How to Improve a Neighborhood Watch

By eHow Home & Garden Editor

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Neighborhood watches are the oldest and arguably the easiest way to prevent crime in communities. The concept of a neighborhood watch has roots as far back as colonial times, when night watchmen were employed to maintain law and order as the rest of the community slept. Follow these steps to improve the efficiency of your own neighborhood watch.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Step1

Check the National Crime Prevention Council's Neighborhood Watch page. Under the "Strategies" link, you'll find a list of innovative methods your group can use to prevent crime.

Step2

Ally your neighborhood watch with an existing organization such as your Homeowners Association or Tenants Association and use their resources to expand your neighborhood watch. Attend board meetings and get lists of occupants' names for mailings.

Step3

Solicit new members door-to-door periodically. This is the only way to be sure you reach everyone in the community. Invite all residents to meetings, and hold meetings in the evenings when most residents are likely to be available.

Step4

Provide crime prevention materials in Spanish or other predominant language if your community has a large number of residents who don't speak English. Have a translator come to meetings, too.

Step5

Visit USAonwatch.org to order the Neighborhood Watch toolkit. You can use these materials to update your meetings with the law enforcement community's recommended crime-prevention methods. Also check the National Sheriffs Association training course list to see if there are any upcoming classes in your area.