at your window or door.  Each neighbor can effectively watch those homes to each side, the front and back of his own home.

The Neighborhood Watch program is not intended to form citizen crime watch patrols or vigilante groups. You are only asked to report the situation to the police and let them handle it.  It is not a good idea to confront any suspicious person(s) or attempt arrest yourself; your safety could be in jeopardy.

Activities to Watch for:

• Unusual scream from anywhere.

• Anyone removing valuables from homes or vehicles.

• Sounds of breaking glass or shattering wood.

• Persons going door to door.

• Strange vehicles parked at your neighbor's house.

• Vehicle passing by numerous times, suspiciously parked or constantly traveling back alleys.

• Anyone being forced into a car.

• Beam from flashlight or light in neighbor's home.

• Persons loitering around neighborhood.

If you see something suspicious

Write down the description of any suspicious persons.  Get the make, model, color and license numbers of strange vehicles.  Call the police and other members of your block watch group immediately.  Don't assume someone else has called.  Call the Police immediately.

How to Report a Crime:

When you see or hear something that might indicate a criminal act is being committed, don't hesitate to call the police.

• Stay calm and state the problem. 

• Give the address where the emergency is occurring: give the full address and the nearest cross street.

• Describe the offender to police. Police need to know the suspect's race, sex, age, height, weight, build, complexion, hair color, eye color, clothing and miscellaneous identifying marks such has tattoos, scars, etc.

• Let the police dispatcher control the conversation.  Answer all questions to ensure the best response. 

• If you wish to remain anonymous, give your name to the operator, then request anonymity and tell the operator that if the Officer needs more information, they can call you later.

What Else Can You Do?

Exchange work and vacation schedules with neighbors you trust so you can keep an eye on each other's homes. If you know that your neighbor is away and you see an obvious invitation to a burglar, correct it.  Close the open garage door and remove the accumulation of newspapers from the doorstep.