Fair Lawn Police Department

Block Watch Page

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 dbastinck@fairlawnpd.com