The Resident State Trooper's Office

Now that summer is over and our children are back at school, I would like to stress the importance of school bus safety. Please remember to come to a complete stop with your vehicle when you see a school bus with its stop sign out and flashing lights on. This is for the safety of our children.

We have had many complaints from school bus drivers regarding this issue. If you do not stop for school buses, the fire is $450. Even if you don't see a police officer around, the bus driver will take down your license plate number and will report it to the police. So please, for everyone's safety, obey all traffic laws.

Another safety tip that I would like to go over is regarding fallen leaves on the roadway. It is wonderful to go sightseeing to look at the beautiful fall foliage now that autumn has arrived, but these same leaves can also be dangerous when it has rained and they have fallen onto our roadways. Please use extra caution during this time, as the leaves can make the roads extremely slippery.

Since it is the month of October, please remember a few safety tips for out little ghosts and goblins as they trick or treat on Halloween. Always make sure that your child has clear vision while he or she is wearing a mask. You should also make sure that the costume your child i s wearing is not too long, which would cause your child to possibly trip and fall. Also make sure that either you or your child has a flashlight so that you can be seen by motorists. Do not let your children go to houses that are unfamiliar to you and please remember to check all candy before it is eaten by your children. I realize that sometimes that issue can be difficult to deal with, so bring a few pieces of candy from your own home for them. You will have a lot less headaches.

My office has received numerous complaints from citizens regarding speeding traffic in their neighborhoods. I have assigned my officers to run radar/laser in these areas. However, the majority of the violators are your own neighbors.

Throughout the Town of Prospect there have been home burglaries, as well as business break ins over the last couple of months. I ask everyone to be diligent in keeping an eye on your property as well as your neighbors. If you see something that looks suspicious, please call 9-1-1 immediately. Give as much description of the person or vehicle that you see.

The surrounding towns have experienced a large number of car break-ins. GPS systems, stereo equipment and other items have been stolen from vehicles that are left in driveways. I know that I may sound like a broken record, but PLEASE LOCK YOUR VEHICLES when unattended. Do not leave your pocketbook or other personal items of value within view. There have been incidents of car windows being broken and purses stolen from vehicles. This has happened in both home driveways, as well as business parking lots.

Let's all remember that we are living in the year 2006. Crime rates continue to rise, even in small towns like Prospect. It's always better to be safe than sorry.