Chief’s Column: Keeping a Neighborhood Watch

QUESTION: Given the recent rash of vehicle break-ins, I’d like to know what is a Neighborhood Watch and how can I be a Neighborhood Watch participant?

ANSWER: Neighborhood Watch is a group of neighbors looking out for neighbors. It is getting to know each other and becoming familiar with your neighbor’s habits and vehicles so that you will know when something is suspicious or out of the ordinary.

In addition to recognizing potential suspicious activities, Neighborhood Watch participants report such activity by calling 9-1-1 for an emergency or crime in progress. After calling 9-1-1, the local Neighborhood Watch Chairperson or Block Captain should be notified. The Chairperson then notifies Neighborhood Watch participants so that everyone is made aware of the suspicious activities. Of course, information can be shared quickly and easily using social media such as Facebook, Twitter or the many other social media sites available. All of this doesn’t make you a nosy neighbor – it makes you a good neighbor in the old-fashioned sense of the word.

Many people don’t want to bother the police because they are afraid that it may not be a real emergency or that they may be embarrassed if their suspicions turn out to be unfounded. The police would much rather be called out to investigate than to be called after a crime has been committed. Just think for a moment…if your neighbors saw someone suspicious in your yard while you were away, wouldn’t you want them to call the police?

When in doubt, always call the police. Once again, use 9-1-1 for a crime in progress or call the non-emergency line at 508-839-5343 if you think something seems suspicious. The police dispatch center is staffed with trained operators who will evaluate your call, rank its priority, and dispatch it to the appropriate officer. Remember, the police department needs citizens to act as their eyes and ears if they are to be successful in reducing crime in the community.

Neighborhood Watch does NOT mean being a vigilante. Participants do not confront suspicious persons or take any personal risks at all. Neighborhood Watch doesn’t take a lot of time or money. Contact the Grafton Police Department to find out specifically what a Neighborhood Watch can do for you and what you can do for the Neighborhood Watch. Some basics are:

· Keep Informed Attend area Neighborhood Watch meetings and read the Neighborhood Watch materials provided to you. This can be done virtually and through social media. If you don’t have a Neighborhood Watch, think about starting one. Learn about crime prevention and share the information with your neighbors.

• Volunteer Offer your help whenever you can. Many neighborhood groups need help with posting or distribution of materials, telephone calls, etc. Once again, much of this may be done through social because of COVID-19 restrictions. Pitch in to help whenever and wherever you can in the area that interests you most.
• Contribute Neighborhood Watch doesn’t cost a lot, but some costs usually are involved, such as printed materials, voice mail, or meeting costs. Some groups ask for a small amount of dues from members; many others rely only on contributions from their neighbors. Even a small contribution may make a huge difference in your Neighborhood Watch group.

Normand A. Crepeau, Jr.

Chief of Police