Community Watch
Community Watch is a Crime Prevention program that involves the citizens working with each other and with law enforcement to reduce crime and victimization in their communities.
To start a Community Watch program in your community:
Schedule a meeting with your neighbors in a church, home, community building, or other location.
Contact every resident in your community and invite them to the meeting. Do this by making door-to-door visits, phone calls, or flyers.
Hold the meeting.
Community Watch works when people get involved and stay involved.
Some Community Watch Activities
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Operation I.D.
The program involves engraving your valuable personal property with your driver's license number thus making it easier to identify if it is stolen. The Crime Prevention Unit can supply you with an engraver.
Residential Security Surveys
This program provides a security survey of your home. The Crime Prevention officer will come to home and check your doors, locks, windows, lighting , etc. and give you suggestions to make your home a safer place.
Tips from the Greenville Police Department
By reducing opportunity and the belief that a crime can be successfully committed, you can significantly reduce most criminal activity. Safeguards that cause a criminal to TAKE MORE TIME, MAKE MORE NOISE, or BECOME MORE VISIBLE, can be effective deterrents.
By following the steps found in here, you can reduce crime and feel safer.
| GUIDELINES FOR PERSONAL SAFETY |
Always let a family member or colleague know your plans, appointments, or outings.
Stay alert. Be aware of your surroundings.
When walking appear confident. Do not show fear. Trust your instincts.
Choose to walk in busy areas that are well-lighted at night. Try not to walk or jog alone.
Always carry your purse close to your body and keep a firm grip on it.
Carry a whistle on your key chain. If you are in trouble attract attention any way you can.
When using an elevator, approach it with caution. If possible use an empty elevator.
If you plan to use public transportation, have your fare ready; wait and board in well-lighted areas.
When using an Automated Teller Machine try to use one in a well-lighted, busy, public place. Avoid using an ATM after dark when possible. Be aware of your surroundings while at the machine.
If traveling by motor vehicle, keep doors locked and windows rolled up.
Know the area you are in. Beware of dead end streets.
Make sure your car stays in good operating condition and be aware of the fuel level. Keep a flashlight, spare tire, and jumper cables with you.
Park in well-lighted areas. Be especially alert when using parking garages. Keep your keys in your hand when returning to your vehicle. If necessary, your keys can be used as a defensive weapon against an attacker.
Leave only your ignition key with an attendant.
Never pick up hitch hikers.
Stay in your car if it breaks down. If someone stops to help, lower your window only slightly and request they telephone a police officer for you.
Continue driving if someone tries to stop or follow you. Proceed to a well-lighted business or the police station before stopping. Do not lead someone to your home. Keep the car in gear at stop signs and traffic lights.
Keep your purse and other valuables out of sight in your car if it breaks down.
| GUIDELINES FOR SAFETY AT HOME |
You can discourage burglars from selecting your home as a target.
Make sure all doors to the outside are metal or solid; that they have good sturdy locks with deadbolts; that all windows have locks; and that you use all locks.
Secure sliding glass doors with locks or bars.
Make sure all porches, entrances, parking areas are well lighted. Turn these lights on after dark. If in an apartment, report lights out or not available in common areas to the management.
Trim bushes or trees that hide doors or windows or block your view or lighting.
Never hide house-keys outside.
Clearly display your house number so emergency vehicles can find your home quickly.
Use lights and radio timers, security alarms, motion detectors, and automatic garage door openers.
When you go away from home leave word with a neighbor; stop mail and newspapers. Citizens may request a Police Officer check their residence when they plan to be away for an extended absence.
When children are home alone be sure they know how to call 911 or local emergency numbers.
Have an agreed upon contact for them to call when they are home; a parent at work, a grandparent or neighbor. Instruct them to report their contact person when leaving home.
Train children not to let strangers inside the home, not to tell telephone callers that they are alone; and to keep all doors and windows locked.
Warn children to look for signs of danger such as a broken window, door ajar, or a strange car in the yard or street. Instruct them to go to a neighbor's house and call an adult or the Police Department.
Teach children to walk and play with other children, not alone, and to refuse rides or gifts from strangers in the neighborhood.
| GUIDELINES FOR A SAFE NEIGHBORHOOD |
Join or start a Community Watch group. Contact the Police Department to get one started or to find out more information.
Get to know your neighbors.
Report crimes and suspicious activities to police and be willing to testify if necessary.
Observe your neighborhood for things that contribute to crime - poor street lighting, abandoned cars, vacant lots, abandoned houses.
Encourage and invite neighbors to participate in crime prevention and awareness programs.
Be aware of the possibility of con artists or scams in your neighborhood in person or by phone.
Watch for warning signs that gang or drug activity may be developing in your neighborhood.
There are many things you and your neighbors can do to insure a safe environment. By working together as a community and in cooperation with the Police Department you can effectively deter crime.