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Neighborhood Watch Program Information
TO REPORT CRIMES: CALL 911 FOR SERIOUS CRIMINAL ACTIVITY
CALL 247-8200 FOR NON EMERGENCY
Amy Guistina Coordinator
What is Neighborhood Watch: It is simply a program of neighbors watching other neighbors' property. It is homeowners who have organized together in groups to report suspicious activites or crimes in their neighborhood to the Sheriff. Each homeowner is ultimately responsible for his own property. The Neighborhood Watch groups provide a way for neighbors to help one another by keeping a watchful eye on each other's homes and property. A telephone chain is set up to enable neighbors to keep one another informed of any criminal activity and also to receive information from the Sheriff concerning such events. We also use an email chain to notify residents of any criminal activity or mischief in the neighborhood.
Sheriff deputies cannot be everywhere all of the time. Besides, even if they happen by, they cannot recognize that a car, truck or people do not belong there. However, those who live in a community will know if there are strangers in the area.
Neighborhood Watch Programs work through mutual aid, neighbors watching out for each other and reporting suspicious activity.
WHAT TO DO:
If you see something suspicious- write down the make, model, license of the car and a description of the person. Notify your block captain and if you think it necessary - call the Sheriff's office. If it looks really dangerous or serious call 911. If it is not that serious call the non emergency number 247-8200. Report what you have seen.
YOU SHOULD NEVER ATTEMPT TO APPREHEND A SUSPECT. THIS IS THE LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER'S JOB TO DO
All Neighborhood Watch needs to be effective is an alert and aware neighborhood willing to summon the Sheriff's Office when a crime or suspicious activity occurs.
Types of Crime:
Theft: Taking of another's property
Burglary: Illegally entering a structure-house, trailer, shed or garage
Vandalism: Damaging another's property with criminal intent
Trespassing: Being on someone else's property without their consent
Prowler: Someone trespassing with malicious intent
Robbery: Taking property of another by use of fear, force or weapon
TO REPORT:
Call 911 - for most serious incidents
Call 247-8200 for non emergency reporting
At some point call your block captain and the Neighborhood Watch Coordinator to report any incidents that you have witnessed or have happened to you. That way the NW Coordinator can alert the entire community of the activity so that they can be prepared or be alerted to the incidents. We can also email residents or call just a particular street to notify residents of what is happening in the community.
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