Smithfield to look into forming crime watch group
SMITHFIELD — Smithfield’s mayor suggested forming a crime watch group in light of two incidents reported in the borough last weekend.
Toni Swihart of Church Street told borough council on Tuesday’s meeting that a dirt bike was stolen from the back deck of her home on Friday. A neighbor who happened to be outside at the time was able to recover the bike after scaring away the thieves.
Swihart called borough police Officer John Lingo III to report the crime.
Two evenings after the dirt bike incident, Swihart’s son, Travis Swihart, was walking through a vacant lot along Main Street at 9 p.m. when he was approached from behind and clubbed over the head with a blunt object.
Travis Swihart’s wallet was removed and discarded on the ground. Nothing was stolen from the wallet. A necklace worn by Travis Swihart was yanked around his neck but was not removed because the chain was too thick to break.
The police are investigating a possible link between the two cases.
“We need to be the eyes and ears of the community,” said Mayor Chuck Cieszynski.
“It takes everyone working together.”
Cieszynski also suggested the residents form a crime watch group.
Following an executive session, council agreed to solicit for bids for a security system with cameras and a monitor for the exterior and interior of the borough building.
In other business, Councilman Joe Zorosky worked with borough maintenance workers to divert water flowing into High House Street.
The water was able to be redirected to a nearby drain that will need to be closely monitored for debris buildup so the water does not flow out of the drain.
In another matter, council members have been meeting with state Rep. Tim Mahoney, D-South Union Township, to try and secure funding for a new police car and backhoe. Council reported that Mahoney said he will see what funding is available.
Also at Tuesday’s meeting, Zorosky brought to the attention of council an issue with a local business using a sprinkler system to cool their refrigerator units. The concern is the sprinkler is facing the street and the water stream is spraying cars. Council agreed to have Lingo speak with the business owner.
In other business:
n Resident and former tax collector Dorothy Smith presented council with a framed and matted photograph of Smithfield during autumn. Council members said they will find a place to display the picture.
n Cieszynski announced that Mount Moriah Christian School will be holding a walk-a-thon to raise money for operating costs for the school on Oct. 8. Depending on his schedule, Lingo will be available to assist with the event.
n The library reading circle will meet at 1:30 p.m. Aug. 31.
n Recycling will take place Monday.
n The next meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. Sept. 13.