A series of recent burglaries in Lehighton has some members of Lehighton Borough Council concerned.

Three burglaries happened in the west end of the community. Corporal Neal Ebbert of the Lehighton Police Department said what concerns him most about them is that the homes were entered by the burglars while the occupants were sleeping.Council member Scott Rehrig remarked, "I'm certain the police department is doing a 100 percent investigation."Ebbert said not only are borough police investigating, but they are being assisted by investigators from the Pa. State Police, who are analyzing fingerprints, DNA, and any other clues left at the scenes.The corporal urged that meanwhile, residents should be vigilant."As I stressed, people need to call if they see something suspicious as soon as they see it," he said.He explained that too often residents wait until the following day to advise police of suspicious activity.He said they should let police know immediately if they hear unusual noises or see activity that is out of the normal.Ebbert said one burglary occurred on South Eighth Street, another was in the 800 block of Mahoning Street, and the third happened on 11th Street.Rehrig suggested that people leave outside lights on to discourage the burglars. Ebbert agreed, commenting, "A light is a cheap form of security."Council member Darryl Arner said that he feels when there are several burglaries in the same part of town, "it should be publicized."Ebbert said 98 percent of his shifts with the police department are at night. He said he had an officer go door-to-door where there were people sitting on the porches and informed them of the burglaries and asked them to keep an eye out for unusual activity.The burglaries aren't the only concerns of council. Rehrig said there has been criminal mischief at borough parks and the refurbished municipal swimming pool."There were two break-ins at the Lehighton Pool," interjected council member Bessie Bauchspies. She said spray painting occurred during those entries.Mayor Donald Rehrig said at one time there was barbed wire atop the fence surrounding the pool.The barbed wire was apparently removed during repairs following a car accident.The council will look into reinstalling the barbed wire.