SRO You Should Know- Abingdon High School

SRO You Should Know

The Abingdon Police Department supplies a full-time School Resource Officer to Abingdon High School for the school year. Officer O.A. Hay has been the designated School Resource Officer for five (5) years. After finishing up his military duty, he started in law enforcement, and now has 29 years of service.

When asked what he liked best about his job as a SRO. Officer Hay responded, “I like being with the kids and helping in different ways. Also, I provide an approachable outlet for kids to ask questions or to talk about issues.”

The SRO program is designed to promote and foster the ongoing partnership between law enforcement, the school system, and the community to ensure safer schools, successful students, and productive citizens. Thank you, Officer Hay for all you do for the community! 

Bicycle Thefts

Abingdon Police Department

                          

For Immediate Release

Since July 31, 2016, the Abingdon Police have received seven (7) reports of bicycle thefts that have occurred within the town limits. There have been eight bicycles (8) stolen within the areas of Trigg Street, Nicholas Street, Norfolk Street, Beverly Drive, and Humes Street. At this time, these bicycle thefts are being investigated as related incidents. If you have any information, call the APD Crime Tip Line at 1-844-200-TIPS (8477).

The Abingdon Police Department has compiled some theft prevention tips to help reduce the chance that YOUR bike will be stolen. 

"Do's and Don'ts" of Bicycle Theft Prevention

Do:

·         Mark you bike- with an identification number. Engrave this on the frame of the bike
            (example: MD A -123-456-789-123).

·         Store your bike in the house.
 

·         Insure- your bike against theft. Check to see if your homeowners or renters insurance         automatically cover it, or if it has to be specifically listed.
 

·         Record the Make/Model/Serial Number of Your Bike- Find the serial number of your     bike near the rear wheel or beneath the bottom bracket where the pedals attach. Write it down and put it in a safe place. Take a color photograph of your bike to give to the police if your bike is stolen. Keep it with your bicycle receipt.

Do Not:

·         Leave your bike in the yard.
 

·         Leave your bike in your garage with the garage door open.
 

·         Walk away from your bike, thinking you will only be gone a few seconds.
 

·         Hide your bike behind bushes and think it is safe.
 

·         Let strangers ride your bike (They may not bring it back!).

Lock It Up!

·         Every time you leave your bike unattended, lock it up! Use a theft-proof chain, cable, or bar lock to attach it to a sturdy, fixed object.

·         Lock your bike in a well-lighted area where it can seen from inside a building.

·         Remember to lock up your bike at home.

Pictured: Two of the stolen bicycles. 

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Beechwood Circle Structure Fire 9/9/16

Abingdon Police Department

For Immediate Release

On Friday, September 9^th, 2016, at approximately 5:14 AM, Officer A.S. Debusk was dispatched to 510 Beechwood Circle in reference to a structure fire. Upon arrival, Officer Debusk found that most of the home was fully engulfed in flames. After quickly speaking with neighbors, he determined that there was a strong possibility that people were still inside the house. Officer Debusk approached the burning home, and observed a light coming from a side window. He could see a female figure inside, unresponsive. He began banging on the window to gain her attention. Debusk was able to wake the female and alert her that the house was on fire. With Officer DeBusk providing instructions, the female was able to wake up the other three occupants of the residence. Officer Debusk, was joined by Officer E.D. Lucy, and Washington County, VA Sheriff’s Office Sergeant Jason Shephard. The three were able to rescue the four occupants and four dogs through the side window of the home. None of the occupants or officers were injured during the incident. Due to the intensity of the fire, the Abingdon Fire Department was unable to determine the cause of the fire. The case is under investigation by the Abingdon Police Department. 

We wish to thank and acknowledge the Abingdon Fire Department, the Washington County, VA Sheriff's Office, and the Washington County Life Saving Crew for their efforts in mitigating this incident.

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