GUERNSEY – Plans are moving forward for the Platte River Posse as members of the community join together to form a type of neighborhood watch program in the Guernsey and Hartville area. At a …
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GUERNSEY – Plans are moving forward for the Platte River Posse as members of the community join together to form a type of neighborhood watch program in the Guernsey and Hartville area. At a meeting last week attended by over 20 people, it was agreed to proceed with the name and logo, Platte River Posse, to represent the group that sprang up after some serious crimes were committed on the streets of Guernsey.
Though prompted by vehicle thefts that were wake-up moments for some members of the town, there were several people at the meeting who said they wanted to be a part of the neighborhood watch program because they have seen criminal behavior escalating in the town. They said they want to help bring the town back into being “what it used to be,” where it was safe to leave your bike on the front lawn and know it would still be there in the morning, drug paraphernalia isn’t being found on the playground, and strangers aren’t trying to break into your yard or your home.
The group is made up of long-time residents, newcomers, and business owners and are seeking to work in cooperation with the Guernsey police and town council.
One organizer, Jeremiah Field said, “[We] are not vigilantes…We observe and report suspicious activity to the police…We want to save the community for our kids.”
There have already been many hours logged for members of the Platte River Posse, whose tasks include getting to know their neighbors, and taking turns being watchful - especially at night.
Guernsey Police Chief Jay Harrison was at the meeting and was supportive of the stance taken by the group. He said the criminal element likes to take advantage of small towns like Guernsey, and while there are additional steps being taken behind the scenes by local law enforcement to reduce crime, citizens are encouraged to contact the police if they see anything suspicious. “That one thing that you may not have thought was important enough to report may have been what is needed to solve a case,” the chief said. “But don’t put yourself in harm’s way.”