Neighbourhood Watch
One of the best ways to fight crime in your community is to join an established Neighbourhood Watch Program in your area or start one. This grassroots crime prevention program was started in the early 70’s by the National Sheriffs Association in the United States to combat house entries. Since that time the program is practiced throughout North America and other parts of the world. The entire program is based upon one simple act, neighbours looking out for other neighbours. A police officer patrolling your community may not recognize a stranger at your front door or in your yard, but your neighbours would! The program works through mutual aid and strong communications between the citizens and the police services.
Neighbours know who you are, what type of car you own, your children and they may be the first to notice a criminal at your window or door. The critical time period of apprehension is when a citizen first observes something wrong and calls the police. Each neighbour can effectively watch those homes to each side, across the street and the area you back onto.
This program is not only for home owners but can also be modified to fit apartment buildings, cottage areas and the business community. When new immigrants come to the country they tend to chose their first residence in areas that are presently occupied and populated with citizens from their homeland, or at the least, socialize with members from home to help them become acclimated to their new country. They can share many customs and also the language that can make the transition smoother.
Unfortunately there are also memories and tragic experiences that they have suffered at the hands of police from their homelands, and are not comfortable seeking help or crime prevention education from the Canadian Police Agencies.
One of the most common get together is weekly faith meetings, and prayers, and this collection of citizens have a commonality that makes it a community with a purpose and focus. I am suggesting that the ethnic community itself look into starting up a Neighbourhood Watch specific to their community, to ensure they obtain up to date information on crime, educational training to reduce the victimization in their community and build some bridges of trust between themselves and their new Police Service.
For an example of a Neighbourhood Watch and a more detailed description of how to start one up, you can check the Burlington Neighbourhood Watch website at www.haltonwatch.com. If there are any questions about Neighbourhood Watch please contact me at earl.fletcher@hrps.on.ca. Be safe.
