(10/14) Carroll Valley Police Chief Richard Hileman told the Borough Council at their October 13 meeting that the theft of political election signs from private property has been on the increase.

"The biggest theme we have (the past month) is, "No one likes election signs … It’s worse than ever," he said, further noting, "It's (been) across the political spectrum. It doesn't seem to be particularly one side getting their signs torn up more than the other."

The chief stated that in one instance someone knocked down an election flag being flown outside of a house, and even broke the flag-holder.

Hileman said that one arrest was made in September of a suspect for theft of election signs, and who even allegedly had "fake registration plates on his car … I guess to conceal his identity as he was stealing election signs." The chief said the suspect is now facing an upcoming court-hearing. "So, if you're out there stealing election signs, know that you can be prosecuted and it won't be pleasant," he noted.

The chief stated that wood carvings valued at about $800 have been recovered, that had been stolen from the woodcarver who works outside of the Frontier BBQ. The officer did not provide any additional information except to say the investigation of the theft is still ongoing.

Additionally, a number of juveniles were identified who were allegedly harassing a resident, Hileman said, noting that the matter was resolved "non-judicially."

In other police business, the chief reported that newly-hired Officer Eric Peiffer had participated in the borough police field-training program "in order to test his academy training, acclimate him to the department, and train him in department methods and procedures." Corporal Clifford J. Weikert acted as his field-training officer

Additionally, Hileman said the new officer attended classes specifically regarding the use of speed-timing devices, and the administration of Naloxone, a lifesaving, opioid-reversal drug.

Hileman also unveiled the new police report, as per revisions previously sought by members of the council. The council had previously established an ad-hoc committee comprised of council, borough staff, Mayor Ron Harris, and the police chief.

Although some council members suggested a need for additional information to be provided, the new format was generally well-received. The new system simply includes more details on previously reported incidents, along with some new informational categories relating to police activities.

Council President Richard Mathews, "I like this better than what we had before," however, he added that he would like to see a breakdown of 9-1-1 calls."

Vice-president Robert Verderaime said, "I just want to say ... what Dave Hazlett put together for us to consider, was extremely well-done. It certainly helped me to be able to organize some of that material ... some of which I will accept, (and) some of which I will not, but the effort you put into it is self-evident by looking at the material you all got."