A Neighborhood Watch program can strengthen bonds in your community and make it a safer place for you, your family and your neighbors. In these anxious economic times, everyone is edgy. Statistics show that the meltdown in the economy can be attributed to the escalating crime rate.
People are losing jobs and therefore have no money. This often forces them to take drastic measures and resort to crime. This new wave of criminals has taken the crime rate in residential areas to a new level. Don’t become a victim – start a Neighborhood Watch as soon as possible. Here’s how to go about it.
You first need to establish a group of residents who will be committed to the cause. Put your idea to as many locals as you can – neighbors, friends, and even ask your police station if they know of any willing volunteers. Once you have formed a group, arrange for a committee meeting.
At this first meeting, you will define any problem areas and formulate solutions. Identify the most typical crimes affecting your community and decide, as a group, the best way to prevent these. Share your telephone number and email address with all members of the group, and get all their contact details.
Establish the exact perimeters and boundaries that will be covered and clearly define the duties of each member. Distribute pamphlets and put up posters indicating that your community is protected by a Neighborhood Watch. This will create public awareness and serve as a warning to any potential criminals.
Liaise with the Neighborhood Watch coordinator at your local police precinct and ask him or her for some advice. You can also ask the police to assist by allowing you to look at your area’s crime mapper. This will show you the level of crime activity in your neighborhood.
Keep the group active. Hold annual meetings so that you can review the situation and gauge if your program has resulted in a decrease of crime. Although you need only hold an official meeting once a year, every member of the group should keep in contact with each other on a regular basis throughout the year.
Meetings can be held at someone’s home if the group is small. If your group is large you may need to use a community center or a church or school hall. Find time to socialize with members of the group. This will strengthen bonds and you might even form some good friendships.
When having flyers and posters printed, ensure that you take into account any other language spoken in your neighborhood. The literature should be translated so that the information can reach every member of the community. This will go a long way to building a strong community ethos.
It may take a lot of organization when first setting up a Neighborhood Watch but this method has proved to be an effective way to prevent and reduce criminal activity in residential areas. However, never forget that your group is not a law enforcement substitute. Whenever a criminal problem arises, contact the police immediately.
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