Neighborhood alert is a community-based crime prevention program that brings neighbors together to deter criminal activity in their communities. It teaches residents how to cooperate with one another and law enforcement officials, and it gives them confidence in the fact that they are not alone in protecting their homes and families against criminals. Neighborhood alert groups are often formed after a break-in or other security incident that has occurred in a particular area, but can also be developed from local concerns, such as drug dealing, loitering or noise complaints.
Statistical data, as well as the experiences of criminals themselves, confirm that when residents organize and work with law enforcement to patrol their neighborhoods, crime is reduced. Neighbors patrolling their streets are the best means of detecting suspicious activity. Volunteers are trained by law enforcement to observe and report rather than confront, and they are encouraged to use common sense.
People who do not want to patrol their streets can still participate in the neighborhood watch by reporting any suspicious activities from inside their home. They can be trained to spot any unusual events, such as anyone looking into a car or going door-to-door at an unusual time; anyone running while carrying property; a vehicle speeding up and down a street; broken windows at homes or businesses; and any people walking in a suspicious manner.
A neighbor who knows their community’s vanity number can easily let their fellow members know they will be out of town for a long period by calling the tip line and leaving a message. They can even give specific details like the dates they will be gone, and who will be watching their house.