MASSENA -- Citizens are reporting to police finding hypodermic needles discarded in public places.

So far in April, Chief Timmy Currier said, police responded to 11 incidents where someone found hypodermic needles improperly discarded.

There is no pattern with respect to location. Needles have been found along Dodge Street, Bowers Street, Somerset Street, Woodlawn Avenue, Highland Avenue, Main Street, Jefferson Avenue, North Main Street, Maple Street, Center Street, and in Springs Park, Currier notes.

“I want to remind people that hypodermic needles are very dangerous and could cause a serious health risk to anyone handling them improperly. If you come upon a hypodermic needle, if you do not have training in the proper handling of them do not handle it,” Currier said. “Please call the police station (769-3577) and report it. If possible, please wait at the location so you can direct officers to it, and keep others away from it.”

The Massena Drug Free Coalition is meeting this week to discuss ideas and develop a program to help deal with this dangerous trend.

For information on proper disposal, go to the Department of Health and Human Services Web Site at http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/HomeHealthandConsumer/ConsumerProducts/Sharps/ucm263240.htm.