Six years ago, Dickson City had 205 fewer signs posted in the borough.
Since then, the Crime Watch has raised funds to outfit the borough with as many blue signs advertising an active group of residents keeping an eye out for wrongdoing. The group also hosted monthly meetings featuring guest speakers to educate residents.
In October, President Roger Barren and his wife, Beverly, who have spearheaded the organization since its inception, stepped down from their posts.
Since then, no members or citizens have volunteered to fill the leadership positions, but according to officials, the group is too valuable to lose.
"I can't see us ending it," said Police Chief William Bilinski, adding that the Police Department planned to support the group's return. "There are too many people that come to it. There's too much information."
The Crime Watch has also held fundraisers that supported local organizations.
In September, they handed over a check for $1,500 that purchased a stun gun for the Police Department. Regardless of the future of the neighborhood awareness group, council President Barbara Mecca said lack of donations won't hurt borough organizations.
"It was a wonderful contribution, but it is something the borough will just have to suck up," Ms. Mecca said.
Though no one has stepped forward yet, she hopes that will change.
"I think Crime Watch has given people a lot of very useful information, things to be aware of, things to keep their neighborhoods safer," she said. "I really hope someone does take the reins and continue the program."
Crime Watch Treasurer Jack Horvath agreed, adding that the group garnered a regular crowd each month. Though he agreed that the community would benefit from the continued service, he conceded taking a leadership role was a significant time commitment. He also attributed the lack of interest thus far to the practice of skipping meetings during the winter holidays.
"Normally, we don't have meetings in November and December, so it's a low point," he said.
Also a council member, Mr. Horvath said he hopes this is not the end for the organization.
"I hate to see the Crime Watch dissolve," he said. "I've been a member since it started. Hopefully someone steps up."
If Chief Bilinski has anything to do with it, the group will be reorganized and meetings will resume in the new year.
We welcome "anybody in the community interested in helping us or we can help them," he said. "One way or another, we're still going to keep it going."
Contact the writer: rbrown@timesshamrock.com, @rbrownTT on Twitter