|
What
is Block Watch?
This
is a simple program of neighbors watching out for each other. It is
designed to enlist the active participation of citizens in cooperation
with the police to reduce crime and improve the quality of life in our
neighborhood.
1.
It
is becoming acquainted with your neighbors.
2.
If
it is suspicious to you, it's suspicious to us, but only if you call and
report it.
3.
It
is working together to identify and solve problems in your area of our
community.
4.
It
is helping the police by being aware of and reporting any unusual
activities as they occur. You know what is "normal" activity in
your neighborhood.
5.
It
is implementation of crime prevention techniques to enhance security.
6.
It
is not apprehending someone. Leave that to the police.
7.
It
is putting neighbor back into neighborhoods.
How
does Block Watch work?
Block
Watch works by having you and your neighbors use simple techniques to
deter, delay, detect, and report crime; to improve the quality of life for
the neighborhood. Being aware of criminal activity can help in keeping
your neighborhood safe. Promptly reporting all criminal or suspicious
activity to 9-1-1, or the Fair Lawn Police Department at (201) 796-1400,
helps the police to assist you in promoting a safe and healthy
neighborhood.
Starting
a Block Watch.
Since
the police are unable to cover every neighborhood at all times, you can
help by forming a neighborhood Block Watch. You and your neighbors can
stay safe by looking out for one another. Start organizing your neighbors
by scheduling a Block Watch meeting. Contact the Fair Lawn Police
Department's Community Policing Bureau at (201) 794-5365 or drop us an
e-mail at dbastinck@fairlawnpd.com to schedule a presentation. At your meeting, we will explain how you can
create an alert neighborhood by using simple crime prevention methods.
Other
things about Block Watch….….
1.
Canvas your neighborhood for interest. Try to involve neighbors from the
streets adjacent to yours.
2.
Ask about convenient times to schedule your initial Block Watch meeting.
3.
Block Watch does not require frequent meetings.
4.
It does not ask that anyone take personal risk to prevent crime.
5.
Block Watch leaves the responsibility for apprehending criminals where it
belongs, with the police department.
What
to look out for:
1.
Someone
screaming or shouting for help.
2.
Someone
looking into windows and/or parked cars, unusual noises.
3.
Property
being taken out of houses where no one is at home or closed businesses.
4.
Cars,
vans, or trucks moving slowly with no apparent destination, or without
lights.
5.
Anyone
being forced into a vehicle. Note license plate of vehicle.
6.
A
stranger sitting in a car or stopping to talk to a child.
7.
Abandoned
cars.
8.
Hearing
alarms sounding.
9.
Hearing
breaking glass.
10.Seeing suspicious moving
trucks or delivery trucks in the area.
11.Youths congregating (Hanging
out).
12.Watch for strangers in cars
or on foot.
How
to make a report:
o
Call
the Fair Lawn Police Department at (201) 796-1400 or dial
9-1-1 for emergencies.
o
Give
your Name, Address and Phone Number.
o
"Briefly"
describe the event. What happened? When? Where? and Who?
o
Describe
the suspect: sex, race, nationality, age, height, weight, hair color,
clothing, distinctive characteristics such as beard, mustache, scars, or
accent.
o
Describe
the vehicle, if one was involved: color, make, model, year, license plate
number, and special feature such as stickers, dents, or decals and the
direction of travel.
For
additional information about Block Watch, please contact the Fair Lawn
Police Department's Community Policing Unit at (201) 794-5365 or e-mail
them at
rschultz@fairlawnpd.com |