How to Prevent Crime in Your Neighborhood

Crime can occur anywhere in any neighborhood. Every resident in any neighborhood needs to be concerned about crime in their area and should help to prevent it.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Pen and paper

1. Know your neighbors--introduce yourself. Notice what kind of cars they have, children, pets and what time of the day or night they are home or gone. If elderly, note if they are single, widowed or married and if they have any health or handicapped issues.

2. Watch for strangers--Someone walking down the street isn't unusual, but be wary of strangers cutting through yard or alleys. Look for unusual behavior, like lurking around garages, backdoors or windows. Take notes:
   * Estimate age, height, weight, race and gender.
   * Type and color of clothing, hats, shoes.
   * Other adornments, like, earrings, glasses or tattoos.

3. Watch for vehicles--Like strangers, vehicles coming in and out of your neighborhood should be watched. Look for vehicles that park on the street or in alleys idling for long periods of time and going slowly up and down the street more than once. Take notes:
   * Estimate the year, make and model.
   * Headlights or tail lights not working.
   * Damage on car.
   * Stickers or decals and where they are located.

4. Listen for excessive yelling or screaming--These could be indicators of fights, arguments, child abuse, or domestic violence. Take notes:
   * Time of day.
   * What was said (if audible).
   * If anyone left the scene, who, what mode of transportation did they use (car, walking, running), type of behavior displayed (mad, crying).

5. Call Police--give facts of what you saw or heard. In cases of child abuse or neglect, be prepared to give information to the Department of Children and Family Services.

6. Be prepared to testify in court--Keep your notes and go over them periodically before the court date.

Tips & Warnings

• Be aware of happenings in your neighborhood--houses for sale, abandoned cars, strangers or teenagers "hanging around" corners, houses or playgrounds.
• Stick to the facts and avoid assumptions.
• Notify your employer if you are summoned to court.
• Avoid discussing events with anyone outside your immediate family until after the court date.
• If possible, never confront a stranger, approach a vehicle, try to break up fights or arguments. Call the police.
• If your actions result in someone getting arrested, be prepared for some possible retaliation. Discuss this issue with police if you believe this may happen. They will tell you what you need to do if that occurs.