Tips for Reducing Neighborhood Crime and How to Implement Them
No matter what the demographics or affiliation, everyone agrees that the safety of our homes is paramount and at the top of everyone’s list when it comes to concerns. Whether you are a parent, single, cohabitating or just visiting, safety is on your radar at all times. In fact, it is the single most important issue on most agendas in contemporary society. With the evolution of everything from identity theft to cyber stalking, today’s Americans are less confident about how safe they are within the four walls they call home knowing that windows and doors are no longer the only things separating them from those that would do them harm. So the question becomes, “what can we do to make our neighborhood safer”? Here are a few suggestions that apply to everyone who has found themselves careening through the never ending concerns in their minds.
Share the following tips with your residents as tips for reducing neighborhood crime.
Getting more involved in your neighborhood is the first step in creating an atmosphere of communication and comradery– both necessary to facilitate a safer environment. The first step is getting to know your neighbors and exchanging emails and phone numbers. That pesky retired school teacher who is always complaining about your children’s football in her yard may be your best ally in the fight against break- ins or unsavory characters. Extend an olive branch; bake some cookies; sometimes that’s all it takes to foster a sense loyalty and concern from those around you. Your neighbors should act as your eyes and ears while you are at work or out of town.
When wondering about interventions to keep the community crime free, our minds always wander to the neighborhood watch. The neighborhood watch is still a valuable tool as a deterrent, especially in today’s computer propelled world where it is more effective than ever before. Aside from residents driving around patrolling, today’s neighborhood watch may include a series of well-placed closed circuit cameras poised in neighboring homes to monitor the comings and goings of pedestrians as well as street traffic. Most urban cities have them and they are becoming more common place. Take a moment and reach out to your local community relations representative at the police department. Each neighborhood has a specific officer assigned to it that can come out and listen to your concerns, as well as propose some solutions. A partnership with your local police department will result in less crime and more security for the community and its residents as a whole.
Stay informed of the services your local police department offers. If you live in a suburban area many are surprised to learn that they may request a patrol car to drive by their home when they are away on a routine basis. Residents may also request a decoy car to be placed in an area where a rash of crime has recently cropped up. Many times the placement of a decoy car can assist with a reduction in traffic or even speeding on residential road ways.
If you have a security alarm on your house, stay informed about the services they offer as well. You can request most alarm companies to contact the police directly in case of a break in. You can also inform them when you will be traveling and can monitor the status of many alarms from your smartphone.
Beware of social media. With cyber-crime becoming a rising concern, letting people know when you are away from home may not be the best idea. Even a short trip like going to the library alone may not be the wisest thing to share on Facebook®. Doing so could lead to tragedy. Why let perspective criminals know where you are going and with whom? It is tantamount to an invitation. Criminals used to have to leave the house to case a home or business– now everything they need to know is a click away in many cases.
Be aware of your surroundings– both in the physical world and in cyber space. Do not post your address or phone number online. It is easy enough to find. And think of all your social media outlets as open windows and doors to your home. ou wouldn’t leave your door wide open so don’t leave yourself open to any of these venues either. Basically, do not make yourself easy prey!
With that being said remember to focus on the basics at all times—like reporting anything you see as suspicious—especially during the holidays when crime tends to peak. At the end of the day, vigilance is the best way to keep your neighborhood safe.
Be aware of your surroundings and the surroundings of others in your community. If you notice a group of students loitering after school call the school police or the school itself. Learn to recognize dangerous situations so you can avoid them and assist others in doing the same. Budget cuts have led to many civil agencies being under staffed and they rely on information from citizens to target areas in need of crime prevention. Sharing these tips will your residents will ensure that you are joined together in the fight against neighborhood crime.
Everyone wants to live in a safe neighborhood and have the peace and tranquility we all deserve. The reality is that many of us have yet to attain that worry free zone and we may never be able to do so. We might, however, be able to reduce the possibility of being a victim if we employ these few simple steps into our daily lives. In a sense we are all our brothers’ keepers. Be aware, be vigilant, be empowered and above all stay safe! Click here to learn more about tips for reducing neighborhood crime.
