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Anyone can be a crime victim by Tom Boyle [email protected] Speaking to a roomful of people on Wednesday evening at the local VFW 5958, Trooper David Wargo of the Franklin state police reminded the crowd, �Nobody here can�t be a victim.� While the annual Crime Watcher�s program, sponsored by the ladies auxiliary, focused on elder abuse, scams and identity theft, Wargo also discussed crystal methamphetamine, a drug scourge all too well known to the area. �There are a lot of scams going on constantly,� said Wargo. �If it sounds to good to be true, it usually is. Whether old or young, we are all capable of becoming a victim.� Wargo warned about getting too close to containers found in the woods. He said people who make meth will sometimes start the process in one place and then put the container along the side of the road, or in the woods, where it will cook by itself. Later on, the drug makers will stop by to collect the batch. In one instance, Wargo said, a young person found a cooler filled the stuff and died when he breathed in its fumes. �Know what your neighbor is doing,� said Wargo. �Be aware of such things as strange smells, and comings and goings at strange hours.� He said not to be afraid to call the police if something is suspicious in the neighborhood. Wargo also discussed the �crime triangle� which he said is comprised of desire and ability on the part of the criminal. The only thing else needed to complete the triangle � and the crime � is an opportunity. �You can take away the opportunity by not setting yourself up to be a victim,� said Wargo. To lessen the chances of a criminal having that opportunity, Wargo said, citizens must take the following three steps: n Stay alert � Pay attention to your neighbors, know what type of cars they drive, etc. n Communicate confidence when out in public places. n Trust your instincts � By justifying everything we put ourselves in danger. Victims, Wargo said, are often weak, overly trusting and are not observant. Wargo suggested taking the safest route when traveling. �Tell someone where you are going,� he said. Wargo also warned against showing cash or credit cards in public. Wargo also discussed several types of scams run by people who come to a person�s home trying to sell them something or by contacting them by phone. �People call on the phone,� said Wargo in regard to one type of scam. �They tell the victim they have won a trip, but must send in $200 for tickets. Then they get nothing in return in the mail.� �If someone offers you something and it�s too good to be true, it usually is,� said Wargo. These door-to-door services include the paving of driveways, selling of tools and painting of barns. �Lock your doors behind you, keep your windows closed,� said Wargo. Wargo said people should take cell phones with them while traveling. �Call 911 if you have a breakdown,� he said. �With a cell phone you have a lifeline.� Wargo also gave the following tips for surviving an attack: Be prepared beforehand. Women should clutch their purse as if it were a football. Never provoke a person who has a weapon. �If someone pulls a weapon on you, they are the boss,� said Wargo. He also said pepper spray makes a good weapon if attacked, better than mace. He said pepper spray can be purchased at a pharmacy and is not prohibited in Pennsylvania. If you own guns for defense, Wargo stressed, all the firearms rules must be followed. He also noted a gun can be turned on the person who is using it. If you are a victim of a crime, Wargo offers the following tips: n Notify police as soon as possible when the crime occurs. n Be able to identify the assailant. n Protect the crime scene. n Don�t discuss the crime with anyone other than the police. Reader Comments Rick Graham (3/1/2026) I'm puzzled by the last comment attributed to Trooper Wargo: "Don't tell anyone (about the crime) but the police." If we're discussing a crime of deception, why would you not want to alert your friends and neighbors to be prepared in the event they are approached by the scam artist? If a property crime, like burglary or robbery, why would you not want to alert your neighbors, or inquire if your neighbors might have useful information about the crime? If you are a victim of an assault, particularly a sexual assault, perpetrated by an unknown assailant, why would you not want to discuss the incident with others? Other persons might be able to assist in identifying the perpetrator. Or, they might know of similar attacks in the past. Or, they might know of a sexual predator frequenting the area of the crime. Plus, it would be wise to alert others to the possibility of a subsequent attack. I believe that, assuming Trooper Wargo was accurately quoted, he is misinformed and misleading the public about how to deal with criminal acts perpetrated against them. I sincerely hope that the trooper was misquoted. Add a comment |
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