Weatherly Police Chief Michael Bogart is asking residents to report incidents to 911 immediately and not first posting on social media delaying police response.

“We had an uptick in the people posting things on Facebook and not reporting directly to the police department, or waiting a day to call and report issues,” he told council Monday.

People should call 911, not the station, if there is an emergency or a time-sensitive incident, he said, and call the department’s non-emergency number for incidents that can wait.

“We’re having a problem with people posting stuff and people waiting a day or two days on major stuff, like frauds and burglaries and assaults,” Bogart told council.

“We’re starting behind the eight ball,” he said. “We’re losing 24-48 hours on investigations.”

The borough also posted a letter from the department on its Facebook page regarding police reporting.

“We need the public’s help and cooperation in order for the Weatherly Police Department to keep the community safe,” the letter reads.

“It’s vital to contact the department or 911 immediately. This aids in the officers’ quick response to the scene. Please don’t wait until the next day, days or even weeks after the incident occurred,” the letter states.

When people call, they should provide a description of what is happening, where it is happening and the people involved.

“We appreciate your cooperation, and we understand that the residents of Weatherly play an important role in helping us to keep eyes and ears out for suspicious activities that may occur,” the letter concludes.