Anyone can be a victim of a burglary, vandalism or other crimes. Despite our best effort, we sometimes feel alone and vulnerable to crime. There is a viable protection tool available. Something residents in the community can do by banding together with their local law enforcement agencies to prevent crime before it happens.

 

It can be called Block Watch, Crime Watch, or Neighborhood Watch. Whatever the title, it's one of the most effective and least costly methods of crime prevention and reduces the fear of crime.

 

The Block Watch unites law enforcement, local organizations, and individuals in a community wide effort to reduce residential crime. To have a Block Watch, you do not have to be a victim of a residential burglary, assualt, or robbery. Crimes like Vandalism, damages to property, excessive noise, and traffic violations can be reduced through the Block Watch Program. In addition, developing disaster plans, neighborhood functions, and general safety programs are also part of the Block Watch Program.

  

Thousands of the Block Watch programs have been established all over the country. Any resident can take part: young, old, single, renter, homeowner. Block Watch is a very successful anti-crime effort. It breaks down the isolation of neighbors as they work together with each other to build a plan on how to deal with issues in their own neighborhoods. When something happens, neighbors will be informed, and when the deputy responds, a contact will be created with the Sheriff's Office.

  

Block Watch members are not vigilantes. They are the extra eyes and ears for reporting crimes and helping their neighbors. Members learn how to make their homes more secure, watch out for each other's homes and neighborhood. They report activities that raise their suspicions to the Sheriff's Office.

   

Here are some links that will help strengthen your neighborhood watch: