Thefts, fires, destruction of property doesn't sound like small town occurrences.

Unfortunately it happens more than many Bowmanstown residents realize, and some are fed up with it.Councilwoman Kara Scott of Ore Street is ready to spearhead the currently forming neighborhood crime watch. The increase in crime was the main topic of discussion at this month's borough council meeting."It's no joke. Some residents are smirking at the idea while others are being robbed. It's demoralizing. One of the greatest advantages of living in a small borough is safety and a strong sense of community. That's why we need residents to come together, step up to the plate, and protect each other from the crimes that have forced us to lock our doors," Scott said.The Neighborhood Crime Watch will be a privately run organization, and is in no way affiliated with the Bowmanstown Borough.Before the end of last Tuesday's meeting, the Crime Watch team already had its first supporter Bowmanpark Campmeeting groundskeeper, Darren Thomas."I commend her. (Scott) It's nice to know people care about their neighbors. It's not a vigilante group, we're just looking out for one another in town," Thomas said.The Crime Watch will have its first meeting at 7 p.m., Friday, April 13 at the Bowmanstown Borough Hall. Its primary focus is to review different strategies and determine what steps and direction the community is willing to take.Residents and family are encouraged to attend. For more information, contact Kara Scott at (610) 852-4559.The next borough council meeting is Tuesday, May 1 at 7 p.m.