Neighborhood Watch Program Information

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Thousands of children are reported missing each year. Fingerprinting children can hasten the identification of missing children, and this is being done by law enforcement departments across the county at no cost to parents. WATCH parents can participate in this effort and encourage others to do so. Fundraising This may not be essential for your group. More than half of the NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH programs surveyed reported having no funding source at the inception. Of those needing funding, however, many are sponsoring successful bake sales, potluck dinners, ice cream socials, raffles, yard sales, and community festivals. Installation of Security Devices Using the contributed services of handymen in your WATCH groups is a great way to help your neighbors install locks, window pins and bars, peepholes, and other security devices. Such assistance saves the cost of the actual installation, thereby inducing more citizens to take these important measures. Some NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH groups arrange to purchase locks and other security devices in quantity at a discount. Some jurisdictions provide mobile crews to install security devices at minimal cost to residents. In addition, some residents, including senior citizens, handicapped persons, and burglary victims are among those who may be offered these services free. Building Security Into New Homes Good locks, outdoor lighting, and alarm systems can be installed during construction of houses, townhouses, and apartments for much less than it will cost a homeowner to add them later. Your agency can work with county and municipal planning and building code enforcement officials to develop standards for security devices for new, single family, and multiple family residences. If your community will not include requirements for adequate locks and lighting in its building code, it is important to work with builders, realtors, and consumer protection groups to persuade builders to consider security when they construct dwellings. Try to get real estate agents to stress the good security features of homes and apartments. Realtors can have considerable influence on builders and apartment building owners. Your agency can also work with your local locksmiths to stress the importance of security hardware. It is in their best interest — as well as that of law enforcement and homeowner — to see that good hardware is used.