Local residents and businesses are trying to become more crime-savvy for their own protection after the recent spike in holdups and burglaries.

Since Jan. 20, eight local robberies have taken place, some of them armed. In addition, there have been various break-ins and numerous thefts reported in the Schuylkill-Carbon region. The crime spree has reached from Kidder Township to Frackville.On Tuesday, Sgt. Duane Frederick, Rush Township, addressed a group of over 30 concerned residents at a breakfast session held at a private residence near Quakake.It was noted that the Tamaqua and Rush Township areas have been particularly hard hit, not only with the recent rash of convenience store robberies, but also with break-ins and thefts of copper. Those break-ins alone have resulted in over $50,000 in damage and loss, say police.In the latter case, culprits apparently scope out a target, says Frederick, such as residences that appear to be unoccupied. In some instances, thieves bypass alarm systems by cutting wires, making them useless.They also gain entrance by breaking doors, screens and even by pushing window air conditioners into the house."It just seems they case the area," said resident Sharon Haldeman.Haldeman was raised in the Steelton area near Harrisburg where such crimes are more common. She feels that the nefarious activity is just beginning to arrive in rural areas like Schuylkill and Carbon counties. She feels that local people need to be proactive.Frederick said break-in sites are often targeted as opposed to random."They're looking at homes for sale or being remodeled," he said.Attendees said arrests last week of a few individuals associated with gang activity was welcome news. The alleged robbers are from the Newark, N.J., area but were operating locally.It is believed the so-called North Face burglar is among them. He is so named after police examined videotape and noticed a unique design on the jacket he wore in more than one burglary."Others still out there will be charged. They'll be charged locally for high bail," explained Frederick. After that, involvement by federal law enforcement might result in longer sentences.One attendee from Lehighton expressed exasperation with the current reporting system, noting that she once dialed 9-1-1 in an emergency but did not receive attention."I was put on hold," she said.Some commented on the signs appearing at businesses, asking customers to remove their hoods and/or sunglasses before entering.Some businesses are allowing only a certain number of shoppers to be inside the store at one time.Resident Lori Price, Quakake, noticed suspicious activity with operators of ATVs and said such activity needs to be watched. Some ATV operators, she said, are carrying large backpacks and appear to be scoping out houses in rural areas. All such suspicious activity needs to be examined, she said."We need to be aware of strange vehicles."Resident Lorraine Blickley said it's possible to create your own safety network, citing advantages of "networking between friends and neighbors. You have to network and check on each other."Frederick reminded attendees that it's a good idea to let your local police department know if you plan to be away from home for an extended period of time."Call us and let us know. We'll do security checks," he offered.Those in Rush Township who require a security check due to extended absence can call (570) 668-4242. Residents in other locales should contact their local police.In addition, Frederick offered this advice: "Leave a light on. Be observant. Lock your car doors and don't leave a purse in your car."