Crime Wave Magazine

ADT Home Security recognizes that successful home security requires more than just a reliable electronic system (although they offer those, too). Home security, in fact, is directly related to neighborhood security, and a Neighborhood Crime Watch can have a significant positive affect in that area. Such programs go by various names depending on your area, but ADT offers basic tips and materials for organizing one in your community.Starting a neighborhood watch works best when you network with the local law enforcement officials in your area. In most cases, they’ll be willing to help train citizens in home security and monitoring suspicious activity. On your own, ADT suggests creating a hierarchy, including a coordinator and block captains to recruit volunteers and communicate concerns to the main group. It’s important to remember that anybody can assist in a Neighborhood Watch Program, no matter what their age is. Younger children and the elderly can assist in clean-ups and block parties around the neighborhood. While this may not seem directly related to crime prevention, it helps form community in the group, and also lets people know who’s supposed to be there and who’s not.Once you start a program, you can register at USAonWatch.org, which is a part of the National Sheriff’s Association. They offer many convenient resources as well, including access to their newsletters and other publications. These highlight successful neighborhood watches in other areas and also celebrates local law enforcement agencies which are helping to make their city a safer place.As part of your program, make sure you have some way of marking any valuable items that are likely to be stolen, as well as organizing people to watch over the neighborhood at vulnerable times (such as during the night or when many people are on vacation). With such systems in place, your neighborhood will be a more secure, more connected place.