Washington Park East Neighborhood Association

March 2003 - NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH

Apr 20, 2005

Neighborhood Watch in the 21st Century: When some neighbors hear the phrase ?“Neighborhood Watch?” they may have in mind the program of many years ago. Remember the suggestion to engrave your Social Security Number on your belongings? Well, things have changed! Neighbors who attended the Citizens Advisory Board Meeting at District 3 Police Station on February 2nd learned about the updated program. The main premise is that neighbors working together can be the most effective way to fight crime. How does it work? An officer will present on the Neighborhood Watch Program to you and your neighbors if interest is expressed by 70% of the residents on your block. Just call our Community Resource Officer (currently Sgt. R. Bridges) at 720/913-1172 to schedule a presentation. Neighborhood Watch presentations can be held at the new District 3 Police Station Community Room or at a neighbor's home, whichever is preferred. Inventory forms and instructions are provided to inventory your property (to record make, model, and serial # or video or photo of same). The forms are voluntary, but without these records, police are unable to return retrieved items to their rightful owners. These inventories can be completed by the homeowner or with assistance from a volunteer from one of the Cop Shops. The records are kept by the homeowner, not by the Police. Window or door decals are also furnished to those who have joined Neighborhood Watch and may serve as a crime deterrent. District 3 Police remind neighbors to consider protecting their homes with the following: 1) deadbolt locks with at least a one inch throw, 2) timer mechanisms for operating lights and the radio inside your home while you are out, and 3) a security survey performed by trained crime prevention specialists who will make recommendations to improve home and business security. Call 911 or 0 if a crime is in progress or danger threatens; always report suspicious activity and theft to the police by calling 720/913-2000.