Now that your Neighborhood Watch network is established, be sure that everyone understands and observed the following guidelines:
- Be alert to unusual or suspicious behavior in your neighborhood. Call the police if warranted. Write down descriptions of the person(s) involved and license numbers of any vehicles involved.
- Tell a trusted neighbor if your house will be unoccupied for an extended period. Tell him or her how to reach you in an emergency. You can also call the police department and request a vacation check of your residence while you are away.
- Look after your neighbors’ homes when they are away, and ask them to look after yours. This includes picking up the mail or newspapers and putting back the garbage cans or recycling bins. Don’t leave signals that say, “no one is home.”
- Hold a Neighborhood Watch block meetings at least once a year. Contact the Police and request that your beat officer attend. They can inform you about local crime trends and what you can do about them.
- Above all, get involved. It is the most effective way to reduce or prevent crime and make your neighborhood safe.
Program Activities
Home Security
- Ask your law enforcement agency for help with “home security surveys” for individual residences.
- Invite an officer to speak to your Neighborhood Watch group about home security.
- Learn how to secure your homes with effective door and window locks, adequate exterior lighting, and security habits.