Investigation continuing.

RETAIL THEFT >> A male stole two digital cameras, valued at $318, from Target, 1495 Old York Road, at 12:33 p.m. Nov. 29, police said.

RETAIL THEFT >> A group of four juveniles stole $120 worth of clothing from Dick’s, 2510 Moreland Road, at 8:15 p.m. Nov. 29, police said. The group, located by police in the Willow Grove Park Mall, was detained and the goods retrieved; all four were released to their parents and referred to the Youth Aid Panel, police said.

RETAIL THEFT >> A male stole 40 cartons of cigarettes, valued at $3,000, from Wawa, 816 Old York Road, at 8:19 p.m. Nov. 29 and fled in a vehicle driven by another male, police said.

THEFT >>A vehicle in the 300 block of Leona Avenue was found at 7:15 a.m. Nov. 30 with the rear passenger side window broken out and change taken, police said.

RETAIL THEFT >> A male stole a basketful of Red Bull and Monster energy drinks, valued at $170, from Rite Aid, 805 Huntingdon Pike, at 9:26 a.m. Nov. 30, police said.

THEFT >> A wallet containing multiple credit/debit cards, a Florida driver’s license and Social Security card was stolen Nov. 30 while the victim was either at the Willow Grove Park Mall or the Giant in Huntingdon Valley, police said.

RETAIL THEFT >> A female who stole $1,899 worth of goods with a male at Macy’s in the Willow Grove Park Mall Dec. 1 was taken into custody following a brief foot chase outside the mall; the male was also arrested, police said.

RETAIL THEFT >> A male and female stole $485 worth of goods from Bloomingdale’s in the Willow Grove Park Mall at 8 p.m. Dec. 1, police said.

RETAIL THEFT >> A male and female stole $4,337 worth of beauty products from Rite Aid, 805 Huntingdon Pike, at 9:34 p.m. Dec. 1, police said.

RETAIL THEFT >> A male was taken into custody at 4:54 p.m. Dec. 2 after taking $338.43 worth of goods from Target, 1495 Old York Road, police said.

RETAIL THEFT >> A male and two females stole $800 worth of goods from Ross Dress for Less, 911 Old York Road, at 7:28 p.m. Dec. 2, police said.

ROBBERY >> A group of male teens attacked a male juvenile at the 100 York Apartments, 101 Washington Lane, taking the victim’s backpack, a Wendy’s work hat and a shoe, Dec. 2, police said. Investigation ongoing.

THEFT >> A vehicle in the 2200 block of Old Welsh Road was broken into overnight Dec. 2 and a large blue bowling bag containing four multi-colored bowling balls and bowling shoes, valued at $1,500, was taken, police said.

RETAIL THEFT >> A woman who stole $469 worth of goods from Macy’s, 2450 Moreland Road, was stopped after exiting the mall, police said. There was video of the same woman stealing $650 worth of merchandise at the store Nov. 26 and she was arrested and will be charged with both retail thefts, police said.

THEFT >> Wawa, 816 Old York Road, was notified by the corporate office at 2:40 p.m. Dec. 4 of a gas pump being occupied continuously for one hour, police said. A device was found on the pump that slowed the counter and it was determined that 750 gallons of gasoline, valued at $3,400, were stolen police said. Investigation continuing.

RETAIL THEFT >> A male was taken into custody after stealing $750.50 worth of goods from Macy’s, 2450 Moreland Road, at 12:13 p.m. Dec. 5, police said.

THEFT >> A wallet, containing credit cards, a driver’s license and $102 cash, was stolen from a contractor’s truck outside a home in the 1000 block of Irvin Road around 3 p.m. Dec. 5, police said. One of the cards was fraudulently used to make a $529 purchase at Target in Abington, police said.

THEFT >> A wallet containing a Social Security card, driver’s license and credit card was discovered stolen from a truck at Old York Road and Guernsey Avenue at 3 p.m. Dec. 5, police said.

RETAIL THEFT >> Four females who stole items from Target, 1495 Old York Road, were confronted at the elevator exit and the store was able to retrieve $591 worth of goods, but the females fled with $140 worth of goods, police said.

HARASSMENT >> A 28-year-old New Castle, Del., woman was cited for harassment Nov. 3 following an incident in the 300 block of Highland Avenue, police said.

CRIMINAL MISCHIEF >> A 39-year-old male of Burton Road, Oreland, was charged with criminal mischief, disorderly conduct and harassment Nov. 8 in the 800 block of Edge Hill Road, police said.

RETAIL THEFT >> A 27-year-old woman of Jacoby Street, Norristown, was charged with retail theft, receiving stolen property and possessing an instrument of crime Nov. 5 in the 1400 block of Old York Road, police said.

DUI >> A 29-year-old man of Lansing Street, Philadelphia, was charged Nov. 23 with driving under the influence following a traffic stop Oct. 8 in the 300 block of Cedar Road, police said.

Cheltenham

RETAIL THEFT >> Three males wearing all black with ski masks stole items from Wawa, 8250 Limekiln Pike, at 1:15 a.m. Nov. 27, police said.

RETAIL THEFT >> Six teen males took items from Wawa, 8250 Limekiln Pike, at 2:46 a.m. Nov. 27 and left in a black Jeep and unknown color Kia, police said.

ATTEMPTED THEFT >> A vehicle in the 900 block of Valley Road was found at 7:31 a.m. Nov. 27 with the rear driver side window smashed out, the bottom steering column cover on the floor and the ignition hanging by the wire, police said.

AUTO THEFT >> A 2016 silver Hyundai Santa Fe, Ohio tag GRM5921, was reported stolen at 8:05 a.m. Nov. 27 from the 200 block of Barclay Circle, police said.

THEFT >> A wallet containing a credit card, license, check and $400 was reported stolen at 11:22 a.m. Nov. 27 from a vehicle in the 1100 block of Miles Court, police said.

THEFT >> A license plate was reported stolen at 2:09 p.m. Nov. 27 from a vehicle in the 300 block of Easton Road, police said.

RETAIL THEFT >> A Black male, 6 feet 2 inches, with a beard, wearing a black jacket with silver sleeves and purple lettering, stole 12 cartons of cigarettes, valued at $1,320, from Wawa, 8250 Limekiln Pike, at 5:26 p.m. Nov. 27, police said.

AUTO THEFT >> A maroon 2016 Kia Optima, PA tag LDR0044, was reported stolen at 5:27 p.m. Nov. 27 from the 2000 block of Mather Way, police said.

RETAIL THEFT >> A female stole $200 worth of goods from Walgreens, 2727 Cheltenham Ave., at 6:13 p.m. Nov. 27, police said.

ROBBERY >> A male forcibly took an iPad from staff at Target, 2450 Shoppers Lane, at 10:15 p.m. Nov. 27, police said.

VANDALISM >> The windshield of a vehicle in the 400 block of Montier Road was found at 4:13 p.m. Nov. 28 with severe cracks, police said.

AUTO THEFT >> A black 2021 Nissan Murano, PA tag LTX5107, was reported stolen at 5:14 p.m. Nov. 28 from the 600 block of Davis Road, police said.

RETAIL THEFT >> Three people stole an unknown amount of goods from Dollar Tree, 1000 Easton Road, at 5:53 p.m. Nov. 28, police said.

RETAIL THEFT >> A juvenile female stole between $50 and $200 worth of goods from Target, 2450 Shoppers Lane, at 6:17 p.m. Nov. 28, police said.

RETAIL THEFT >> Four males took about $75 worth of goods from Wawa, 8250 Limekiln Pike, at 10:08 p.m. Nov. 28, police said.

PLATE STOLEN >> A PA tag, KDF5281, was reported stolen at 10:24 a.m. Nov. 29 from the 300 block of Radcliffe Road, police said.

THEFT >> A female wearing a black jacket stole $200 worth of over-the-counter medicine from Walgreens, 2727 Cheltenham Ave., at 11:05 a.m. Nov. 29, police said.

THEFT >> A pocketbook was reported stolen from an unlocked vehicle at noon Nov. 29 in the 1200 block of West Church Road, police said.

THEFT >> Two males with face coverings stole boxes of merchandise from the entryway to Snipes, 2401 Cheltenham Ave., at 1:58 p.m. Nov. 29 and fled in a silver Kia, police said.

ID THEFT >> A resident reported Nov. 30 her Social Security number was used to apply for government assistance, police said.

AUTO STOLEN >> A white Hyundai Elantra, PA tag KSV2976, was reported stolen at 7:42 a.m. Nov. 30 from the 500 block of Beaver Road, police said.

AUTO THEFT >> A black Infiniti, PA tag KLT9212, was reported stolen at 8:40 a.m. Nov. 30 from the 900 block of Valley Road, police said.

THEFT >> A package containing a watch valued at $11,000 was stolen from the 900 block of Gilbert Road after the victim received a delivery notification from UPS at 9:21 a.m. Nov. 30, police said.

VANDALISM >> A vehicle in the 900 block of Valley Road was found at 9:36 a.m. Nov. 30 with the rear driver side window smashed out, but nothing appeared to be missing, police said.

THEFT >> An Apple laptop and iPad were reported stolen from a vehicle found broken into at 12:20 p.m. Nov. 30 on Tookany Creek Parkway, police said.

THEFT >> A vehicle in the 1200 block of Church Road was found broken into at 12:50 p.m. Nov. 30 with a purse containing multiple bank cards and identification missing, police said.

RETAIL THEFT >> An elderly female took an unknown amount of goods from Walgreens, 2727 Cheltenham Ave., at 1:39 p.m. Nov. 30, police said.

RETAIL THEFT >> Two males stole about $60 worth of goods from Wawa, 8250 Limekiln Pike, at 3:09 p.m. Nov. 30, police said.

THEFT >> Two vehicles were found broken into at 2:37 a.m. Dec. 1 in the 100 block of Pleasant Hill Road, police said.

AUTO THEFT >> A 2016 black Kia, PA tag LTZ6385, was reported stolen at 6:54 a.m. Dec. 1 from the 1900 block of Mather Way, police said.

VANDALISM >> A property in the 100 block of Lismore Avenue was found at 6:58 a.m. Dec. 1 sprayed with paint and pelted with eggs, police said.

THEFT >> A male reported at 11:19 a.m. Dec. 1 that $780 was missing from his pocket after he became ill and fainted in the XO Smoke Shop in the 1000 block of South Easton Road, police said.

RETAIL THEFT >> A Black male wearing a gray hoodie, green jacket, and dark sweatpants stole clothing from Snipes, 2401 Cheltenham Ave., at 12:04 p.m. Dec. 1, police said.

THEFT >> Three packages were reported stolen from the porch of a home in the 1700 block of Ashbourne Road at 1:41 p.m. Dec. 1 by a tall, thin, Black male wearing black and white sneakers, police said.

THEFT >> A wallet was reported stolen at 5:44 a.m. Dec. 2 from a vehicle in the 7600 block of Massey Way, police said.

ID THEFT >> A resident reported Dec. 2 an account was fraudulently opened in the victim’s name, police said.

THEFT >> A purse was reported stolen from a vehicle in the unit block of Tookany Creek Parkway at 7:29 p.m. Dec. 2, police said.

THEFT >> A vehicle in the 2000 block of South John Russell Circle was found at 10:27 a.m. Dec. 3 with a window smashed and the vehicle ransacked, police said.

FRAUD >> A resident reported Dec. 3 a check was stolen from the mail, washed and fraudulently cashed, police said.

AUTO THEFT >> A 2007 Chrysler Town & Country, PA tag GTW7500, was reported missing Dec. 3 since October from the 500 block of Ashbourne Road, police said.

FRAUD >> A resident reported Dec. 3 a check was stolen from the mail, washed and fraudulently cashed, police said.

THEFT >> A vehicle in the 300 block of Ryers Avenue was found at 4:16 p.m. Dec. 3 broken into with items missing, police said.

THEFT >> A purse was reported stolen from a vehicle in the 8000 block of Old York Road at 5:10 p.m. Dec. 3, police said.

RETAIL THEFT >> A male stole $800 worth of goods from Snipes, 1000 S. Easton Road, at 5:10 p.m. Dec. 3 and fled, police said.

RETAIL THEFT >> A male and female stole an unknown amount of goods form Walgreens, 2727 Cheltenham Ave., at 9:19 p.m. Dec. 3, police said.

WARRANT >> A 54-year-old man of the 1200 block of North 10th Street, Philadelphia, was charged with retail theft after taking $113.55 worth of goods from Dollar Tree, 1000 S. Easton Road, at 9:57 p.m. Dec. 4, police said. He was taken into custody on an Abington warrant for retail theft, police said.

WARRANT >> A 41-year-old woman of the 1300 block of East Weaver Street, Philadelphia, was taken into custody on an outstanding Philadelphia warrant for a court violation after refusing to leave Chili’s in the 2400 block of West Cheltenham Avenue at 11:34 a.m. Dec. 4, police said.

THEFT >> Two vehicles in the 8000 block of High School Road were found broken into with items missing at 12:38 p.m. Dec. 4, police said.

VEHICLE THEFT >> A scooter was reported stolen at 11:20 a.m. Dec. 5 from the garage at the Towers at Wyncote, 8460 Limekiln Pike, police said.

FRAUD >> A resident reported Dec. 5 three credit cards and a bank account were opened using the victim’s information, police said.

THEFT >> A 36-year-old male of the 500 block of East Penn Street, Philadelphia, an employee at Snipes, 1000 Easton Road, was taken into custody at 10:39 a.m. Dec. 6 after taking $1,000 worth of merchandise from the store, police said.

THEFT >> A female reported a male stole her iPhone 7 Pro Max, valued at $1,000, while shopping at Target, 2450 Shoppers Lane, at 2:26 p.m. Dec. 6, police said.

THEFT >> An 18-year-old male of the 8200 block of Forrest Avenue, Philadelphia, an employee of Target, 2450 Shoppers Lane, was charged with retail theft and receiving stolen property at 3:28 p.m. Dec. 6 after taking $3,900 worth of goods, police said.

THEFT >> A 51-year-old male of the 3100 block of North Broad Street, Philadelphia, was charged with theft by deception at 6:18 p.m. Dec. 6 at Home Depot, 7690 Washington Lane, police said. Investigation ongoing.

RETAIL THEFT >> A 28-year-old woman of the 7600 block of Stenton Avenue, Philadelphia, was charged with retail theft at 12:15 p.m. Dec. 7 after taking items from Target, 2450 Shoppers Lane, police said.

THEFT >> A package was reported stolen at 1 p.m. Dec. 7 from the porch of a home in the 100 block of Johns Road, police said.

ID THEFT >> A resident reported Dec. 7 being contacted by someone posing to be from Apple support and giving her Social Security number, police said.

AUTO STOLEN >> A black 2002 Infiniti 130, PA tag MFH2579, was reported stolen at 6:35 a.m. Dec. 8 from outside TD bank, 2431 Cheltenham Ave., police said.

RETAIL THEFT >> A 55-year-old male of the 4900 block of Baynton Street, Philadelphia, was charged with retail theft, receiving stolen property and criminal trespass after taking $88 worth of goods from Target, 2450 Shoppers Lane, at 9:17 a.m. Dec. 8, police said.

FRAUD >> A resident reported on Dec. 7, $200 was taken out of the victim’s checking account at WSFS after she provided personal information over the phone to a fake financial company, police said.

BREAK-INS >> Two vehicles in the unit block of Tookany Creek Parkway were found broken into at 1 p.m. Dec. 8, police said.

THEFT >> A resident of the 2000 block of John Russell Circle reported at 2:45 p.m. Dec. 8 Christmas decorations, valued at $40, were stolen, police said.

ROBBERY >> A male reported at 4:49 p.m. Dec. 8 that four males got out of a vehicle and stole his shoes and phone in the 800 block of Pitt Road, police said.

RETAIL THEFT >> A 29-year-old male of the 6700 block of Cornelius Street, Philadelphia, was detained after he and a female took items from Snipes, 2401 W. Cheltenham Ave., at 7:41 p.m. Dec. 8, police said. He also was arrested on an outstanding Philadelphia warrant charging him with prohibited possession of a firearm, police said.

TRESPASSING >> A 45-year-old male of the 5700 block of Malcolm Street, Philadelphia, was charged with defiant trespass and resisting arrest after refusing to leave the Towers at Wyncote in the 8400 block of Limekiln Pike at 1:26 a.m. Dec. 9, police said.

THEFT >> A vehicle in the 1100 block of Stratford Avenue was broken into overnight Dec. 8 and a purse was taken, police said.

BREAK-INS >> Vehicles in the 8000 block of Ellen Lane, 500 block of West Cheltenham Avenue, 8100 block of Hawthorne Lane, 1000 block of Sharpless Road, 7200 block of Oak Avenue and the 7300 block of Chestnut Avenue were found with a window broken and rummaged through Dec. 9, police said. Paperwork was taken from several, police said. Investigation continuing.

RETAIL THEFT >> A 32-year-old woman of the 200 block of South Broad Street, Philadelphia, was charged with retail theft at 2:07 p.m. Dec. 9 after taking $352 worth of goods from Walgreens, 2727 W. Cheltenham Ave., police said.

SUSPICIOUS >> The disbursement of white supremacist materials in the 100 block of Springhouse Lane, the 300 block of Oak Road, and the 100 block of Lismore Avenue reported Dec. 9 are under investigation, police said.

THEFT >> A vehicle in the 3200 block of Brookview Place was found at 6:49 a.m. Dec. 10 broken into and a Philadelphia Police Department bike bag containing paperwork taken, police said.

ROBBERY >> Two juvenile males pulled a gun on an employee while attempting to steal merchandise at 5:32 p.m. Dec. 10 from Foreman Mills in the 1000 block of Easton Road, police said.

FRAUD >> A resident reported Dec. 10 being a victim of a phone scam for $500, police said.

Jenkintown

FALSE ID >> A 31-year-old Jenkintown female was charged Nov. 29 with false identification to police, driving with a suspended license and a stop sign violation in connection with a Nov. 22 incident, online court records show.

There have been 12 residential burglaries of affluent homes in Meadowbrook since 2021, which had been linked to similar crimes in the tristate area and throughout the country, police said. Investigators determined the burglaries were being committed by South American theft groups entering the United States, mostly from Chile and Columbia, targeting high-end homes, police said.

Detectives in a task force established to investigate the burglaries collected evidence, shared intelligence and studied the specific patterns of the criminal groups, police said.

An Abington detective was conducting surveillance at 6 p.m. Dec. 8 in an area in Meadowbrook targeted by the groups in the past when he spotted a vehicle that appeared to be casing the area, police said. Officers stopped the vehicle, which was occupied by four males who claimed to have driven to Pennsylvania from California to visit a friend and were looking for a restaurant, police said.

The males produced either fraudulent identification cards or had none and were detained for further investigation, police said.

Numerous burglary tools, including masks, gloves, flashlights, pry bars, a reciprocating saw and a glass break tool, were found during a search of the vehicle, police said. The group also had photos and GPS navigational directions to specific homes and locations in the Meadowbrook neighborhood, police said.

Police identified the four suspects as: Alvaro Javier Ganin-Ganin, 36; Jorge Fabrizeo Sepulveda-Alvarez, 34; Vaster Miller Guajardo-Pedrero, 31; and Nicholas Andres Matus Lucero, 29. They were arrested and charged with attempted burglary, conspiracy to commit burglary, possessing instruments of crime, and loitering and prowling at night.

They were arraigned before District Judge Edward Kropp and transported to the Montgomery County Correctional Facility in lieu of $99,000 bail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Dec. 19.

The pedestrian was identified by the coroner’s office as Dennis Keith Hines, who was in Bucks County for business when he tragically lost his life, the coroner stated in a press release.

Cause of death was determined to be multiple injuries and manner of death determined as accidental.

The driver of the vehicle is cooperating fully with the Warminster Township Police Department. Anyone with information related to the accident is asked to call 215-672-1000.

“The Bucks County Coroner’s Office conveys their deepest condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Hines as they grieve the tragic loss of their loved one,” Buck said. She is urging pedestrians to take extra care by wearing reflective clothing and drivers to be more alert due to the early nightfall this time of year.

About 60 students in grades 3-5 played “hot potato” football, meaning everyone on the team had to touch the football before a touchdown could occur. Students split up into six teams, and three games were played simultaneously in the N. Dennis Steinly Stadium at Hatboro-Horsham High School.

All students are involved in the Morning Workout, part of the school’s Hallowellness program. To keep kids moving and give them energy for the day, students in Morning Workout meet once a week before the start of school.

“This program is beneficial to kids because research shows that fit and active students perform better academically than those who are less fit,” said Tami Eldridge, reading specialist and Morning Workout advisor. “The benefits include better academic performance, less behavior problems, better focus, and decreased childhood obesity.”

Morning Workout teaches students to play sports they might not have known how to play before, including basketball, soccer and football. Warm-ups and cool-downs are also included with each activity.

“I’m so proud of the children who participate in this program and for all the staff who dedicate their time to make this program possible,” said principal Steve Glaize.

The Hallowellness program started 12 years ago after Hallowell Elementary School received a $10,000 Play60 grant from the NFL. Hallowell used the money to purchase stationary bike-desks, treadmills, free weights, bosu balls and other equipment to use in the program.

In his new role, Palmer, currently an assistant principal at Abington High School, will oversee, supervise and assist K-12 principals throughout the district. He will replace outgoing assistant superintendent Dr. Anthony Rybarcyk, who is resigning after nearly nine years at Pennridge to take a new position in another school district, according to a district press release.

“I am honored to join the Pennridge School District,” said Palmer. “I look forward to joining the district’s long tradition of excellence. I look forward to collaborating with the administrators, teachers, families, students, and community members to provide a world-class educational experience for our students.”

Palmer is a graduate of Temple University, where he earned a B.S. in science education and an M.S. in education. He is currently completing his doctorate in educational leadership at Arcadia University.

His area of research focuses on STEM education and inquiry-based science instruction. As a science teacher and department chair at Abington, Palmer assisted in district initiatives in the areas of STEM, Advanced Placement (AP) course implementation, development of Career Pathways Model, grade reconfiguration and block scheduling, said the release.

Superintendent Angelo Berrios of Pennridge enthusiastically welcomed Palmer’s appointment.

“We are thrilled to welcome Mr. Palmer into the Pennridge family,” said Berrios. “His substantial experience and commitment to academic excellence make him a perfect fit for the assistant superintendent position. With a proven track record of achievements and an innovative leadership style, we view him as an invaluable addition to our district.”

“I am looking forward to partnering with Mr. Palmer to lead the Pennridge School District to its highest potential,” added Kathy Scheid, assistant superintendent of secondary education.

Palmer has also served as the co-chair of the Abington Educational Foundation and on the executive board of the Abington Community Taskforce (ACT), led by district leaders and local law enforcement to provide support and programs to support students involved in scouts, local churches and other charitable organizations. Pennridge will soon launch a similar program titled RAMPP (Ram Partnership Program), said the release.

RETAIL THEFT >> A female stole $2,500 worth of hair care products from Rite Aid, 805 Huntingdon Pike, which reported the theft Nov. 15, police said.

RETAIL THEFT >> A male stole $500 worth of cosmetics and fled Rite Aid, 805 Huntingdon Pike, at 1:30 p.m. Nov. 15, police said.

THEFT >> A bottle of a prescription opioid was stolen Nov. 14 from an unlocked vehicle in the Acme market lot, police said.

THEFT >> Two bikes were stolen from outside a home in the 400 block of Meadowbrook Drive between 8 and 8:15 p.m. Nov. 16, police said.

RETAIL THEFT >> A male who stole $337 worth of clothing from Target, 1495 Old York Road, at 11:38 a.m. Nov. 17 was charged with retail theft after being apprehended across the street from the store and all the merchandise was recovered, police said.

RETAIL THEFT >> Three juveniles who stole several North Face jackets from Dick’s, 2514 Moreland Road, were stopped in a vehicle at 3:29 p.m. Nov. 17 and the merchandise was returned to the store, police said.

RETAIL THEFT >> A male, accompanied by a female and small child, was taken into custody after taking $119 worth of goods from Macy’s at the Willow Grove Park Mall at 7:33 p.m. Nov. 17, police said.

THEFT >> A vinyl sign, valued at $550, was stolen overnight Nov. 17 from an office in the 200 block of Easton Road, police said.

RETAIL THEFT >> A female was charged with retail theft after taking $530 worth of goods from Macy’s at the Willow Grove Park Mall at 1:30 p.m. Nov. 18, police said.

RETAIL THEFT >> A male and female who stole cologne sets, children’s clothing and shoes from Nordstrom Rack at the Willow Grove Park Mall at 2:08 p.m. Nov. 18 were confronted by store security but fled in a vehicle, police said.

RETAIL THEFT >> A male who took $163 worth of goods from the Acme, 323 Old York Road, was taken into custody after fleeing the store at 11 a.m. Nov. 19, police said.

RETAIL THEFT >> A female was taken into custody at 3:09 p.m. Nov. 19 after raking $325 worth of fragrances at Macy’s in the Willow Grove Park Mall, police said.

RETAIL THEFT >> A male who took $141 worth of over-the-counter medications from Target, 1495 Old York Road, was taken into custody following a chase at 3:38 p.m. Nov. 19, police said.

RETAIL THEFT >> A male stole two pairs of shoes, valued at $150, from Champs at the Willow Grove Park Mall at 5:30 p.m. Nov. 19, police said.

RETAIL THEFT >> A female who stole $403 worth of goods from Target, 1495 Old York Road, was taken into custody at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 20, police said.

RETAIL THEFT >> A male and female stole two items, valued at $4,800, after distracting an employee at Got Em Kicks in the Willow Grove Park Mall at 7:47 p.m. Nov. 20, police said.

THEFT >> Two vehicles parked at Lorimer Park in the 100 block of Moredon Road were found with a window smashed out at 10:21 a.m. Nov. 21, police said. A fanny pack containing a driver’s license, Social Security card, $15 cash and multiple credit/debit cards was taken from one and a baby bag containing baby diapers and wipes was taken from the other, police said.

RETAIL THEFT >> A 34-year-old woman of Allison Street, Philadelphia, was charged with retail theft and receiving stolen property Nov. 19 in the 2400 block of Moreland Road, police said.

DUI >> Charges of driving under the influence are pending against a 50-year-old woman of Pierce Avenue, Willow Grove, following a stop Nov. 20 in the 2600 block of Lamott Avenue, police said.

RETAIL THEFT >> A 65-year-old woman of Street Road, Langhorne, was charged Nov. 18 with retail theft and receiving stolen property in the 2500 block of Moreland Road, police said.

DUI >> Charges of driving under the influence are pending against a 62-year-old woman of Fitzwatertown Road, Willow Grove, following a Nov. 19 traffic stop at Old Welsh and Fitzwatertown roads, police said.

THREATS >> Charles Johnson, 31, of no known address, was charged Oct. 27 with terroristic threats, stalking, harassment, trespassing and carrying a firearm without a license, following an incident in the 1800 block of Lukens Avenue, police said.

Cheltenham

WARRANT >> A 46-year-old male of the 1400 block of North 62nd Street, Philadelphia, was arrested at 12:08 a.m. Nov. 13 in the 2400 block of West Cheltenham Avenue on an outstanding Cheltenham warrant for failure to appear for shoplifting charges, police said.

THEFT >> An iPhone 13 was reported stolen at 3:42 a.m. Nov. 14 at Wawa, 5280 Limekiln Pike, police said.

ATTEMPTED THEFT >> A window of a vehicle in the 100 block of Dewey Road was found broken out at 6:30 a.m. Nov. 14 in an apparent attempt to steal the car, police said.

THREATS >> A report at 8:41 a.m. Nov. 14 of one student threatening another at Cedarbrook Middle School, 300 Longfellow Road, is under investigation, police said.

RETAIL THEFT >> Two females stole items from Walmart, 1000 Easton Road, at 7:23 p.m. Nov. 14, police said.

BURGLARY >> Philadelphia residents Troy Jones, 36, of the 2300 block of North 20th Street; and Emory Montgomery, 28, of the 1600 block of West York Street, were arrested at 2:48 a.m. Nov. 15 and charged with burglary, criminal trespass, conspiracy, criminal mischief and evading arrest after allegedly burglarizing Chilli’s Restaurant, 2451 Cheltenham Ave., police said. The two were caught when an officer practicing using a drone spotted them on the roof of the restaurant, police said.

RETAIL THEFT >> A 35-year-old woman of the 1100 block of Wagner Avenue, Philadelphia, was charged with retail theft after taking $70 worth of goods from Five Below, 2401 Cheltenham Ave, at 1:27 p.m. Nov. 15, police said.

THEFT >> A catalytic converter was reported stolen from a vehicle at the Glenside Train Station, 5 W. Glenside Ave., at 3:06 p.m. Nov. 15, police said.

THEFT >> A package was reported stolen Nov. 15 from the Towers at Wyncote in the 8400 block of Limekiln Pike, police said.

RETAIL THEFT >> Four male juveniles stole food from Wawa, 8250 Limekiln Pike, at 5:09 p.m. Nov. 15 and fled in a dark colored Challenger, police said.

IDENTITY THEFT >> A resident reported Nov. 15 multiple attempts were made to open credit cards using the victim’s personal information, police said.

AUTO STOLEN >> A white 2021 Dodge Charger, PA tag MJC5745, was reported stolen at 1:47 a.m. Nov. 16 from the unit block of North Avenue, police said.

ATTEMPTED THEFT >> An attempt was reported at 7:03 a.m. Nov. 16 to steal a vehicle in the 7700 block of Wagner Way, police said.

RETAIL THEFT >> A male stole $860 worth of goods from Snipes, 1000 S. Easton Road, at 11:01 a.m. Nov. 16, police said.

FRAUD >> A resident reported Nov. 16 a contractor took money without doing the work, police said. Investigation ongoing.

ID THEFT >> A resident reported Nov. 16 a female used the victim’s credit card without permission, police said. Investigation ongoing.

ID THEFT >> A resident reported Nov. 16 an account was opened using the victim’s information, police said. Investigation ongoing.

RETAIL THEFT >> A 38-year-old female of the 6700 block of North Smedley Street, Philadelphia, took items from Dollar General, 45 Cheltenham Ave., at 1:32 p.m. Nov. 16, police said.

RETAIL THEFT >> A male stole $100 worth of goods from Walgreens, 2727 Cheltenham Ave., at 10:12 p.m. Nov. 16, police said.

RETAIL THEFT >> A male stole $50 worth of goods from Wawa, 8250 Limekiln Pike, at 12:36 a.m. Nov. 17, police said.

RETAIL THEFT >> A male stole a basketful of items from Walgreens, 1 Yorktown Plaza, at 8:38 a.m. Nov. 17, police said.

RETAIL THEFT >> A Black male, late 20s to early 30s, wearing a black hoodie, black pants, carrying Old Navy shopping bags stole $400 worth of goods from Old Navy, 2401 Cheltenham Ave., at 10:45 a.m. Nov. 17, police said.

ATTEMTPTED AUTO THEFT >> A vehicle in the 1900 block of Ashbourne Road was found Nov. 17 with a window smashed and the steering column broken, police said.

RETAIL THEFT >> A 24-year-old male of the 5200 block of Roosevelt Blvd., Philadelphia, was charged with retail theft after taking $27 worth of goods from Fresh Grocer, 1000 S. Easton Road, at 12:28 p.m. Nov. 17, police said.

THEFT >> A female reported Nov. 17 after her phone was stolen Nov. 3 from Marshalls, 2401 W. Cheltenham Ave., someone was using the victim’s bank card, police said.

ID THEFT >> A resident reported Nov. 17 four credit cards were opened using the victim’s personal information, police said.

FRAUD >> A resident reported Nov. 17 two fraudulent checks were deposited into the victim’s account and then the amount of the checks was removed, police said.

RETAIL THEFT >> A male stole $150 worth of goods from Walgreens, 2727 W. Cheltenham Ave., at 9:57 p.m. Nov. 17, police said.

RETAIL THEFT >> A male and female were attempting to steal goods from H Mart, 7300 Old York Road, at 12:09 p.m. Nov. 19, but the merchandise was recovered, police said.

THEFT >> A vehicle in the 1200 block of Church Road was found broken into at 1:18 p.m. Nov. 20 and credit cards were taken from a purse, police said.

BURGLARY >> A safe containing cash was taken from a home in the 7700 block of Green Valley Road found burglarized at 2:42 p.m. Nov. 20, police said.

RETAIL THEFT >> Two males stole $200 worth of goods from Dollar Tree, 1000 S. Easton Road, at 6:12 p.m. Nov. 20, police said.

THEFT >> Credit cards and a driver’s license were reported stolen at 11 a.m. Nov. 21 from a locked locker at LA Fitness, 2140 Cheltenham Ave., police said.

ATTEMPTED BURLARY >> A light-skinned male in his late 20s, medium build, wearing grey sweatpants with stripes, a gray hooded sweatshirt and a mask covering his nose and mouth, attempted to break into a home in the unit block of Cheltenham Avenue through the front door at 11:42 a.m. Nov. 21, police said.

AGGRAVATED ASSAULT >> A 17-year-old male was shot in the face with a BB gun by a known person at 7:34 p.m. Nov. 21 in the 1700 block of Graham Lane, police said. Investigation ongoing.

THEFT >> A vehicle in the 800 block of Pitt Road was found at 12:11 a.m. Nov. 21 with a window smashed and a bag containing Air pods and an iPad, valued at more than $1,000, missing, police said.

AUTO THEFT >> A blue 2014 Hyundai Elantra was reported stolen at 5:42 a.m. Nov. 22 from the 300 block of Radcliffe Road, police said.

WARRANT >> Robert Corsaro, 42, of the 100 block of Township Line Road, Elkins Park, turned himself in at the police station at 9:12 a.m. Nov. 22 on a warrant charging him with terroristic threats and harassment in connection with an Oct. 7 incident, police said.

THEFT >> A resident reported Nov. 22 an unknown person took money from the victim’s bank account, police said. Investigation ongoing.

RETAIL THEFT >> A male stole a cartful of goods from Dollar Tree, 1000 S. Easton Road, at 3:52 p.m. Nov. 22, police said.

THEFT >> A vehicle in the unit block of Tookany Creek Parkway was found broken into at 5:07 p.m. Nov. 22 and a wallet taken from inside, police sad.

RETAIL THEFT >> Two females stole $276 worth of goods from Madrag, 2401 Cheltenham Ave., at 6:09 p.m. Nov. 22 and fled in a white van, police said.

RETAIL THEFT >> A male stole $149 worth of goods from Walgreens, 2727 W. Cheltenham Ave., at 11:13 a.m. Nov. 24, police said.

RETAIL THEFT >> A male stole $320 worth of goods from Snipes, 1000 S. Easton Road, at 1:03 p.m. Nov. 24, police said.

WARRANT >> Andre Creaig, 63, of the 5900 block of South Marvine Street, Philadelphia, was taken into custody at 3:12 p.m. Nov. 24 in the 1000 block of South Easton Road on an outstanding warrant for felony charges of retail theft and receiving stolen property at two stores Nov. 22, police said.

CRIMINAL MISCHIEF >> A vehicle in the 8100 block of Fairview Road was found at 8:22 a.m. Nov. 26 with its’ tires slashed, police said.

VANDALISM >> A vehicle in the 300 block of Winding Way was found at 10:14 a.m. Nov. 26 with scratches and pry marks in a possible attempt to steal it, police said.

THEFT >> A GPS unit, the vehicle registration and insurance cards were reported stolen at 1 p.m. Nov. 26 from a vehicle in the 7600 block of Levis Road, police said.

RETAIL THEFT >> two males in hoodies stole items valued at more than $200 from Snipes, 2401 Cheltenham Ave., at 4:14 p.m. Nov. 26, police said.

Jenkintown

ASSAULT >> A 29-year-old Lansdale man was charged with simple assault and harassment Nov. 23, online court records show.

Hatboro-Horsham High School’s integrated art department held a Creative Careers Night on November 2 for students and families of grades 8-12 from Hatboro-Horsham and surrounding districts.

“There is a vast array of talent in our creative elective classes,” said Leah Ellert, art teacher and art department chair. “We wanted students who are passionate about art, music, tech ed and family consumer sciences to know that there are absolutely career options out there for them that they may not know exist.”

Twelve local panelists spoke to about 120 guests about their career paths, many of which were non-linear. Pastry Chef Lakresha Jolly began her career as a nurse. She started baking cakes for her kids’ birthdays as a way to save money and ended up falling in love with baking. Self-taught, Jolly eventually decided to pursue baking full-time and opened a food truck, Kresha Kreations. Her success selling cookies, cupcakes and desserts is now leading to her first brick-and-mortar bakery, opening soon in Jenkintown.

Other panelists included a floral and event designer, music producer/audio engineer, architect, interior designer and mechanical design engineer. Many panelists had similar stories to Jolly. They studied completely different topics in college and made career shifts to creative fields.

During the event, students learned that creativity is integrated into so many different fields. Jody Bortner, a principal partner at 3FX, is an animator for pharmaceutical and healthcare companies. Her career taught students that art can align with many other interests they may have such as in math or science.

“I heard from a number of students saying ‘I had no idea that there was art in that field,’” said Ellert.

They also learned that the trope of “the starving artist” isn’t the case anymore. All the panelists have built lucrative careers for themselves.

“Students could see that creative careers are attainable and speak with role models in their community who are successful in these fields,” explained Ellert.

After all the panelists introduced themselves and spoke about their careers, each panelist moved to their own table where they could show samples of their work. Students had the ability to sit in on small groups with the panelists and browse the careers they were most interested in.

“Even though all of the panelists are experts in their fields, they were equally patient and relatable to our kids. The conversations began with student questions but often blossomed into deep explanation, demonstrating ideas, or centered around mentorship advice,” said Ellert.

Ellert and Future Ready School Counselor Meghann Townsend spearheaded the event, and the entire integrated arts department (art, music, tech ed, family consumer sciences) faculty pitched in to help.

“The response was overwhelmingly positive,” said Ellert. “We expected around 60 to 80 guests to attend, but it ended up being around 120. It was amazing!”

The integrated arts department is planning to make this a bi-annual event to allow students the opportunity to attend as lower and upperclassmen.