Town watch responds to attack on Huntly Collins by renewing patrols

In the first town watch meeting held in the West Mt. Airy neighborhood near where Huntly Collins was attacked, members agreed it was time to restart patrols.

At its monthly meeting Thursday, Mt. Airy-Nippon-Bryan-Cresheim Town Watch coordinator Steve Stroiman said it visibility was key, “We need to be a direct presence in the street,” said Stroiman. “It’s really up to us to protect our neighborhood.”

This town watch over time had become more of a quality of life advocacy group and not enough on its primary mission – neighborhood safety. “When the fear goes away, the canvassing goes away,” said Ken Kunz who has been an Mt Airy resident for over 30 years.

A sign up sheet was passed around asking for members to volunteer for patrols. Stroiman said about 40 neighbors signed up, but he hopes this number will reach 75.

Stroiman said those on patrol will wear town watch vests and asked members to take a flashlight and cell phone with them for extra precaution.

“If you see any suspicious do not confront the person just dial 911,” said Stroiman.

But some attendees wondered if the police would take their phone calls serious. “Still call anyway, make sure you get a really good description of the person and give specific details to the police,” said Stroiman.

The group plans to resume patrols as early as this week. The Mt. Airy-Nippon-Bryan-Cresheim Town Watch covers the follows blocks.

1. Unit blocks of Nippon and Mt. Airy

2. 100 blocks of Nippon and Mt. Airy

3. Bryan St. from Allen’s Lane to Mt. Pleasant

4. Cresheim from Allen’s Lane to Mt. Pleasant