If there’s no consequences for our actions, small things can fester into bad things.

Keenly aware of this, the Lehighton Community Crime Watch plans to meet at 6:15 p.m. Wednesday at the borough municipal building.

Nickolas Smith, crime watch member, said the crime watch is a community-run organization that is open to any member of the public and will discuss “what the program is about and what they can do to help.”

Smith discussed the reason why the group decided to relaunch after a hiatus, which he attributed to “life started being a problem (due to COVID-19), and we only had a couple of meetings.”

“We hope this program appeals to more younger people,” Smith said. “The elderly crowd, they might want things to do (too).”

Smith said anyone who sees something they feel is reportable can feel free to leave an anonymous tip with the police department, so they can help narrow it down.

He said the fireworks issue that cropped up about two years ago in the borough was instrumental in the group’s formation, and noted a fireworks ordinance has since been implemented to help curb the matter.

“I think we’re going to try to aim toward trying to stop drugs, because drugs lead to domestic problems, thefts, a lot of bad things if we can’t stop it at the point of dealing drugs,” he said. “We’re going to try to base it on making this community a safer place, and one (where people) want to come and live in.”

Smith specifically credited borough Mayor Clark Ritter, police Detective Matt Arner, and Councilman Donnie Rehrig for their role in the relaunch.

Besides the drug issue, Smith said domestics and animal cruelty are among the most common issues he’s aware of.

“It’s just simply a public assist to the police department, so that it’s a community-led program,” he said. “Eventually when it becomes bigger, we’d like to have more meetings to see what we can do.”

For more information on the Lehighton Community Crime Watch, contact Smith at 484-695-7341 or nick0616red@gmail.com.