What is Neighborhood Watch?

What is Neighborhood Watch?

Easttown Township Neighborhood Watch has been around for 30
years and we’re still being asked what we do and who we are.  Neighborhood Watch is a program involving the joint efforts of the police department and the community.  It is designed to enhance neighborhood security, heighten the community’s power of observation and encourage mutual assistance and concern among neighbors. It’s one of the most effective and least costly ways to prevent
crime. 

Over the years, old well established neighborhoods have evolved into highly transient ones where people seek more and more privacy.  This lifestyle tends to promote unfamiliarity with neighbors and a corresponding lack of concern.  Unfortunately, this also enhances opportunities for the criminal element and increases the community’s vulnerability to crime.  Neighborhood Watch can forge bonds among area residents, can help reduce burglaries and robberies, and make the local police department more effective in its fight against crime through the individual’s involvement and participation. How do you participate?    Unlike a Town Watch organization where you have scheduled patrols with a police officer,
Neighborhood Watch requires a minimal commitment; there’s no riding on patrol
with our police. You just need to be alert, get to know your neighbors and
watch out for them from the comfort of your own home.  Talk about your concerns with your neighbors.  Act as the eyes and ears of the police department and report any suspicious activity to 911.  Stay alert wherever you are, whether it’s in a mall, during your commute to work or just out on the town. Suspicious
activity can include things like hearing screams for help; seeing someone
looking into your neighbor’s windows or car; property being removed from a
house where you know no one is at home or from a business after hours; or
someone being forced into a vehicle or a stranger sitting in a car or stopping
to talk to a child.  Remember, the police would rather investigate situations that are harmless than be called too late.  Your call could save a life, prevent an injury or stop a crime. 

That’s what Neighborhood Watch is about -- neighbor helping neighbor in
the never ending fight against crime in our community. 

If you’d like to organize your block into a Neighborhood Watch block, please contact the Officer Frank Keenan at 610-341-9780.  He can provide information on hosting a Block Meeting.   If you have questions or concerns about Neighborhood Watch please email us at etnw1982@gmail.com.