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    Starting a Block Watch in Your Neighborhood

    An important part of reducing crime in your neighborhood is being actively involved in your area’s Neighborhood Block watch. Neighborhood Block watches have been proven to connect citizens and get them involved in reducing crime in their neighborhoods. When there are more eyes and ears seeing and listening to what is going on in neighborhoods, people have a better sense of what is happening and know when they need to contact the police for help. Participating in a Block watch does not request you to do any law enforcement, that is the job of the police. It gets you involved in your community and provides you with a way to express your concerns to the police officer and keep everyone in your area informed. If your area does not have one, they are easy to start. The first step is to contact the Columbus Police Department’s Strategic Response Bureau at 614-645-4610. Your Community Liaison Officer will then contact you to get your meetings started.

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    From the Columbus Police’s website:

    • At the first meetings organizational details are discussed, including what is expected of Blockwatch participants, geographical boundaries, and selection of block captains and/or coordinators. The first meeting may also cover basic information about the organization of the Division of Police, use of 911, how to call in suspicious persons or activity and other immediate concerns of attendees.
    • The next phase is generally devoted to home security and target-hardening, including information about door and window locks, alarm systems and burglary prevention information.
    • The third phase is usually concerned with personal safety, street crimes, sexual assault, and any other areas not covered at the other meetings. Since the third meeting is usually the last in the sequence, any remaining organizational matters are finalized.
    The meetings can be done in different order, depending on the demands and needs of the neighborhood. If you are worried that there are lots of meetings, they are typically held once a month. After your Blockwatch is set up, the officer will provide your area with a Neighborhood Blockwatch sign. Usually you need 50% participation to obtain a sign, but your officer may recommend a sign if you have strong participation from less than 50%.
    A few things you can do to secure your home:

    • Keep your shrubs and bushes trimmed and neat so your windows and doors are in full view from the street.
    • Use adequate lighting and don’t shine lights towards the street.
    • Don’t leave ladders lying around outside.
    • Lock all doors and windows.
    • Don’t leave a spare key outside – leave it with a trusted neighbor instead.
    • Have large, prominently displayed house numbers so your house can be found easily.
    • If you are going on vacation, use the USPS Hold Mail service. You can do it online and it is easy. Also suspend your newspaper delivery and arrange for a neighbor to pick up and hold any deliveries you may receive.
    • Arrange to have your lawn mowed or snow removed at regular intervals.
    • Use a random digital timer on a couple of lamps and/or a radio to make your home look occupied. Or hire a house sitter you trust.
    • The police department will do a ‘vacation house watch.’ Call them at 645-4717 to schedule it.
    • To help recover your valuables should they be stolen, you can engrave them with part of your social security number, or driver’s license number. Or write that number on them with a blacklight pen. Photograph items that cannot be engraved and have them appraised regularly.

    To be successful and effective, Blockwatches need residents who are committed to it. You don’t have to own your home to participate in a Blockwatch!

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    Anne Evans
    Anne Evanshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/anne-evans/
    Anne Evans is the Co-Founder and Director of Operations for The Metropreneur and Columbus Underground. She regularly contributes feature stories on both sites, as well as Mega Weekend each week. She has started and grown businesses, created experiences, forged community partnerships, and worked to create opportunities for others. She loves meeting new neighbors and those making an impact in our community. Want to connect?
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