Neighborhood Watch

Neighborhood Watch Presented by Detective Al Dunn Deputy Matt Honas Sponsored by Jackson County Sheriff’s Office National Sheriff’s Association

Neighborhood Watch • Is your neighborhood ready to resist crime? • Is it a target for burglars? • It’s up to you!!

Neighborhood Watch The National Sheriff’s Association created the National NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH Program in 1972, with financial assistance from the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration, to unite law enforcement agencies, private organizations, and individual citizens in a massive effort to reduce residential crime.

Joint Responsibility The prevention of crime - particularly crime involving residential neighborhoods – is a responsibility that must be shared equally by law enforcement and private citizens. The fact is, the impact on crime prevention by law enforcement alone is minimal when compared with the power of private citizens working with law enforcement and with each other.

Crime Drops Throughout the United States, dramatic decreases in burglary and related offenses are reported by law enforcement professionals with active NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH programs. Statistics show that when a concerned citizenry does it’s part the possibilities are endless….and the results are positive.

Burglary and Theft Burglary and Theft are two major crimes that impact our communities and are the primary target for NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH programs. In the first ten weeks of 2006 there were 23 burglaries and thefts, costing citizens thousands of dollars. The Soldier area has had 5 in the last couple months.

Is your home Safe?

Greenery • Bushes or trees that cover or block views to windows and entrances make it easier for thieves to gain entry with out being seen. • Short thorny bushes are best under a window to help detour thieves from using them to gain entry or as cover and may provide evidence of the identity of the suspect if they do.

Lighting • Out door lighting • Yard lights • Timers • Motion lights • Thieves do not want to be seen!!!!

Lighting cont…. • Indoor lighting • Timers for lights, TVs, stereos or radios to give perception somebody is home. • Leaving lights or electronics on.

Identity • Does your mail box have your first and last name on it? Females that live alone should only have last name or initial and last name. • Answering machines should have computerized voice or have a male voice. Never list your first name on the machine if you live alone. • If you are going to be gone for a period of time set timers and have mail and newspapers hold or picked up. Do not let them pile up.

Be Prepared • Record serial numbers and Owner Applied Numbers and keep in safe place such as a family members house or safe deposit box. At least keep in safe place at home. NOT WITH ITEMS & NOT JUST ON COMPUTERS. • Video tape or photograph your property. This not only helps Law Enforcement identify the property but will help with your insurance.

Reporting Suspicious Activity • Unfamiliar vehicles in area, driving slowly, looking at houses, parked near houses with somebody sitting in them, being loaded. • Open doors or windows, broken doors or windows. • Sounds of breaking glass. • Unusual noises, such as gunshots, screaming, or dogs barking continuously.

Cont….. • Persons (men or women) going door to door, asking for directions or to use a phone. • Excessive traffic at a house. • Strange odors, such as ammonia, rotten eggs, cat urine. • Non-stop activity at all hours day and night.

Suspicious Persons • Going door to door, especially if they go around to the back of the residence. • If contacted they may be asking for directions, needs to use phone for broken down car, looking for a friend or relative. • Running with valuables or property, leaving the scene with property. • Looking in cars, loitering in the area.

Cont…. • May offer items for sale at very low prices. • If you do not know them NEVER let them in your house. Tell them you will call the police to help them. If they need gas it may be a trick so somebody else can enter home while you are helping. • If you offer to call police and they leave or say never mind it should be a red flag.

Suspicious Vehicles • Driving slowing repeatedly through area, without lights on. • Parked in areas at unusual hours. • Left sitting for extended periods of time. • Parts being removed off of vehicle. • Someone being forced into a vehicle. • Persons sitting in vehicle for extended periods of time as if waiting or watching for somebody.

What to do if you see something suspicious….. • NEVER approach or confront somebody!!!!!! • Get a detail description • Clothing (color, style, images, condition) • Hair to include facial hair • Size (height and weight) • Appearance (clean, dirty, raggedy) • Age • Shoes and hats • Distinguishable mannerisms, disabilities, tattoos

Cont…. • Tag numbers • Color, make, model, approximate year of vehicle • Distinguishable things such as dents or damage, stickers, odd colored parts, rims, items hanging from mirrors. • Direction of movement • Note when it happened, where it happened, what happened, how it happened.

What to do if you are a victim • REMAIN CALM • Call 911 – go to a neighbors if need be. • Do not enter !!! Your safety may be in danger if they are still there. You may also destroy evidence that is crucial to the investigation. • Make a complete list of property taken as soon as possible. • Record serial numbers or Owner Applied Numbers and give to Law Enforcement

OUR GOAL

Neighborhood Watch