Neighbourhood Watch
A self-help crime prevention program to reduce threats to you and your neighbour’s property.
What is It?
Neighbourhood watch is simply a program of neighbours watching other neighbour’s property during times when burglaries are likely to occur. A police officer patrolling your community may not recognize a stranger in your yard – but your neighbour probably would.
How Does It Work?
The Program works through mutual aid – “neighbours watching out for neighbours.” Neighbours know who you are, what type of car you own and may be the first to notice a burglar at your window or door. Each neighbour can effectively watch those homes to each side, the front and the back of his own home.
How to Start
To develop a Neighbourhood watch program in your neighbourhood, contact your local police Crime Prevention Unit or Community Police Office. They will assist in developing a community plan. For the program to be totally effective, each resident must take an active role in both security improvement and observation.
See Something Suspicious?
-
write down the description of any suspicious persons
-
Note the make, model, colour and license number of any vehicles that seem out-of-place.
-
Call the police and other members of your Neighbourhood Watch group immediately.
Going Away?
-
Leave the following with a trusted friend, relative or neighbour:
-
Where you are going
-
How you can be reached in case of emergency
-
When you expect to return
-
Expected activity at your home during this time (ie: gardener, repair person, etc.)
-
LEAVE A KEY WITH A NEIGHBOUR
What Else?
If you know your neighbour 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. Why not be friendly?
-
Keep an eye on strangers in your neighbourhood. The unauthorized candy seller or the teenage selling newspaper subscriptions may use an unanswered doorbell as the opportunity to enter an unsecured home.
-
The person “taking a short-cut” through your back yard may have broken into your neighbour’s home. Don’t assume that someone else has called . . . Call the Police Immediately!
-
Write down license numbers and descriptions of strange vehicles parked at your neighbour’s house.
Watch For
-
Suspicious persons or activities
-
License numbers and descriptions of any suspicious vehicles or persons and write them down.
-
Vehicles passing by numerous times, suspiciously parked or constantly traveling alleyways.
Protect Yourself
-
Use good lighting
-
Use good lock security
-
Secure all doors and windows when your house is unoccupied.
-
Let a trusted neighbour know when you are on vacation.
-
Join Operation Identification. Contact your local Community Policing Office.
-
Make the effort! Become acquainted with your neighbours. Take a stand against crime in YOUR neighbourhood.
For further information, please contact:
Alex Johnston
Kelowna Crime Prevention Coordinator
Kelowna RCMP Detachment
350 Doyle Ave
Kelowna, BC V1Y 6V7
Phone: (250) 470-6219
