Residents of Bowmanstown aren't wasting any time in their efforts to quell the recent wave of thefts, destruction of property and other crimes in their small town.

About 20 citizens interested in joining the newly-formed crime watch were in attendance for last Friday's meeting. The theme of the evening was community togetherness.Councilwoman Kara Scott led with ideas of how the crime watch can be as effective as possible. She thinks the organization is off to a great start. Carbon County Sheriff Dwight Nothstein of Jim Thorpe agrees. He offered some words of wisdom to the group."While I fully support your crime watch, I urge you to use caution," Nothstein said. "Crime watch people can turn into criminals themselves; I've seen it happen. That's why it's important to stay diligent and watch each others backs. Use incident reports so you have documentation. Report suspicious activity. Just because we live in a commonwealth doesn't mean everyone has common sense."Other residents in attendance seemed somewhat relieved that such an organization was finally forming. Rodney Reese of White Street expressed his thoughts and concerns."A vandal recently hurled a rock through my truck window. My neighbors have had their vehicles broken into and property stolen. Living in a small town, I was surprised, too. But it's the harsh reality. We are all here to help each other stop these criminals." Reese said.The next crime watch meeting will be 7 p.m. Friday, April 27. The group plans to establish boundaries and set up block captains at that time. Members in attendance Friday and their families were invited back.The crime watch is a privately run organization, and is in no way affiliated with the Bowmanstown Borough Council.For more information on the crime watch, or to make a donation, contact Kara Scott at (610) 852-4559.