Cheltenham Township Police Department (CTPD) issued a neighborhood update for Elkins Park and Melrose Park regarding their 6/29 alert issued (Glenside Local 7/1 story) on the rise in theft from autos and thefts from sheds/garages.
Last evening, just after 8PM, Cheltenham Police responded to the area of the unit block of Latham Parkway in the Elkins Park section of the township for a “Theft in Progress”. Observant residents notified police after a male entered a garage adjacent to Sycamore and Beech Avenues and then left the area pushing several items of lawn equipment, other tools, and a bicycle down the street toward the city.
Responding CTPD officer observed a male fitting the description, with the stolen good, a short distance away in Philadelphia. The suspect, identified as Lamont Jackson, and several stolen items in his possession were positively identified by witnesses and a victim. Jackson was arraigned and remanded to Montgomery County Correction Facility in lieu $75,000.00 cash bail.
CTPD is confident this is the individual featured in last week’s neighborhood alert for Elkins and Melrose Parks, but this is an ongoing investigation and further charges are possible. Any residents who were victims of similar thefts, but have not reported them, are encouraged to contact CTPD Detectives at 215-885-1600 Ext. 499. CTPD urges all of our residents to remain vigilant, keep vehicles and other properties secure and report suspicious persons/activity to Police immediately via 9-1-1.