5 Police Officers Snared Horsham Athletic Club Thief

HORSHAM TOWNSHIP, PA —Five Horsham Township Police Officers received commendations Monday night for catching a thief who broke into lockers and stole valuables at the Horsham Athletic Club.

Sgt. Ben Simpson, Sgt. Gloria Hatcher, Sgt. Kevin Perozze, and Detectives Kimberly Ngo and Michael Peter were honored at Monday night's Horsham Township Council meeting.

On Aug. 28, 2023, Hatcher began an investigation into thefts from lockers at the Horsham Athletic Club.

The thief was prying open lockers and stealing money and valuables. Detectives were able to develop a suspect by analyzing and comparing the dates and times of the thefts with gym attendance logs.

Surveillance was conducted on that suspect on multiple dates but without any success.

On Sept. 5, surveillance was again conducted on the same suspect.

Bait money and valuables were placed in three lockers, along with a device that would alert officers if the lockers were opened.

Officers were stationed outside the gym while others posed as patrons inside.

After two hours, Detective Peter received a notification that his locker had been opened.

The suspect exited the locker room and attempted to leave the gym, but he was stopped by police.

Peter confirmed the bait had been taken from his locker and that same property was subsequently found in the suspect’s possession.

As a result of this arrest, the suspect confessed to committing numerous prior thefts as well.

The stolen money and valuables and damage to the lockers were valued at $12,000.

"The officers involved enthusiastically exhibited dedication to their profession and to the Horsham community," Police Chief Scott Fida said. "This was the result of teamwork rather than that of individuals."