Local Police Want to Charge for Unlocked Cars

Update 5:30 p.m.: FOX 29 is reporting this evening Upper Moreland police Chief Thomas Nestel withdrew his proposed fine for vehicle owners whose cars are found to be unlocked.

The chief said that he feels the message has been received by the community after the story made national headlines.

Nestel told FOX 29 that most of the e-mails and phone calls he received were opposing the proposed fine.

Original Story 8:16 a.m.: Police in Upper Moreland Township presented a proposal to the towns commissioners, lock your car doors or risk getting a ticket.

The proposed measure would have police possibly checking for locked cars in neighborhoods with high instances of vehicle theft.

If your vehicle was found to be unlocked police would give you a warning and if your vehicle was found again with its doors unlocked with-in a year of the warning you could be facing a $25 fine.

Upper Moreland police Chief Thomas Nestel reported that 75 percent of recent car thefts in the township were from vehicles that were unlocked.
The proposed measure would only affect cars that are parked on public streets and not in people’s driveways.

Upper Moreland Commissioner’s are seeking residents input on the proposed measure.

For the commissioner’s contact information visit http://www.uppermoreland.org/commissioners/.

Tom Sofield (tsofield@buxmontnews.com)
Online Editor