Getting other neighbors involved in a crime watch project is not always easy. Some people feel that you are encroaching on their personal privacy. Even if you convince a few neighbors to start a crime prevention watch you will even be helping those who do not wish to participate. Setting up a security system and displaying a sign outside of the home in a visable place would also be a good start as well as getting a neighborhood watch sign. The first step to take is to find out how many of your neighbors would be interested in starting a niegborhood watch program. Once you have done this the next step is to talk to your local police or sheriff's department about what you as a neigborhood can do to start a neighborhood watch program. They are usually interested and will want to help. After all it is good public relations. Things you can do yourself as a group will be to have your neighbors to watch your house while you are away. report any suspecious activity within your neighborhood, Do not allow mail or news papers to pile up around your home, keep your home's apperance clean such as moeing the lawn, and removing debris and clutter around your home. I would not reccommend giving a neigbor a key to your home. Setting up low lighting around your home as not to disturb others but enough light to deter unwanted visitors is another way to deter crime. Using lighting supported by motion detectors is not reccommended as these lights can disturb your other neighbors and they may come on at the slightest movement. The key is the more neighbors you get involved and share their thoughts and ideas the better this program will work. Have a timer to turn your lights on and off about the same time each night as not to clue unwanted tresspassers that you are not there. Meet regularly with your group to discuss ideas and suggestions to help. Remove excessive foliage and trees from your home. Although doing this may be costly, if it can be done you should do it. Remember that the cost of vandalism could cost you more in the long run and cause your home insurance to increase. Also inspect your home. Although some things can be sometimes out of place if they appear to be somewhat unusually out of place note this and pay careful attention to it. If your are having people or contractors over to do work or maintenance on or around your home scheduale a time and let the neighbors know about it. Give the name of the company or person and tell your neighbors not to hesitate about asking them who they are. Also be sure to let people you trust to do work around the home and do research about contractors. Ask for references. If you are in doubt about how to go about this there are publications that can help you. It can be as simple as calling your local library to find out about these publications. Working together and on your own can make a difference in having a safe neighborhood. Finally if you do have a guest or guests that are going to be using your home whille you are away or sharing your home give them a set of guidelines to follow and let your neighbors know that there will be others sharing your home. Most important of all you, yourself must have the intention to really want to keep your property safe and not yourself, have any ulterior motives or this program will not succeed. Working individually as a well intentioned group or individual will and can make a difference by keeping the cost of homeowners' insurance down. increase the value of your property, and allow the resale value of your home to reach its full poetential. and even help in the refinancing of your home. Knowing the reasons why you need a neighborhood watch program, creating a program that integrates your neighbors' concerns and rights, having the right attitude, getting neighbors involved who want to participate, listening to their ideas, and the willingness to work at it could save you costs as well as your life. |
