Tekoa forms crime watch committee

Following February arrests for marijuana and theft and a burglary in April, the City of Tekoa has formed a new committee of three city council members to consider options to fight crime.

Mayor John Jaeger appointed the group June 6, naming council representatives Ted Blazsak, Alyssa Heagy and John Giudice.

“It's an effort on the city's part to maybe be in assistance to the county,” said Jaeger. “To open up our eyes and ears a little more than usual.”

Blaszak noted that some items to consider are a neighborhood watch, nuisance house laws, monitoring exterior lights and maintenance of hedges.

The committee has met once and is now listening to citizens. They will present possible policy options at the next city council meeting July 16.

Blaszak indicated the recent arrests have had an effect.

“They've inspired us to step up our game ourselves,” said Blazsak. “Whatever criminal activity there is we want to take seriously.”