Due to the fact that all three banks in Mountainhome have been robbed since 2015, after the Barrett Police department disbanded, I wanted to share an idea that I heard:

The three banks should share the cost of an armed security guard. They would patrol the section of Route 390 where First Keystone, NBT, and ESSA are situated along a 0.8 mile stretch of road.

MOUNTAINHOME — Pocono Mountain Regional Police are searching for a bank robber. According to Police Chief Chris Wagner, the First Keystone Community Bank at 1154 Route 390 in Mountainhome was robbed just after 9 a.m. Thursday.

The suspect is described as a 6-foot tall, heavy set male, wearing a grey-hooded sweat suit. The suspect was wearing a mask and gloves and therefore his race was unknown at the time of this story.

According to Wagner, at the time of the incident the suspect entered the bank and accessed a teller drawer, removing bundled US currency. After removing the currency, he fled on foot across Route 390 and up toward Golf Drive.

Basic Crime Prevention

Practice crime safety measures that eliminate opportunities for criminals. Encourage others to join in crime prevention efforts. Aid others when they become victims of crime. Work for a better and safer neighborhood through protecting and honoring the rights of others.  

Important: The purpose of a community watch is to help the police do their jobs.  Do not be a vigilante.  

Disaster Preparedness & Resiliency

Learn skills to prepare for man-made and natural disasters. Local, state and the federal government do a lot to prepare for disasters, but neighbors need to be ready to care for each other.

Build a Stronger Community

In our fast-paced world, we don’t spend enough time learning about our neighbors.  Watch groups give community members a reason to get together and talk about making their community a better place.  Neighborhood Watch activities are a fun way for community members to get to know each other while making a difference.

Fellow Barrett Resident,

In July 2015, the Barrett Township Police Department merged with Pocono Regional.  Since then, have been numerous “unofficial” (unreported) break-ins, vandalism, and thefts.  There have also been two bank robberies:

• In November 2015, the ESSA bank on Route 390 was robbed. (link)
• In January 2017, the NBT Bank on Route 390 was robbed. (link)

 I wanted to share some thoughts and ideas, suggestions and pointers, so that the next time one of our (three!) banks is held up, the citizens know what they can do: