A strong Neighborhood Watch program is one of the most effective and enjoyable things a street or neighborhood can do to protect itself against crimes and their perpetrators. Most crimes that occur in neighborhoods are crimes of opportunity where criminals are on the lookout for easy targets. The goal of Neighborhood Watch is to eliminate these targets. Residents of strong Neighborhood Watch streets and neighborhoods are protected because they have been “trained” to be more vigilant and are inclined to report suspicious vehicles, activities and people to the Universal City Police Department, and the criminals know that. It’s difficult to quantify the results of active Neighborhood Watch programs because their net effect is crimes NOT committed, and those don’t show up on the police blotter or in crime statistics. Except for a nominal charge for the signs, Neighborhood Watch programs are cost-free and are a great way to become acquainted – or reacquainted – with a larger cross-section of your neighbors.
The first step is to take positive actions to protect your own home and car:
When you leave your home for extended absences:
Additional steps often associated with a Neighborhood Watch program are:
