Starting a Neighborhood Watch

Neighborhood watch associations are some of the best crime deterrents around, according to the National Crime Prevention Council — and they often bring fellowship as well as positive change. After all, a cookout will always lure a bigger crowd than a lecture.

Creating a little community can help turn your “home sweet home” into a “home safe home” in no time. Ready to launch a group in your community? Here’s how:

1. Connect With Neighbors

Andrew Samarripa, president of the Texas Crime Prevention Association, suggests starting a Facebook group or using a website such as Nextdoor.com to discuss suspicious activity on your street.

“Back in the day, it might have been phone trees or phone rosters,” Samarripa says. “Now you can use instant messages or email to let people know what’s going on in their neighborhood.”

2. Join Your HOA

Homeowners associations can be a go-to resource for neighborhood watch groups. Your local homeowners association may already have the contacts you’ll need, and they’re sure to have useful information about your neighborhood.

3. Involve the Police

Law enforcement is your association’s best friend. Most local police or sheriff departments have a community liaison willing to help you get started, lend credibility, and speak at the occasional meeting.

4. Put Names to Faces

Try for short, lively meetings at least a few times a year, and expand them if they’re well-attended. National Night Out, which takes place every August, is a fine excuse for a launch-party cookout.

Learn about ways your Texas Farm Bureau membership can help keep your property and community safe.