Somerton Civic Association board members present last month's minutes to the attendees.

The Somerton Civic Association was joined last night by  7th Police District Captain Joseph Zaffino discussed the monthly crime report, and gave residents tips on how to prevent themselves from being victimized.

• There have been three murders in the district this year, Zaffino reported.
• The Captain also warned people to protect themselves from burglaries by locking their sliding glass doors. There have been a number of break-ins where the thieves were able to gain entrance through doors like these.

Zaffino also discussed the new cell phone driving ban, which will take effect Nov. 1. This will be a primary offense, so police can pull over a driver for this infraction, and the driver will be fined. Before this new rule goes into effect, the captain urged people to call in if they see an officers using their phones while driving. Zaffino said he would like all of his officers to be in compliance with the rules before they have to start enforcing it.

Also at the meeting…State Rep. Brendan Boyle’s office announced a partnership with Philabundance to provide 3o lbs. of food for needy people in the Northeast…Michael Untermeyer, Republican candidate for District Attorney explained his campaign focus to residents…the next 7th District PDAC meeting will be at the CORA Services building on 8540 Verree Rod. Oct. 20 at 6 p.m.