Why start a Neighborhood Watch group? Crime rates in communities with Neighborhood Watch groups are 16-25% lower than in communities without them.
By Jeffrey Osborn, Crime Watch Specialist Northwest District
In communities with a neighborhood watch group, the crime rates go down on average 16-25%! This decrease in crime is done by residents keeping in touch with each other and reporting to 911 any suspicious activities or persons in their neighborhood; neighbors taking responsibility to pay attention to their surroundings, giving meaning to the saying, "See something, say something!"
Modern Neighborhood watches are residents with phones going through their daily lives to report what seems out of place or wrong to the police. As technology has progressed (cameras and smartphones) assist residents in talking to other residents and observing things in their daily lives in real-time.
At neighborhood watch meetings, concerns are discussed and positively resolved. Matters like "streetlights out at 4th and Main St., or the vacant house at 1234 South St is overgrown again" are some of the many things your Watch Group addresses.
A few simple things can start your Neighborhood Watch group:
A group coordinator
People to be Block Captains
Residents who want to help their fellow residents by being members.
A Neighborhood Watch will:
Deter/reduce crime
Create a greater sense of security
Build bonds with your neighbors
Reduce the risks of becoming a crime victim
Address quality of life issues
Increase mutual interests in the community
Strengthen the relationship with IMPD
To start your own Neighborhood Watch, contact me:
Jeffrey Osborn at 317-327-6572 or Jeffrey.osborn@indy.gov.
Crime Watch Specialist Northwest District
4005 Office Plaza Blvd.
Indianapolis, IN 46254
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