Crime Watch is a group of neighbors looking out for neighbors. It is getting to know
each other and becoming familiar with your neighbors' habits and vehicles so that you will
know when something is suspicious or out of the ordinary.
In addition to recognizing potential suspicious activities, Crime Watch participants
report such activity by calling 911. After calling 911, also notify your Crime Watch
Chairperson or neighborhood voice mail.
All of this doesn't make you a nosy neighbor - it makes you a good neighbors in the
old-fashioned sense of the word.
Many people don't want to bother the police because they are afraid that it may not be a
real emergency or that they may be embarrassed if their suspicions turn out to be
unfounded. The police would much rather be called out to investigate than to be called
after a crime has been committed.
When in doubt, always call 911. The 911 dispatch center is staffed with trained operators
who will evaluate your call, rank its priority, and dispatch it to the appropriate
officer.
Crime watch does NOT mean being a vigilante. Participants do not confront suspects or take
any personal risks at all.
Crime Watch doesn't take a lot of time or money. Contact your Block Captain or area
Chairperson to find out specifically what Crime Watch can do for you and what you can do
for Crime Watch. Some basics are:
Keep Informed
Attend area Crime Watch meetings, read the Crime Watch materials provided to you, and if
your neighborhood has "Crime Alert" voice mail, call it regularly to keep
informed. Learn about crime prevention and share the information with your neighbors.
Volunteer
Offer your help whenever you can. Many neighborhood groups need help with copying or
distribution of materials, telephone calls, meetings, refreshments, etc.
Pitch in to help whenever and wherever you can in the area that interests you most.
Contribute
Crime Watch doesn't cost alot, but some costs usually are involved, such as printed
materials, voice mail, or meeting costs. Some groups ask for a small amount of dues from
members; many others rely only on contributions from their neighbors. Even a small
contribution may make a huge difference in your Crime Watch group. Give if you can.
These proven crime prevention measures will go a long way toward keeping you from
becoming a crime victim:
Keep your home's doors, garage, and windows shut and locked at all times.
Improve your outdoor lighting.
Don't leave lawn equipment or toys outside or in an open garage.
Keep car doors locked and windows shut while driving and when parked.
Don't keep valuables in plain view inside your car.
Check behind when turning into your neighborhood or apartment complex and again before
turning into you alley or driveway. If someone is in close proximity, drive past your home
to a well lit and populated area to call 911.
Remember that as many crimes occur during daylight hours as at night. Don't let your
guard down because it is day.
Take vacation precautions:
Ask someone to pick up mail and newspapers daily.
Arrange to have your lawn mowed or leaves raked.
Even better, have someone stay in your home while you are away, if this is possible.
You will be more aware of the types of crimes in your area and how to prevent them from
happening to you.
You will learn about crime prevention techniques to make your family, property, and
neighborhood safer.
You and your family will feel safer, which may be almost as important as actually being
safe!
You will meet more neighbors and develop new friendships.
Your will have neighbors who will look out for your property when you are away and vice
versa.
You will have a sense of accomplishment from doing something about crime.
Who knows? - you may just turn your neighborhood or apartment complex back into that old
"Beaver Cleaver" kind of neighborhood where everyone knows each other.
