Lower Bucks Today

HARRISBURG – As the Philadelphia area struggles with an increase in crime, state Reps. Kristin Marcell (R-Bucks) and Kathleen “K.C.” Tomlinson (R-Bucks) held a hearing in conjunction with the House Republican Policy Committee to address the reasons behind the rise in crime and explore potential solutions.

“As crime continues to rise in the Philadelphia area, it is becoming harder for our communities to feel safe,” Marcell said. “It is crucial we do all we can to find the reasons why this increase is happening and what we can do to fight back against it. With a district attorney unwilling to act in Philadelphia, it has become clear it is up to us as legislators to find solutions to this crime increase. It is crucial we put the safety of our constituents first.”

“Representing a community directly bordering Philadelphia, I know firsthand the consequences of trickle-down crime from the city,” Tomlinson said. “This increase in crime makes families feel less safe, small businesses feel unprotected and makes the job of our law enforcement harder. The consequences this increase has on our communities impacts every person in our districts. It’s time to refocus on justice for those who have been affected and giving our law enforcement the tools they need to do their jobs.”

The hearing featured testimonies from Jennifer Schorn, Bucks County first assistant district attorney; Fred Harran, Bucks County sheriff; William McVey, director of Public Safety, Bensalem Police; Steven LeCompte, chief of police, Northampton Township; Rudolph Mueller, security director at Bimbo Bakeries; and Dominic Varacallo, police chief of Upper Southampton Township.

Harran spoke about the general increase in crime in Bucks County and highlighted the growing use of xylazine in communities. Last year alone, Bucks County experienced significant increases in various crimes: robbery rose by 22.7%, sexual assault by 17.1%, burglary by 32.9%, theft by 21.8%, and auto theft by 30.6%, culminating in an overall major crime increase of 18.7%. Additionally, law enforcement agencies are facing challenges due to a reduced number of applicants.

“You often hear the phrase ‘crime knows no borders,’ and this is so true in this situation,” said Harran. “When Philadelphia criminals commit crimes in Bucks County, the reception is much different here. They are arrested, prosecuted and, if convicted, they go to jail.”

Schorn discussed catalytic converter thefts and suggested that making these thefts felonies instead of misdemeanors would help police allocate resources more effectively.

“These are the people who should never possess a firearm. They have lost that right,” McVey said. “When an officer removes a gun from a felon, they may have saved a future life or prevented a future tragedy. The problem is without strong penalties these felons are often released and go back to carrying and using illegal firearms."

“It is a blight on all of our resources day in and day out,” Schorn added regarding catalytic converter thefts impacting homicide investigations.

LeCompte addressed mail theft's dramatic rise by 600% over two-and-a-half years in Northampton Township.

“Mail theft is often an organized criminal act," LeCompte said." The grading of the offense should reflect its serious impact."

House Republican Policy Committee Chair Josh Kail (R-Beaver/Washington) commented on broader issues stemming from Philadelphia's rising crime rates.

“Crime stemming from Philadelphia is escalating at an unprecedented rate," Kail stated." Our caucus supports law enforcement fully and will pursue legislative measures to ensure they can perform their duties effectively."

In response to rising crime rates, Bucks County GOP delegation members along with State Rep. Martina White (R-Philadelphia) introduced two legislative packages focused on mandatory jail time for illegal firearm possession among other measures aimed at reducing various types of criminal activities.

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