Anyone Belong to a Neighborhood Watch Program?

[rolltimer]

I live in a rural area that has seen an uptick in crime. Last Saturday night someone took out 5 mailboxes on our street with a baseball bat or some other such weapon. Then yesterday we heard that another area about 4 miles away had the same rash of mailbox destruction plus a church had their sound equipment stolen. All done on Saturday night. I was thinking of organizing a Neighborhood Watch program and found this in a Google search. I'd really like to hear from forum members and visitors if any of you have organized or participated in such a program, how to begin, how successful you believe it to be, and any tips you can provide. Thanks for your input!

[72Tiger]

We don't have a neighborhood watch program, but in our monthly neighborhood association meetings, we have the local police department come to present a summary of the crime statistics in the area, tips on how to prevent crime, who to call with what information, how to get extra patrols in the area (just ask!), ways to reduce speeding, etc. If you have a neighborhood assoication, I would start with something similar if the local police department will participate. Often times a little extra police presence can do a lot to deter the kind of petty crime/vandalism you are describing.

Beyond that, getting to know your neighbors will work wonders. good luck.

[Gaylesblog]

That's terrible. Who would steal sound equipment from a church?

[Julie Rains]

Originally Posted by Gaylesblog

That's terrible. Who would steal sound equipment from a church?

Someone who knows it's there -- and knows that the church might not lock things up.

I know someone who started a watch program in her neighborhood -- everyone getting together and showing unity helped from what I can tell; scarily, I think gangs were starting to move into her area. But the activism helped tremendously.

Mailbox stuff sounds like kids who might be bored -- kids brag to other kids so someone probably knows what's going on. It does help to talk to neighbors; retired ones who are busybodies are the best alarm system anyone can have.

I'll ask my friend (or get her to visit the forums) what came of her watch program; hope this helps in the meantime.