Neighborhood Crime Watch

Frequently Asked Questions

  "Neighborhood Watch, Block Watch, Town Watch, Building Watch, Crime Watch- whatever the name, it's one of the most effective and least costly ways to prevent crime and reduce fear.  Neighborhood Watch fights the isolation that crime both creates and feeds upon.  It forges bonds among area residents, helps reduce burglaries and robberies, and improves relations between law enforcement and the communities they serve."

  Who can be involved?

  Any community resident can join- young and old, single and married, renter or homeowner.  Even the busiest of people can belong to a Neighborhood Watch.

  I live in an apartment building.   Can I start a Neighborhood Watch?

  Yes.  Watch groups can be formed around any geographical unit: a block, apartment building, a townhouse complex, park, business area, public housing complex, office building, or marina.

  What does Neighborhood Watch do?

 1. A Neighborhood Watch is neighbors helping neighbors.  They are extra eyes and ears for reporting crime and helping neighbors

 2. Members meet their neighbors, learn how to make their homes more secure, watch out for each other and the neighborhood, and report activities that raise their suspicions to the Hardee County Sheriff's Office.

 3. Mark valuable property with an identifying number (Operation I.D.) to discourage theft and help law enforcement identify and return stolen property.

  What are the major components of a Watch program?

 1. Meetings.  These should be set up on a regular basis such as monthly or bi-monthly.

 2. Citizens' or community patrol.  A citizens' patrol is made up of volunteers who walk or drive through the community and alert law enforcement to crime and questionable activities.  Not all neighborhoods need a citizens' patrol.

 3. Communications.  These can be as simple as a weekly flier posted on a community announcement boards to a monthly newsletter that updates neighbors on the progress of the program to a neighborhood electronic billboard.

 4. Special events.   These are crucial to keep the program going and growing.  Host talks or seminars that focus on current issues such as "hate" or bias motivated violence, crime in schools, domestic violence or drug abuse.  Sponsor a block party, holiday dinner, or volleyball or softball game which will provide neighborhoods a chance to get to know each other.

 5. Addressing other aspects of community safety.  For instance, start a block parent program to help children in emergency situations.

  What are my responsibilities as as Watch Member?

 1. BE ALERT!

 2. Know your neighbors and watch out for each other.

 3. Report suspicious activities and crimes to law enforcement.

 4. Learn how you can make yourself and your community safer.

  What kind of activities should I be on the lookout for as a Watch Member?

 1. Someone screaming or shouting for help.

 2. Someone looking in windows of houses and parked cars.

 3. Property being taken out of houses where no one is at home or from closed businesses.

 4. Cars, vans, or trucks moving slowly with no apparent destination or without lights.

 5. Anyone being forced into a vehicle.  A stranger sitting in a car or stopping to talk to a child.

 6. Report these incidents to the law enforcement.  Talk about concerns and problems with your neighbors.

  How should I report these incidents?

 1. Call 9-1-1 in case of emergency.

 2. Give your name and address.

 3. Explain what happened.

 4. Briefly describe the suspect: sex and race, height, weight, hair color, clothing, distinctive characteristics such as a beard, mustache, scars, or accent.

 5. Describe the vehicle if one was involved: color, make, model, year, license plate, and special features such as stickers.

  The Hardee County Sheriff's Office hopes to make every neighborhood in Hardee County a "CRIME WATCH NEIGHBORHOOD". For information about starting a NEIGHBORHOOD CRIME WATCH program in your community contact Deputy Maria Hall at 863-773-0304 ext 201 or email maria.hall@hardeeso.com.