Significant Crimes in Lower Merion Township

This page lists significant criminal events that occurred in Lower Merion Township over the past two week period and is not intended as a comprehensive view of all criminal activity in the Township.  For more detailed and comprehensive view see the police blotter by clicking here. 

PUBLIC INFORMATIONAL NOTICE

RESIDENTIAL BURGLARY TREND – TRAVELING THEFT GROUPS

In recent years, the Lower Merion Police have investigated clusters of burglaries in Villanova, Gladwyne, Bryn Mawr, and Penn Valley. Homeowners have reported the loss of jewelry – both valuable and costume, small electronics, and U.S. Currency. These incidents have largely occurred between the hours of 4 pm and 10 pm while the homes are unoccupied. While many arrests have been made and local activity has slowed, organized traveling theft groups continue to plague the larger region and the nation.  It is important to know that these groups do not want to confront homeowners, which is why they target unoccupied homes. Nonetheless, we are asking the public to remain vigilant.

Residents who expect to be away for more than 48 hours are encouraged to take advantage of our Vacant House program by calling 610-649-1000 or visiting our website. This program allows you to provide the Police Department with your contact information, travel destination, and emergency contact information. A patrol officer will be assigned to conduct periodic security inspections of your home while you are away.

Residents may check the Crime Alerts on this page. A summary of crimes is updated several times a week. A more comprehensive list of all incidents reported to our dispatch center can be found on our police blotter page.

The Township also utilizes the Blackboard Connect system to notify residents of crime trends and emergencies. Residents may sign up on the Township’s website. Please note that Blackboard Connect allows the police to reach residents quickly if we have an urgent crime alert to provide. 

If you would like a security survey of your home, or more information on neighborhood security programs such as dog walker watch, contact our Crime Prevention Unit at 610-645-6240 during normal business hours.  

What else can the public do? 

• First and foremost: If you see something, say something.  Watch out for your neighbors and your neighborhood.  If something looks suspicious, call 9-1-1.  We will respond and investigate. 
• Keep doors and windows locked when not using them, along with keeping garage doors down. 
• Keep interior lights on timers, and the exterior of your home well lit. Burglars do not want to encounter homeowners so anything you can do to suggest someone is home can be a deterrent. 
• If you have an alarm, please arm it when away or arm the perimeter when inside for a period with no intention of leaving. If your alarm has an audible siren, utilize it to help deter any potential intruders. We know that burglars want anonymity, and frequently flee when audible or visual signals suddenly reveal their entry to a home.
• If able, consider adding window sensors to second story windows or any points of entry that overlook a first story roof line. Consider adding motion sensors to second floor hallways, especially outside of sleeping spaces or places where valuables are concentrated.
• If you have cameras, please make sure they are in working order. If you use battery operated cameras, please make sure that they are charged regularly and connected to your selected monitoring application. 
• Do not leave ladders around which can give easier access to second floor exterior entry points. Do not stack patio furniture or other large items near first story roof lines to prevent easy climbing points. 

Related Links:

Vacant House Program

Security Survey

Blackboard Connect

Police Blotter

January 16th, 2026

Theft of Vehicle (Villanova) - The victim's Land Rover was stolen from the driveway of the victim's residence during the overnight hours.  The investigation into the incident is ongoing.

January 14th, 2026

Theft (Bala Cynwyd) - The victim had a backpack stolen out of an unsecured locked at a local fitness center while working out.  The investigation into the incident is ongoing.

January 12th, 2026

Theft from Vehicle (Villanova) - Three individuals were observed pulling on the door handles to multiple vehicles in the victim's driveway before fleeing.  The investigation into the incident is ongoing.

Theft of Vehicle (Gladwyne)- The victim's Porsche was stolen from the driveway of their residence during the overnight hours.  The vehicle was left unlocked with a key fob inside.  The investigation into the incident is ongoing.

Theft from Vehicle (Gladwyne) - The victim's unlocked Toyota was entered and gone through overnight while parked in the driveway of the victim's residence.  The investigation into the incident is continuing.

Theft from Vehicle (Bryn Mawr) - The victim's BMW had the rear driver's side window broken out and the interior of the vehicle gone through during the overnight hours while parked in the driveway of the victim's residence.  The investigation into the incident is continuing.

Burglary (Wynnewood) - A meeting building on the property of an apartment complex was broken into during the overnight hours.  The investigation into the incident is ongoing.

Theft from Vehicle (Gladwyne) - The victim's unlocked Subaru was entered and gone through overnight while parked in the driveway of the victim's residence.  The investigation into the incident is ongoing.

Theft from Vehicle (Gladwyne) - The victim's unlocked Subarus was entered and gone through overnight while parked in the driveway of the victim's residence.  The investigation into the incident is continuing.

January 11th, 2026

Theft of Vehicle (Wynnewood) - The victim's Honda was stolen from in front of the victim's residence during the overnight hours.  The Honda was unlocked with a key left inside.  The investigation into the incident is ongoing.

January 9th, 2026

Theft from Vehicle (Bryn Mawr) - The victim's unlocked Honda was entered and gone through overnight while parked in front of the victim's residence.  The investigation into the incident is ongoing.

Theft from Vehicle (Bryn Mawr) - The victim's Ford was entered and gone through overnight while parked in the driveway of the victim's residence.  The investigation into the incident is ongoing.

Theft from Vehicle (Bryn Mawr) - The victim's unlocked Ford and Honda were entered and gone through overnight while parked in front of the victim's residence.  The investigation into the incident is ongoing.

Theft from Vehicle (Wynnewood) - A late report of a left from the victim's vehicle between December 19th and December 31st 2025.  The investigation into the report is continuing.

Theft of Package (Penn Valley) - The victim reported that a package delivered to the mailroom of their apartment complex was stolen over the past couple of days.  The investigation into the incident is ongoing.

January 7th, 2026

Theft of Vehicle (Penn Valley) - The victim's Infiniti was stolen in the morning hours from the parking lot of their apartment complex.  The investigation into the incident is ongoing.

January 6th, 2026

Burglary (Ardmore) - The front window of a store in Suburban Square was broken out in the early morning hours and multiple actors entered the store stealing approximately $11,000 worth of merchandise.  The investigation into the incident is continuing.

January 4th, 2026

Theft from Vehicle (Ardmore) - The victim's Honda was attempted to be entered during the late afternoon hours while parked in the parking lot of a local shopping center.  The door handle was removed from the vehicle and the lock was attempted to be drilled out.  The investigation into the incident is ongoing.

January 3rd, 2026

Theft of Packages (Ardmore) - The victim reported that a package delivered to the mailroom of their apartment complex was stolen sometime between December 30th, 2025 and this date.  The investigation into the incident is ongoing.