PITTSTON, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Some might call it a "sign of the times," and a Luzerne County police department says it is paying dividends in their efforts to get drugs off the streets.
Pittston City Police say while it is not high-tech, it is effective.
The sign may not be fancy, but police say since they have been posting this sign outside of suspected drug houses and on social media. They have been getting more tips from the public about other suspected drug activity.
"Drug dealers beware." Enter Pittston at your own risk: That's the warning from Pittston Police.
In recent weeks, nine people have been arrested on drug and other charges, including 21-year-old Damari Peterson and 44-year-old Mark Braithwaite.
They are accused of selling drugs out of a house on Vine Street in Pittston.
They were busted, and the sign went up, and a photo was posted to the police Facebook page.
"The most recent drug activity we received tips on, we weren't even aware of until the public started sending us anonymous tips or talking to our narcotics officers and letting them know, 'Hey, there is unusual activity in these areas,'" said Pittston City Police Chief Kyle Shumosic.
Chief Shumosic says it's all about awareness and action.
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"It helps get the public more involved. They know that we're out there doing it, and also, it's something of a public shaming for these drug dealers. They know what they're doing. They know that they are harming the community they are living in," Chief Shumosic continued.
Mayor Mike Lombardo says this is a work in progress.
"The drug battle is a consistent battle. Just because you know you win one victory doesn't mean you can sort of lay down, it requires constant vigilance," Mayor Lombardo explained.
Mike Melesky was installing an air conditioner at a home near the suspected drug house on Vine Street when he says he saw police move in and arrest Peterson and Braithwaite and post the sign.
"Well, I think it's a good idea. There are a lot of kids in the neighborhood, in this way everybody else sees it and maybe they'll think twice about trying to sell drugs in nice neighborhoods," Melesky stated.
The chief and mayor say this sign also sends a message to landlords to do extensive background checks on the people they rent to.
