One of the most effective means of protecting your home is to join, or if necessary create, a neighborhood watch program.

You can’t be home 24 x 7 x 365. You work, you shop, you take the kids to events, you take vacations. In short, you lead an active life, just like most of your neighbors. But there is usually someone nearby who will not be working or shopping or doing any of those other things at the same time you are.

Unfortunately, as the generations have gone by, many don’t even know their neighbors’ names any more. If they do, it’s just to say a quick ‘hello’. That has an impact on your home and personal security. Making the effort to keep up a thriving neighborhood watch program will maximize that safety.

Reach out to those next door and across the street. Create and distribute flyers to the whole street and those behind or in front to attend a meeting. Discuss the shared goal of optimizing the safety of your homes and neighborhood. Everyone has an interest in making sure their possessions and loved ones are safe and secure.

Not all will participate, but you only need a certain percentage to make the program a success. One watchful neighbor can see a dozen homes nearby in most housing tracts. It only takes one alert and concerned individual to phone the police when they notice suspicious activity.

The more people that participate in the program, the more you create overlapping ‘zones’ of protection. That maximizes the odds that the bad guys will leave the entire neighborhood alone. When one or more try to risk it, the odds are higher that they’ll get caught, and quickly.

Studies show that in neighborhoods where the other guy ‘watches your back’, crime rates are dramatically lower. Post signs advertising the existence of the program. Let the criminals know they will be watched.

It’s a good idea to get some tips and, if possible, participation from the local Sheriff’s office. They have experience in providing guidance that will increase the quality of your efforts. It also helps because, if they are aware, they can be ready to assist. Showing you’ve made the effort to protect yourselves lowers the effort required by the local police and generates good will. It’s human nature to be more willing to help those who are willing to help themselves.

All ages can participate in the program, not just adults. Kids over about age 7 or so are perfectly capable of knowing who belongs in the neighborhood and who doesn’t. They may make a mistake from time to time, but door-to-door salesmen are much less common these days. Many criminals don’t arrive in official looking vehicles to fool onlookers.

Young children can tell older kids or adults about any suspicious looking character. That person can then make an assessment about whether or not it’s justified to notify the police. It also gets them into the habit of being alert and cautious. We don’t want to give them the feeling that life is dangerous, but reasonable precautions can be exercised at any age.

Starting a neighborhood watch program requires almost no money and a small investment of time. But the rewards, in terms of increased safety and peace of mind, are substantial.

Trackback URI | Comments RSS