Neighbourhood Watch

VoL 1Organization

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH is a program aimed at reducing crime in the community. It involvesgetting to know one’s neighbours and introducing them to the concept of NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH -that is, good neighbours working together, alert to the potential of crime and willing to look out for oneanother’s interests. Neighbours working together through NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH can combatcrime in their area the most effective way; before it starts.

NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH provides a means of reducing the opportunity for crime to occur, throughthe active participation of citizens in crime prevention. Citizens are taught how to make their homes lessinviting as a target for thieves; how to participate in Operation Identification, making their personal propertyless desirable to burglars; and how to be alert to suspicious activity in their neighbourhoods.

Very few people are in a position to protect their homes and property all of the time. Vacation, business andshopping trips, or even an evening out will leave homes unattended and vulnerable to theft. TheNEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH program will provide a sense of security for individuals or families wholeave their homes for any length of time. The program will also help to co-ordinate the efforts of the policeand the community in tracking down criminals. Strong community involvement is encouraged becauseneighbourhood unity can deter crime. Neighbours joined together do help correct situations that threatentheirpeace and safety.

The NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH program is found in all areas of the country, fi’om small ruralcommunities to large urban centres. Membership is not restricted to single-family homes; people who live inaparlment buildings, farms and coltages are very active in the program. Neighbourhood Watch is a flexibleprogram and should be adapted to suit the needs of the community in which it operates. The programcurrently operates under a variety of names including Block Watch and Cottage Watch.

Endorsed by:

~ Ministry ofthe SolicitorGeneral

Ontario

Provided by:

AVIVA

What NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH is:

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1) A commitment to improve your home security

2) A commitment to be concerned about your neighboufs property as well as your own. After a~, awatchful neighbour is the best burglar alarm!

3) A COlr~nitment to report any crime that is occurring and any suspicious activity to the police and then toyour neighbours. Talk to your neighbours; keep them abreast of current crime trends and crime preventiontechniques.

What NEIGHBOURHOO3D WATCH isn’t:

1) Neighbourhood Watch does not require you to perform any special tasks, go to a lot of meetings or takeon extra responsibilities.

2) You don’t have to patrol the neighbourhood or chase burglars. Neighbourkood Watch just involves beingalert as part of your everyday life. For example, when you go to the window to open or close the drapes,instead of just opening or closing them and turning away, you might stop for a second and take a quickglance around your neighbourhood to ensure that everything is as it should be.

3) Being a part ofNeighbourhood Watchdoes not require you to know your neighbou~s business. All that isrequired is that you be familiar enough with your neighbours to be aware of who belongs and who doesn’t.

How to Start aNeighbo~rhood Watch Program

If you are concerned about crime in your neighbourhood and wish to implement aNEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH program in your area, you must first contact the Police ServicesCommunity Relations or Crime Prevention Bureau. If there is a program already organized in your area,you will be referred to the local program representative who will assist you in getting involved.

II. If there is not a program ongoing in your area, you should follow these steps:

Canvass your neighbourhood to determine how many of your neighbours are as concemed as you,and those who are interested in participating in the program. Tiffs may be done by contacting themin person, or distributing brochures and questiormalres, usually available ~om your local PoliceServices.

2. Alter this has been completed and you are confident you have neighbours interested in participating,arrange for a meeting place large enough to hold your group. (See IlL)

3. Contact the Police Liaison to arrange a mutually agreeable date and time for the meeting. Flyersand letters may then be prepared and distributed. Enlist the aid of a few of your neighbours indistributing these.

The Police Liaison wilt assist you by supplying maps outlining your NEIGHBOURHOODWATCH boundaries, dividing your area into blocks (15-25 homes), and suggesting an agenda. ThePolice Liaison will also prepare, and bring to the meeting, block members’ lists, brochures andresource material.

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At the meeting, the Police Liaison will explain the NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH concept,Operation Identification, home security and the method of reporting incidents to the Police Services.The purpose of the meeting will not only be to convey this information to your neighbours, but also toidentify Block Captains and Assistants for those Blocks not having a volunteer. One volunteer oneach block will ensure at least one candidate for Block Captain or Assistant.

Once the above steps are completed, check with the local Police Service or local representative ofNeighbourhood Watch in your area as to the requirements needed for recognition of the NeighbourhoodWatch program. Neighbourhood Watch is different in each community, in some the Police Services Liaisonwill require complete residents list and in others, the names of the Watch Coordinator and Block Captains aresufficient.

OrganizingPubLic 1VIeetingIII. 1. Work with a group of volunteers or form a Steering Committee to help organize the meeting (i.e.

Police Liaison or someone who has started a NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH program inanother area). Arrange for someone knowledgeable about the Neighbourhood Watch to attend themeeting to explain the program. This can be done through you Police Liaison.

2. Plan the meeting far enough in advance so that all necessary preparation can be completed. Thistime allowance will also help build enthusiasm for the meeting. Publicize the event.

3. The date of the meeting should be chosen so that it will not conflict with either local or nationalevents.

4. Choose a meeting place with consideration for the size of the audience. A central location isessential. A community hall, church, library or school, are ideal locations and may be availablewithout cost to community groups.

5. The meeting should be titled specifically so that it will have drawing power, e.g."NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH - How to Make Your Neighbourhood a Better Place to Live"

Youmay require: (check with the presenter to see what they need)

a) large table at the front ofthe room

b) audio visual equipment

c) 2 tables at the entrance of the hall, with sufficient 2" x 3" self-adhesive labels for name badges.

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Neighbourhood Watch*

* The following are guidelines only. Each community should adapt these as necessary.Each community may use different titles for each position - remember the name is notnearly as important as the function.

The duties of NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH will offer very little change of lifestyle for the citizeninvolved. Rather, they provide a means to meet your neighbour, as well as a vehicle for making yourcommunity a safer place to live.

The PoliceThe Police Liaison is one of the key elements of the NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH program. He or shewill provide the expertise necessary for initiating the program and monitoring it. This involves developingprogram guidelines, establishing target areas and supplying resource material. The Police Liagon will providelectures and briefings on home security, Operation Identification and other Crime Prevention programs to theNEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH groups.

As well, the Liaison will establish training programs on how to identify and report criminal or suspiciousactivity.

After the initiation of the program, the Police Liaison will provide guidance, feedback and other information tothe Committee, and will maintain communications with the Area Leaders and Block Captains, providingtraining as required.

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The Steering CommitteeThe primary function of the Steering Committee, or volunteer group, is to develop the program in a designatedarea and to assist in its implementation. The Committee’s duties will be to:

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Act as a liaison between the community and the Police, supplying the Police Liaison with information ontypes of housing, local groups or individuals willing to assist, and other data necessary to accurately dividethe community into Areas, Watches, and ultimately, Blocks;

Work closely with the Police Liaison in delegating tasks to groups or individuals, to initiate the Watchareas, maintain them and monitor their progress;

Provide a central depot for information and resource materials on the NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCHprogram, for distribution to members of its organization;

Arrange meetings to which a Police representative is invited, through .the Police Liaison, to assist inexplaining the program and profiling local crime;

Maintain an open line of communication with the Area Leaders, discussing the progress of the programin their area, new ideas and trouble spots;

6. Update information on the program from new sources and keep the Police Liaison informed of theprogress of the Watch in their area; and,

7. Communicate information from the Police Liaison to the Zone Leaders for dissemination to themembers of the Watch.

The Area LeadersThe Area Leaders will be responsible for a specific area and will serve as the contact for the Police assignedto the Program. In some communities, the Zone Leaders themselves may also form the Steering Committee.Their duties will include:

1. Organizing community meetings to explain the Watch to residents. Meetings are an important tool forcommunication; however, frequency depends on your community and its needs. Canvas the Watch to seewhat the residents feel is required

2. Helping to identify Block Captains and Assistants

3. Providing information to the Steering Committee or Police Liaison, to assist in defining the Blockboundaries

4. Attending NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH seminars or workshops which may be conducted from timeto time

5. Maintaining a liaison with the Steering Committee and/or Police Liaison to ensure an open line ofcommunication between them and the Watch participants

6. Monitoring the progress of the program in their zone, to ensure its success

7. Meeting with other Area Leaders in the Region to discuss the program with the aim of solving problemsand initiating new ideas consistent with the guidelines of the program

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The Block CapiainsThe B lock Captain has one of the most important functions in the NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCHprogram- supervising the Watch activities of the citizens who join NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH in theircommunities. The Block Captain is responsible for one city block, or similar designated territory, and he orshe is expected to:

1. Hold NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH meetings, as required by your community

2. Assist in welcoming new neighbours

3. Encourage neighbourhood participation in the NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH program

4. Serve as liaison between the Watch members and Area Leader

5. Channel information from the Police Services, Zone Leader or Steering Committee to the citizens

6. Attend the NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH seminars or workshops, which may be conducted fromtime to time

7. Inform Watch members of NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH techniques, such as how to observesuspicious activity, what to observe, encourage use of Operation Identification, Crime PreventionThrough Environmental Design (CPTED), Target Hardening and similar crime prevention techniques

8. Provide incentive for Watch members to continue their crime prevention efforts.

Watch ~/~embersREPORTING: The Watch Members will be instructed in the identification of criminal or suspiciousactivity and the procedure to follow when reporting this activity to the police. After they contact the policethey should contact their Block Captains to inform them of the activity. If a Member notes suspicious activitybut it does not warrant a call to the police they should pass the information m to their Block Captain.

HOME SECURITY. Watch Members will receive instruction on home security, Operation Identification,and will be encouraged to follow through on security measures.

VACATIONS: When a Watch Member goes on vacation they should inform their Block Captain orAssistant to ensure that their house is watched.

DISCUSSIONS: The Block Meetings provide an opportunity for the Watch Members to discuss anyparticular concerns they have, as well as the types of crimes being committed in their community.

Spreading the WordNovember 2004

Spreading the word and making sure that it registers in all sections of the community is vital to the success ofthe program.

Committee members will probably have many of their own ideas on how to get the message across, but thefollowing provides a general communication program plan:

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Arrange and organize a strong kick-off.

Obtain or produce literature outlining the program messages for wide general distribution and alsocovering specific topics involved in the NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH program.

Establish liaisons with representatives of the print and electronic media, soliciting their advice and support.It would be important to discuss the availability of bee public service time, feature programs, interviews,editorialcomment, hotline shows, photo coverage of your organization in action, etc.

Posters placed in stores, schools and civic buildings are effective. Use of the local school students todevelop and design the poster is beneficial as it involves the young dtizens ofthe commtmity incontributing to the establishment of the NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH program. Perhaps a contestbetween classes or schools, or both, may be in order.

Develop seminars for church groups, Parent organizations and service clubs, including organizations suchas Rotary, Kiwanis, Lions, Optimist Clubs and fi"atemal organizations.

Persuade the major businesses, particularly shopping centres, to assist in publicizing the program. Theymay be willing to place weekly advertisements connected with the program in the local media and mayalso be persuaded to display exhibits of posters and pamphlets in prominent areas.

Convince local theatres to set up lobby displays and if possible, to screen spot messages.

It is strongly suggested thata slogan be developed to tie in and "sell" the project. It should be somethingeasily referred to, memorable, and relative to the merits of the NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCHprogram. This slogan will be the mainstay of the program, e.g. "Working Together to Prevent Crime" or"If 1 don’t call the Police - My Neighbour Will!"

In order to run a NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH program, some funds are necessary. Several items arean integral part of the program and are necessary to ensure the program’s success.

Some of these items are:

1. Street signs.

2. Neighbourhood Watch pamphlets.

3. Home Security pamphlets.

4. Operation Identification cards and pamphlets.

5. Window stickers.

6. Meeting Notices.

7. Meeting Letters.

8. Block Captain’s Manuals.

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Some of these items may be available to you through your local Police Services. Other costs for street signs,manuals, etc. may have been absorbed by local municipal governments and you may wish to pursue thiscourse. Aviva Canada Inc. (formerly CGU Group Canada Ltd) provides window and door decals,informational brochures, and household inventory for download from the National Neighbourhood WatchRegistry: www.neighbourhoodwatchregistry.com. Other, fraternal organizations and service groupsmay also be willing to assist with printing, etc.

In order to meet costs not covered by other areas, the Block Captains can collect a voluntary contribution perhousehold when distributing the window stickers. All funds should be deposited into a bank account and usedto cover any costs of the program.

Other communities have billed each Neighbourhood Watch area through their Steering Committee. TheCommittee is responsible for covering the costs of their area only. They may choose to run fund raisingevents or charge each household a fee. How they raise the funds is totally up to them.

The following is a general list of methods, which can be effective in selling the program message. Not allcategories are required, but obviously the more means available, the more effective will be the campaign.The cost can be very low when the program is designed for community participation (donation of time andmaterial).

1. BUTTONS/BADGES: A practical size is 1 3/4" in diameter, and the best effect for minimum cost is awhite background with one cotour print and design. It is suggested that the local Police Services ismentioned on the badge.

2. PLACE MATS: Restaurant place mats can bear the program message. With donation of art workand printing by a local finn, the place mats can be supplied free of charge (especially McDonald’s).

3. BILLBOARDS: Determine what company is using billboard space and request a donation of free timeduring the campaign. Another local firm can supply the art work and the billboard company will usuallyput it up free of charge.

4. BOOKMARKS: These also can bear the campaign message. They can be obtained from localprinters, and perhaps be printed on scrap material. Distribute through book stores, libraries, schools.

PAMPHLETS: Pamphlets are usually supplied free by a local department store or shopping centre.Distribute through stores, displays, police stations, schools, etc. At present there are many suchpamphlets in existence, and merely re-copying can save the cost of artwork.

However, the new campaign slogan or logo may have to be adapted to fit such available material.

TEASER ADS: Use local newspapers to insert teaser ads. Such ads, which may be simply a form ofillustration, give some information on the proposed campaign, and encourage the reader to watch forwhat is coming in the days ahead. Again such newspaper use is usually available at no cost as acommunity service.

7. POSTERS: Posters can be very effective. A local firm may be more than willing to supply suchposters, particularly when a small advertisement note may be added, (e.g. Aviva Canada Inc.). The

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posters should be of an inexpensive rigid-type poster board. The best size for window display is 11 ½" X17 ½" and a second size, of approximately 8" x 11" can be used for bank counters, store display cases,etc.

SHOPPING BAGS: By prior arrangement, stores participating in the program can be supplied with thecampaign artwork to be printed on shopping bags. The message is not only taken into the home, but isseen by many people in transit from the store to the home.

STUFFERS: Small 3" x6" paper sheets with the program message can be printed and left at storecheckout counters. The clerks can deposit one in each shopping bag. Such material is also effective forinclusion in local tax bills, or monthly bulletins from local Chamber of Commerce, Better BusinessBureau, Board of Trade, etc.

BANNERS: Long cloth or heavy paper banners can be printed and installed across store mall areas,civic buildings, etc. School art classes can do the paintings and install in school auditoriums or hallways.Depending on areas involved, such banners can effectively promote the program by being hung acrossmain streets.

TRANSIT SIGNS: Use areas on buses or streetcars, taxis or tracks, inside and out to install posters,etc.

RADIO: Use local radio stations and personnel to develop radio messages, interviews, and newsbulletins. Have local dignitaries or personalities give briefpromotionalmessages.

TELEVISION: Use local television stations, especially cable, to produce interview shows, brief filmclips, etc. Again, local personalities can be effective.

SLIDE PRESENTATIONS: Develop a slide presentation on the program for use in schools, displays,stores, television, community talks, etc.

DISPLAYS: Basic displays can consist of a couple of covered tables with posters, with campaignmaterial available. School resources and a local advertising firm (free service) will provide a presentabledisplay for store malls, schools, etc.

Again, a slide presentation can be used, and where possible, someone should be in attendance to answerquestions.

DECALS (STICKERS): Decals can be very inexpensive and are usually donated by a local firm. Thecost depends primarily on the size and the material. MYLAR bonding paper is best. Get assurancefrom the printer that the colours will not fade in sunlight.

FILMS: Films on the subject can be obtained with the rental fee or purchase cost usually being absorbedby a local firm.

SCHOOL ASSEMBLIES: Can be effective in promoting the program and also soliciting co-operationand assistance. School principals are usually very receptive to this form of communication.

COMMUNITY TALKS: Have speakers available for talks or speeches to local Service Clubs,community groups, schools, etc.

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CHURCHES: All churches can be approached to have bulletin board messages put up, use the Sundaypamphlet and even assure some message is given in the church service. Clergymen can also be ofbenefit in committees, community talks, schools, etc.

21. "T" SHIRTS: Costs of printing on inexpensive "T" shirts can be borne by local merchants, service clubs,etc. There is the possibility, also, of some firm using this medium in an advertising campaign.

PRESS KIT: Have all the promotional material, statistics, fact sheets, etc. in a package. With an eye-catching, fold-over, book or envelope type cover, make the package available to the news media,committee members, schools, businesses, etc. to assure awareness of program objectives and goals.This is essential for any program.

The above-mentioned are basic communication methods. Other means are available and just as effective.Determine you" capabilities and resources.

Bear in mind that most, if not all, the points mentioned can and should be obtained at no cost, from thecommunity. Most merchants have an advertising budget and a community relations budget available whichare, in essence, tax deductions.

Community involvement, adequately advertised can assure full co-operation from local firms. Use of servicedubs is also important. There are non-profit organizations with funds available for community programs.Usually, city or provincial grants are also available.

The key to success is community involvement. By being allowed to participate through donation of time andresources, everyone feels part of the community and the program. Without such participation, there isunwillingness to accept, lack of appreciation, apathy sets in and the program will ultimately fail.

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Community awareness,eommunication,and participation

are the keys tothe door of success

WORKING TOGETHERTO PREVENT CRIME

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