Neighbourhood Watch Reports

Starting a Neighbourhood Watch Program in Lanark Highlands Township

Neighbourhood Watch is a program aimed at reducing crime in the community. It involves getting 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 one another’s interests. Neighbours working together through Neighbourhood Watch can combat crime in their area the most effective way – before it starts.

Neighbourhood Watch provides a means of reducing the opportunity for crime to occur, through the active participation of citizens in crime prevention. Citizens are taught how to make their homes less inviting as a target for thieves; how to participate in Operation Identification, making their personal property less 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, and shopping trips, or even an evening out will leave homes unattended and vulnerable to theft. The Neighbourhood Watch program will provide a sense of security for individuals or families who leave their homes for any length of time. The program will also help to co-ordinate the efforts of the police and the community in tracking down criminals. Strong community involvement is encouraged because neighbourhood unity can deter crime. Neighbours joined together do help correct situations that threaten their peace and safety.

So…how can you start one in your neighbourhood? Start by canvassing your neighbours to find out which households in the area are willing to participate. Once these households have been identified, the Lanark County OPP is more than willing to attend and provide a Neighbourhood Watch presentation focusing on securing your home / property, Operation Identification, and reporting suspicious activity. Upon completion of the presentation, homeowners are provided Neighbourhood Watch decals for their windows and doors.

Currently Neighbourhood Watch updates are provided weekly by the Lanark County OPP Community Service Officer and can be viewed on the Lanark Highlands Township website at www.lanarkhighlands.ca.

If interested in starting your own Neighbourhood Watch program, please contact the Lanark County OPP at 613-267-2626 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. and ask for the Community Service Officer.

Neighbourhood Watch Updates