Neighborhood alert is a crime prevention program that unites citizens in a community-wide effort to reduce residential crime. It focuses on communication and observation as the primary means of crime deterrence, and teaches citizens how to help themselves by reporting suspicious activity to local law enforcement. The program helps residents build stronger bonds with their neighbors and develop a sense of community spirit while improving the safety of homes, businesses and streets. It also fosters a better working relationship with the police department, helping to reduce crimes committed in and around neighborhoods.
A Neighborhood Watch group is an organization of homeowners, apartment dwellers or other citizens who meet regularly to discuss and take action against local problems, such as crime and vandalism. The program is coordinated with the Winston-Salem Police Department, and its members are trained in non-intervention methods of deterring criminal activity. Neighborhood Watch members are encouraged to stay alert for unusual activities and report them to the police.
During block meetings, it’s important to include local business owners. They can offer valuable insight into the security needs of a neighborhood, such as recommending what types of cameras and alarm systems work best in the area. They can also be a great resource for the police department when they identify crime trends in the neighborhood, such as robberies or burglaries at the corner store.
Encourage your neighbors to join social media groups and pages on Facebook, Nextdoor, Ring and other platforms to stay connected and share information about their community. It’s a great way to get to know your neighbors and make it easy for everyone to be a part of your neighborhood alert.