Carlisle Police Department has boosted their patrols for the second time since December. The department stated that the decision was made due to increased reports of arson, theft and vandalism in the community.

In December 2015, Carlisle Police Department increased their patrols and surveillances due to an increase in shootings. According to now Acting Chief Stephen Latshaw, other than increasing the patrols, the department has also maximized their cooperation with Department of Public Safety (DPS).

Now, the community is experiencing a surge in crimes again. According to CPD’s website, the main crimes committed since the beginning of September include two cases of arson, several thefts and several vandalism cases.

Sergeant Simon Jackson from CPD believes the local police department is prepared to handle any increase in crime levels.

“[CPD] is always prepared to address any increases or spikes in crime through a variety of means and in cooperation with other local, state and federal agencies,” says Jackson. He maintained that these methods include bike patrols, k9 patrols and foot patrols.

According to Jackson, CPD has a “strong working relationship” with DPS and the Cumberland Country Drug Task Force. The department also hosts the Cumberland County Special Response Team.

Chief of Public Safety, Dolores Danser, confirmed that DPS communicates with CPD “daily.”

Dickinson students have mainly experienced an increase in the number of bikes stolen from off-campus apartments. Caitlin Farrel ’17 locked her bike outside the apartments at 25/27 West High street on September 8, and when she attempted to retrieve it the following morning, both the bike and lock were gone.

“[It’s] kind of scary that something would be stolen right in front of my apartment,” Farrel says. She maintains that she now feels safe “for the most part, but that experience definitely rattled me.” Her bike has not yet been found.

Despite the surge in crimes, most students see Carlisle as a low-crime area.

“As someone from the inner city, I know that Carlisle is relatively safe. DPS is a great resource, and I think anyone that’s concerned about the increased crime should use them,” stated Bakary Samsa ’19.

Danser maintained that the recent surge in crimes has taken place far away from campus, and therefor “has nothing to do” with DPS or students of Dickinson.

To keep as safe as possible on and off campus, Jackson recommends walking in pairs after dark, taking the new Safety Shuttle if you are alone and reporting anything unusual to either DPS or CPD. To contact DPS, call (717) 245-1349 and to contact CPD call (717) 243-5252. For information about crime in Carlisle, see the Carlisle Crime Watch Website.