Several North Catasauqua residents attended last week's borough council meeting to find out what they can do to help stop the rash of thefts in their neighborhood.

Brian and Laurie Mott, who reside on Palomino Drive, said they learned there had been 16 vehicle break-ins in one night recently.

They, along with some of their neighbors, wanted to know how residents could help and how they could assist in the apprehension of the individuals responsible for the thefts and how they could be more quickly informed about theft occurrences in their neighborhood.

"We're looking to be another set of eyes for the police department," another resident who asked not to be identified in the press. "I'm just looking for a way for a way that we can get communication from the borough to the neighborhoods." He said when he spoke to his neighbors, many "had no idea there were 16 break-ins in one night."

Catasauqua Mayor William Molchany Jr. told the residents the situation is under investigation.

"Police are aware of the problem and are working diligently to take care of it," he said. "That's all I can say right now."

Mott pushed for more information.

"I've been victimized and I am a member of this community. I find it a little arrogant that you say 'and that's all we can say right now,'" he said. "Do you have anything else that you can say to us? This seems to be a problem in this community – a number of break-ins and 16 cars in one night I think we've got a serious problem."

Molchany responded that he did not mean to sound arrogant, and borough Police Chief Kim Moyer commented that further discussion might hinder the investigation.

Councilwoman Michele Hazzard commented that the new borough website could be a tool for issuing alerts or updates if further break-ins occur.

Borough Treasurer Annette Englert said at this time the website has been created, but borough office employees are not yet able to enter information onto its pages.

"Once I learn how to put [information] on, I will put it on," she said.

"We need your eyes," Molchany said. "You have to call right away so we can get up there."

One resident suggested using social media to get the word out when a theft occurs.

Joe Keglovits questioned Moyer about the police response.

"Do we have somebody special on [the investigation]? Is one officer out there looking? Normally we run one officer, but a lot of nights I see two officers. Is that [extra] guy out there just surveilling or is he just out patrolling?"

Moyer responded that the extra officer is doing "both."

"Sixteen. I wasn't even aware we had 16 in one night," Keglovits said.

Prompted by a query from Councilwoman Cherie Gebhardt, Moyer said residents who see suspicious behavior or who discover a theft should call borough police at 610- 437-5252 immediately.

"It's concerning that the council didn't know about it," one resident said. He asked the borough to come up with a plan for community members to share information and assist police. "We're looking for some guidance."

Moyer emphasized residents should lock their vehicle doors.

"Don't leave valuable in plain sight," he said. "That's what they're looking for."

Two officers are working together on the investigation, he said.

Councilman Bill Nothstein suggested creating and distributing a flier about the situation that would warn residents, ask for their vigilance and provide the police phone number.

Acting Fire Chief Shawn McGinley suggested posting information on the Charotin Hose Company website and on its Facebook site.

One resident summed up his concern about the thieves.

"If they're not getting caught now, it's going to continue and eventually we'll have doors being kicked in," he said.