Of late we've been hearing of more arrests of individuals who steal from organizations than in the past.

Listen to the TV news or even read the newspapers and you'll see individuals charged with stealing money from little leagues, ambulance associations, and charitable groups.Presently there is an individual awaiting sentencing in Carbon County Court for stealing a large amount of money from the Lehigh Fire Company No. 1.Is such rampant thievery something new or has it always been occurring but just not reported?Hearing so many reports of major thefts probably makes some people think twice before making donations to organizations. This can't happen because it's the public support which keep little leagues, fire companies, and other useful organizations functioning.The best prevention of such shenanigans from occurring is for organizations to police themselves. One of the best ways is to implement a rigid system of checks and balances.This is sometimes difficult because it is getting harder to find people to accept voluntary working positions.A mere treasurer's report read at a meeting isn't a true checks and balances mechanism. Only if the treasurer brings the books to the meetings and lets other officers - and even other members - see them is there some assurance of accuracies.It's a shame that a few dirty players have to ruin it for organizations in general.It's not only with volunteer group that individuals get greedy. We see FBI reports regularly of bank employees stealing funds or identities. We often hear of township or borough officials helping themselves to the treasury.To the public, don't get too discouraged when you hear of such thefts. Please continue supporting organizations which need donations to survive. Help fire companies, sports teams, school groups, etc. because their services are vital and invaluable.When you hear of an arrest, don't dwell on the thought of some dishonest person getting caught with their hand in the proverbial cookie jar and stealing the funds that generous folks like you might have contributed. Instead, realize that the organization involved recognized the thievery and took steps not only to have it halted, but to have the individuals held responsible for their low-life actions.You're always going to have bad apples. Many organizations are taking steps to better weed them out. Don't be afraid to be generous to local organizations that need help. The thievery is rare when you look at the ratio of how many groups there are versus how many arrests occur.If you're unsure regarding the group to which you're thinking of making a contribution, approach the officers and talk to them.Thievery will always occur, whether it be in the form of shoplifting, identity theft, stealing from a neighbor, or taking funds from an organization.But we can't let these thieves ruin the good things we have; specifically organizations run by very devoted volunteer workers.Hopefully, too, judges will start better noticing the severity of the problem and dole out harsher sentences to offenders. Too often judges are swayed by the passionate appeals of defense attorneys or the fact that funds might have been repayed and the culprits get away with a penalty that is too light.By RON GOWERrgower@tnonline.com