Nine Things to Know About Neighborhood Watch

It's National Night Out and Rancho Bernardo's Neighborhood Watch is throwing a party!

But who is Neighborhood Watch and what do they do? Are they just nosey neighbors peering from behind the bushes?

Here are nine things you need to know about Neighborhood Watch:

• To celebrate National Night Out—an annual event to raise awareness about safety—RB Neighborhood Watch is hosting a community event with refreshments and games at RB Community Park from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 2.
• The local chapter works with the San Diego Police Department to coordinate volunteers to keep RB streets safe.
• Capt. Chris Ball from the San Diego Police Department with keeping crime rates low in Rancho Bernardo.
• Valerie Brown, who also works with RB United, is the director of RB's Neighborhood Watch.
• Yes, Watch volunteers are keeping an eye on your house (the motto, after all, is "Neighbors Helping Neighbors—Living Safe and Secure") but it's a nosiness with a purpose.
• Special signs are posted throughout the community to let residents (and would-be criminals) know that Neighborhood Watch is out there.
• The group has Block Captains who oversee particular areas. Their job is to recruit new volunteers, keep people informed about crime in the community and help organize crime prevention activities. Do you know who your Block Captain is?
• Neighborhood Watch was initially started by the National Sheriff's Association in 1972 in response to rising crime.
• You can still get involved! Visit the RB Neighborhood Watch website to learn how or come out to National Night Out and chat with some of the volunteers.