The Indiana Sheriff's Sex Offender Registry keeps a list of those convicted of a sex offense or a violent offense. Indiana sex offender registry More >>
 

Neighborhood Crime Watch

• Crime can shatter a neighborhood.

• As isolation increases so does crime.

• Work with Law enforcement.

• Get other involved.

• A criminal’s job gets a lot tougher in a neighborhood where people are watching out for each other. 

• All crime needs to be reported – even minor crimes. 

• Statistics show having and active crime watch in a neighborhood deters crime by 54%.

• A watch group can deter against violence against children, break-ins, vandalism, assault, drug dealers, gangs, assault and family violence. 

Some questions and answers:

Can a neighborhood watch group lessen the need for law enforcement officials?
It may help reduce crime in our neighborhood, but it can’t replace local law enforcement.   

Could a watch group actually increase people’s fear of crime?
Not if residents operate based on the facts about crime, not rumors or false beliefs. Watch organizers need to be careful not to fan the fears but focus on the positive – the peace of mind a watch group can bring.

Will people who join be “taking the law into their own hands?”
No.  The goal is to work with law enforcement officials.  Watch members are partners with the sheriff, working together to help prevent crime on the community level. 

To improve the safety and security of our neighborhood:

• Alarm systems deter crime by 90%, use your alarms

• Be alert; call the Sheriff’s department when you see criminal or suspicious activity.

• Our neighbors are our best assets for protection. 

• Open garage doors are an invitation for theft.

• Tools left hanging in your garage, with the garage door open can be used to break into your home.

• When walking, walk in pairs for safety.

• If people come to your door, let them know you are home.

• If you leave your car running in the driveway, be sure to keep it locked to avoid theft.

• Rear doors and windows are easy entry for robberies.

• If you have deadbolts use them, if not install them. 

• Glass windows in doors allow thieves easy access.

• When you buy new that comes in a box, do not put the box out for trash removal. Tear the box up and put it in a trash bag.

• When you go on vacation don’t stop your mail and newspaper, ask trusted neighbors to pick them up for you.

• Use light timers, also allows you never to have to walk into a dark home.

• Turn outside lights on at dusk, install motion detectors.

• Peep holes on door without windows; be sure you know who is at the door before opening it.

• A big dog bowl by the back door might make a burglar think twice before trying to break in.

• Keep bushes and trees trimmed around windows and doors.

• Don’t hide keys.

What is Suspicious Activity?

• Juveniles walking casually through the neighborhood looking into windows, backyards, automobiles, etc.

• Visitors going to the back door rather than the front.

• A vehicle moving slowly and without lights through the neighborhood.

• Parked vehicles containing one or more persons – may be watching a house in order to commit a burglary.

• A truck moving things from a house when you know that no one is home. 

Please use common sense, NEVER approach anyone or investigate suspicious activity.  Withdraw to a safe distance and call the police immediately!

 Neighborhood Coordinator Responsibilities:

• Locate volunteers to serve as Crime Watch Block Captains. A block captain is suggested for every 10 homes.  As we have 322 homes we would need 25 – 30 captains.

• Organize a coordination meeting with a Crime Watch Representative, when we have our volunteers.

• On a map of the neighborhood designate homes for each block captain, provide copies to each coordinator.

• Get $ for signs and coordinate with MCSD to receive the Crime Watch signs. 

• Serve as a liaison between the neighborhood and MCSD.

• Maintain the program and provide feedback to residents. 

Block Captain Responsibilities:

• Distribute materials to your assigned homes.  Maintain a current list of names, addresses and phone numbers. 

• Liaison between residents and Neighborhood Coordinator.

 Resident Responsibilities:

• Call law enforcement dispatch immediately when you see or hear a crime or suspicious activity. 

• Call your block captain.

• Get acquainted and communicate with your neighbors.

• Attend regular meetings – stay educated and informed.   

Marion County Sheriff Important Telephone #’s: Emergency Call 911

Suspicious Activity and Non-Emergency Situations 327-3811, get a case #General Information 231-8200  

Other Issues Homeowners Mentioned:

• Stop signs being disregarded.

• Numerous teenagers roaming the neighborhood at all times of the day and night.

• Small motorcycles

• Cars parked too near stop signs

There were new signs added to the community.