When choosing a neighborhood, safety and comfort are key factors for families. Fortunately, many neighborhoods are designed with safety features in mind. But how do you evaluate the safety of a neighborhood? Several tools have been developed to make this process easier.
A neighborhood watch is a community-based initiative that empowers neighbors to work together to prevent crime in their area. Members are trained by local law enforcement on crime prevention techniques and how to report suspicious activities. They are also encouraged to help their neighbors secure their homes by reporting signs of tampering and accepting deliveries for vacationing neighbors.
Some neighborhood watch programs also organize “block captains” who act as liaisons between the police and neighbors in their areas. They are responsible for coordinating meetings, training, and other aspects of the program. Other resources that may be helpful in assessing neighborhood safety include community forums and social media groups. In addition, contacting local law enforcement agencies is an excellent way to learn more about crime trends and prevention strategies in your community.
A tip line is a critical part of any neighborhood watch program. This is a quick, easy way for neighbors to notify their patrols about suspicious activity. For example, if a neighbor is going on vacation, they can dial the community’s vanity number and leave a message letting everyone know how long they will be gone and who they are leaving their house with. This helps keep the streets safe by providing a deterrent against burglaries and other crimes.