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Lebanon County Regional Police Chief Tim Knight warned about a series of car break-ins and thefts during the North Lebanon Township Board of Supervisors meeting July 20.
In June, he said, there were multiple stolen vehicles, vehicle entries, and thefts.
In one instance, a platoon responded to a masked suspect breaking into vehicles with a “ghost gun,” and he was apprehended. In another, he said, a stolen car was reported and officers caught the vehicle within three minutes. In a third example, Knight said a stolen car was driven to Harrisburg, where the driver crashed it in a chase and the suspect was arrested.
Knight advised residents to lock their vehicles and keep valuables out of their cars. In the case of car thefts, he said, thieves have entered unlocked cars and used “blank keys” to start the car, even if the key is not left in the car.
“Unfortunately with crime, there are a lot of vehicle entries occurring in multiple neighborhoods throughout our jurisdiction,” said Knight. The department covers North Lebanon, North Cornwall, and West Lebanon townships.
In response to a resident’s question, Knight said some suspects for car thefts are from Harrisburg and others are from Lebanon.
At the end of the meeting, supervisor Ardy Snook echoed Knight’s recommendation to keep cars locked, as well as garages and sheds. He asked that residents report suspicious activity to the department.
In other news, supervisors:
- Unanimously agreed to send a draft ordinance governing data centers, which places them within the township’s industrial zoning district, to the Lebanon County Planning Department and the township’s planning commission.
- Heard that former code enforcement officer John Brenner (1959-2026) has died following a battle with cancer. Chairman Ed Brensinger said Brenner “was always willing to work with us on co-op projects when we were close to him” and praised his work ethic.
- Heard that a group is bringing back National Night Out in the township with an event at Kochenderfer’s United Church Aug. 4 from 6 to 8 p.m. Supervisors unanimously authorized staff to take a dump truck, a payloader, and the recycling truck.
- Heard a recommendation from the recreation board to install “reservation required” signs at open-air pavilions. Supervisor Gary Heisey voiced concerns this may deter families from using picnic tables at all, not just in the case of large groups, and supervisors sent the matter back to the recreation board.
- Unanimously approved the appointment of Mike Knouse with Rettew as alternate engineer. Knouse will review plans prepared by Steckbeck Engineering, the township’s primary engineer.
- Unanimously accepted plan review extensions for North Lebanon Self Storage, 799 Kimmerlings Road, Harold Tice, and the Collins/Suze Street self-storage.
- Unanimously approved the submission of the 2025 recycling performance grant application, projecting $22,153.25 in tonnage for 2025.
- Unanimously agreed to appoint Bonnie Grumbine to the Lebanon Community Library board as Heisey, who was previously appointed, is unable to make meetings.
- Unanimously approved the submission of the 2027 safety grant application for township employee safety, requesting $752.28 for a $1,504.56 project.
- Unanimously ratified approval of Bowman’s Insurance renewal, with a 5.88% rate increase and property insurance limits increased by 9.5%.
- Unanimously agreed to release a bond with Liberty Mutual Insurance totaling $19,750 for use of roads on the A2M2 pipeline project.
- Unanimously authorized the Northern Lebanon Little League to install a new batting cage and allow township staff to assist.
- Unanimously agreed to allow Scouts of America Troop 412G to hold a chicken barbecue at Lions Lake from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 22, and waived fees.
- Unanimously approved minutes and payroll.
North Lebanon Township Board of Supervisors meets the third Monday of each month at 7 p.m. These meetings are open to the public and do not require prior registration.
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