A member of Lansford Borough Council said on Wednesday that 80 burglaries have occurred so far in the borough this year.

In October, it was reported there were 16 residential burglaries during September, some during daylight hours.Mayor James Romankow did not have figures on how many burglaries happened last month.Romankow said the recent number of burglaries has decreased and "police have it leveled off."Council member Tommy Vadyak, who was a burglary victim himself several months ago, reported on the updated number.In October, borough resident Richard Vavra told the council, "These homes are being targeted. My home was broken into on Labor Day. I went for a bike ride."He said within 15 minutes somebody broke into his house. "Someone's watching," he said to the council, saying the break-in happened at 10:30 a.m.The intruder entered through the basement, he said.Vadyak in October urged that residents be vigilant, stating at that time, "When you see something, pick up the phone and call 911.""Don't take the law into your own hands, either," he said.One problem stated in recent months is that the police department is understaffed.Retirements and officers taking positions in other boroughs has the department down to just three full-time and four part-time officers.The police report given at Wednesday's meeting said the department had to pay overtime on Thanksgiving because no part-time officers were available.Council member Samantha Yasson said she will look into obtaining gambling funds for the borough which might provide revenue to help pay for police investigation work and surveillance equipment.