The best way to take an active part in crime prevention is to participate in a crime watch in which each person becomes more alert and aware of what is going on within the area. Participation in a crime watch is not an activity that requires a lot of time. It means only that each person adopts a more observant attitude on a daily basis. Neighbors will get to know each other better, and as a result, will become more aware of strange cars, persons or circumstances which might be a danger and require calling the police. The following guidelines have proven to be successful:

• Get to know your neighbors. Know their names and be able to identify them and their vehicles by sight.

• Maintain a map or block directory of the immediate neighborhood with names, addresses, emails and phone numbers.

• Make the home as burglar proof as possible.

• Mark all property for identification by using the Operation ID Program.

• Be observant and watch over neighbors’ homes, especially when they are not home or are out of town.

• Write down license plate numbers and descriptions of suspicious looking vehicles and/or good descriptions of any suspicious persons. Immediately report them to the police at 911.

• Report information that may be helpful to your Crime Watch Chairperson.

• Call the neighborhood voicemail (if you have one) on a regular basis to keep informed.

• Check your Nextdoor internet communications regularly.

• Educate children in crime prevention and teach respect for law enforcement officers.

• Volunteer to help your crime watch organization in any way that you can, whether it involves your time or financial support.