I would like to start one as a few problems have occurred in our subdivision lately.  Can anyone offer any insight into their Neighborhood Program/or tips ect?  Thanks Kathy 

I love the Neighborhood Watch program… I think it’s worth starting one, especially for the close relationship the neighborhood then has with law enforcement.   It’s amazing how the dynamic of the neighborhood changes – It is safer and it feels safer!

This site has great info about starting a neighborhood watch:

http://www.neighborhoodlink.com/article/Community/Neighborhood_Watch_How_To_Start

Good Luck!

Here are some pretty good examples:

Covina Area Neighborhood Watch

Georgetowe Neighborhoodwatch - Daytona Beach, FL

Middletown Village Community and Child Watch-Middletown, DE

Quail Ridge Neighborhood Watch-Baton Rouge, LA

Preventing Crime in Our Neighborhoods

Each of us is responsible for our own safety. What are practical measures we can each take to prevent becoming a victim of crime?

Knowing your neighbors is extremely important. Know who lives where, the types of vehicles and whom they belong to, where children live, and the work patterns of your neighbors. This information will help you know what is normal and abnormal in your neighborhood. Simply by knowing your neighbors you will be able to recognize "suspicious" activity - a person or vehicle who does not belong in your neighborhood - and can then determine if the police or sheriff’s office needs to be called.

Be actively involved in your Neighborhood Watch program. Through this program, your neighborhood works with law enforcement by calling in suspicious and criminal activity. You will learn how to secure your home and vehicle and how to work with law enforcement to have a safe neighborhood. This program is proven to prevent and reduce crime in neighborhoods.

Preventing Home Burglary: You cannot make your residence totally burglarproof, but you can make entry difficult so the burglar will go elsewhere in search of an easier target.

1. Use appropriate deadbolt locks on all outside doors with 3"screws in the strike plate.

2. Light up the outside of your home at night, all night. Photo cell or motion sensor lights are great, or you can install a timer on your switch plate for your porch light.

3. Trim back trees and shrubbery from near doors and windows to prevent providing hiding places for would-be burglars.

4. Close blinds and drapes at night. You don't want someone on the outside knowing what property you have or knowing who is home.

5. Install a wide-angle door viewer (peephole) in your front door so you can see who is at your door before you open it. If you are not expecting a repairman or other, ask them to show identification at the door viewer or window.

6. Use appropriate locking and security devices on all windows.

7. Secure your vehicle in a garage, if you park on the street or in a driveway, lock the doors and remove your property from it.

Recognizing and Reporting Suspicious Activity to Law Enforcement:

Anyone or anything that seems out of place (abnormal) in your neighborhood is suspicious and may end up as criminal activity. While some suspicious activity has innocent explanations, law enforcement would rather be called out on suspicious activity than be called after the crime has been committed. Your 911 or non-emergency local police office or sheriff’s office call could save a life, prevent injury, or stop a criminal act.

Listed are examples of suspicious activity:

1. Slow moving vehicles - repetitive or aimless

2. Vehicles being loaded with valuables

3. Abandoned vehicles

4. Suspicious persons going door-to-door, going into the back or side yard, waiting in front of a business or house, forcing entrance to a residence, business, or vehicle

5. Unusual noise, such as breaking glass, gunshots, or other loud noise

Remember that prevention is the best defense in securing your home and vehicle against intrusion.

Your local law enforcement office will be able to assist you in starting a Neighborhood Watch in your community.