Neighborhood Watch

The most effective means of reducing crime in your neighborhood is an organization of neighbors helping one another. There is no doubt about it. Concerned neighbors joining together can make a big difference in crime. It costs little more than your interest and cooperation. The rewards can be great. Many of the local Neighborhood Watches have significantly reduced crime in our community.

What Is Neighborhood Watch?

Neighborhood Watch is much more than adding and using good locks. It is more of a state of mind or a level of awareness, because you are the extra eyes and ears to detect crime in your neighborhood. Criminals are always interested in where the police are. With a good Neighborhood Watch in place, criminals will be leery because they know the homeowners are watchful and prepared to act by reporting suspicious activity to the police and their neighbors.

How to Get Involved

In this day and age, it is easy to "let someone else do it" or to take the attitude that "I just don't have the time." Sound familiar? A Neighborhood Watch has little chance of success if only a few individuals are involved. Make a commitment NOW to help your family, your home and your community. Get started by filling out a Neighborhood Watch Application (PDF)

How It Works

Neighborhood Watches begin simply by establishing a communication network between homes. Watch meetings are then scheduled to educate homeowners about security measures, including orientation in a property marking program called Operation Identification.

Duties

• Attend Watch meetings.
• Implement security recommendations. Participate in Operation I.D.
• Be watchful for suspicious persons and activities in your neighborhood.
• Alert the police when you have knowledge of a crime.
• Don't be afraid to get involved. The police and your neighbors will thank you.
• Volunteer to be a Block Captain or Neighborhood Watch Coordinator.
• Help develop and distribute a neighborhood newsletter.
• Set up interesting programs for the neighborhood (such as home security, identity theft, fire prevention, etc.)
• Meet your neighbors. Show them how to be part of the Neighborhood Watch team.

If you are interested in getting a Neighborhood Watch started in your area or would like to know more about the program, call 830-386-2582 or email Crime Prevention.