Set up a neighborhood crime watch

« BACK

Text iParticipate to 30644

Get volunteer opportunities in your area texted to your mobile phone 2x a month!

A neighborhood watch is an organized group of people who work together to prevent crime and vandalism in their neighborhood. Neighborhood watch groups don’t try to act like police officers, but instead they act as the eyes and ears of the neighborhood to be aware of what’s going on and discourage crime. They also report to the police any crimes they witness and suspicious people or cars they see. A neighborhood watch is one of the most inexpensive and effective ways to deter crime.

Getting started

  • Post fliers in local stores, community center, supermarkets and other places people frequent often.
  • Go door-to-door to see who’s interested in joining.
  • Set up a meeting at your house (be sure to ask your parents first), your local community center or a nearby park.
  • At the meeting, be sure to go around and have everyone say their name and where they live. Have everyone sign a sheet where they provide their contact information.
  • Discuss how the community can do a better job of looking out for everyone’s safety. This can include locking doors and gates, house-sitting for a vacationing neighbor, or just being aware of everyone’s car and normal routine.
  • Compile a list of these precautionary measures and give a copy to everyone who was at the meeting.
  • Decide, as a group, if you want to continue meeting on a weekly or monthly basis.

Working with the police

  • Call your local police station’s non-emergency number and tell them about your neighborhood watch.
  • Invite a police officer to come speak at your next meeting. They can give information on crime and vandalism in your area, how to report it, and other things your community can do to make it a safer place.

Keeping it up

  • Don’t let your neighborhood watch lose steam after the initial enthusiasm wears off! Regular meetings can ensure that everyone stays involved.
  • Neighborhood watches take work to organize, but the idea is pretty simple – neighbors should know each other and work together to help make everyone safer.
  • Organize a holiday party to celebrate your work and come together as a community.

Find more awesome ways to get involved with action guides, volunteer opportunities, and causes at DoSomething.org