Beat
Boris the Burglar
Neighborhood Watch is undoubtedly one of the oldest and most well known crime prevention concepts in history. While the modern day concept of Neighborhood Watch came into prominence in the late 1960s in response to an increasing burglary rate, its roots in America can actually be traced all the way back to the days of Colonial settlements when night watchmen patrolled the streets.
Why do we need Neighborhood Watch?
Years ago, neighborhoods were not as transient as they are today; job transfers were not as frequent which allowed neighbors to develop long lasting relationships in their community. Communities often had that "small town" feeling with neighbor looking out for neighbor. Today, few people are in a position to protect their home and property 100% of the time. Employment, vacations, business trips, shopping trips, or just an evening out will leave our homes and valuables unattended, venerable to burglary or theft. The commitment to look out for each other is a key element to the success of a Neighborhood Watch Program. It's an invitation to be a good neighbor.
What is Neighborhood Watch?
Neighborhood Watch is a program of mutual assistance between Brevard County Sheriff's Office and neighborhoods aimed at reducing crime, and more importantly, the fear of crime in our communities. Simply stated, the Neighborhood Watch Program enables the residents of our community to become EXTRA EYES AND EARS for Law Enforcement.
How does it Work?
An effective Neighborhood Watch Program consists of a Coordinator, Block Captains and the residents. When a crime occurs, whether it be a crime in progress, or one that has already occurred, residents are asked to contact the Sheriff's Office FIRST. After contact with a deputy is made, the resident should contact their Block Captain, who in turn makes the Coordinator aware of the situation. The Coordinator then contacts the other Block Captains who in turn will contact the residents of their "block".
How much of my time will it require?
Participation in Neighborhood Watch will not infringe upon your valuable time. We simply ask you to be observant while conducting your normal everyday activities. At the most, 1 hour a month would be the amount of time required to fulfill the duties of Coordinator or Block Captain.
Does Neighborhood Watch really work?
Neighborhood Watch works ... BUT ONLY TO THE EXTENT YOU WANT IT TO. As a resident, you know what would be "out of the norm" or suspicious in your neighborhood. We're counting on you to call us and let us know so we can send a deputy to check it out. Recently, because of an observant Neighborhood Watch participant reporting the tag number of a suspicious vehicle, a burglar was apprehended and is currently serving out his sentence.
YES, IT DOES WORK...IF YOU WANT IT TO!
Reactive vs Proactive
A patrolling Sheriff's Deputy may be in your neighborhood only a short time during his or her tour of duty. The Deputy may not know which cars and what people belong in your neighborhood. YOU DO or should. You are in a better position to know these things. the majority of the Deputy's time may be reactive; responding to your neighborhood because of a complaint such as a burglary or some vandalism. The crime has already occurred and the perpetrator is long gone.
The Neighborhood Watch is a pro-active organization. Keep in mind...as a member of a Neighborhood Watch organization, you are not expected to solve a crime, place yourself in jeopardy or create a more dangerous situation by trying to apprehend the suspect.
The Deputy would rather be pre-active; being called to investigate a situation before a crime is committed. Checking out strangers in your area; a suspicious vehicle parked down the street; or being advised of potential criminal activity; this is what pro-active means.
As a Neighborhood Watch member, you are only asked to observe and report what you see during your normal everyday activity. Areas with aggressive participation in the Neighborhood Watch Program have noted a decrease in crime.
Remember - report suspicious activity or a crime in progress to the Sheriff's Office. CALL THE SHERIFF'S OFFICE FIRST. Do not call friends or a neighbor. Delaying your call reduces the response time of the Deputy and may even enhance the suspects' chances to not only commit the crime, but escape. Call your neighbors after the Sheriff's Office is notified.
Block Captains
The Block Captain is an important function of the program. Their duties will not change their lifestyles nor will it demand a lot of their valuable time. As a Block Captain, he or she will be the "contact person" for that part of the neighborhood. One Block Captain can handle 8-10 homes around theirs.
The Block Captain should:
Encourage "block" members to participate in the program.
Disseminate information from the Coordinator to their block residents.
Assist the Coordinator with meetings and training sessions.
Inform their block members of Neighborhood Watch techniques, such as what is suspicious activity or how to report incidents or how to get a Home Security Survey from the Sheriff's Office.
Relay information or concerns from their block to the Coordinator.
Welcome new residents to their block, encouraging them to participate in the program and give them an informational packet.
As you see, becoming involved as a Block Captain does not demand a lot of your valuable time.
You are enhancing the over-all security of your neighborhood while maintaining the quality of life you deserve.
Interested in any of these positions.. Please email csc@auburn-lakes.org
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