Neighborhood Watch

TAKE A STAND AGAINST CRIME

JOIN THE NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH

The neighborhood watch is 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 police and the communities they serve.

WHY NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH?

It works. Throughout the country, dramatic decreases in burglary and related offenses are reported by law enforcement professionals in communities with active Watch programs.
Today's transient society produces communities that are less personal. Many families have two working parents and children involved in many activities that keep them away from home. An empty house in neighborhood where none of the neighbors know the owner is a prime target for burglary.
Neighborhood Watch also helps build pride and serves as a springboard for efforts that address other community concerns such as recreation for youth, child care, and affordable housing.

WHO CAN BE INVOLVED?

Any community resident can join - young and old, single and married, renter and homeowner. Even the busiest of people can belong to a Neighborhood Watch - they too can keep an eye out for neighbors as they come and go.

WHAT DOES A NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH DO?

A Neighborhood Watch is neighbors helping neighbors. They are extra eyes and ears for reporting crime and helping neighbors.
Members meet their neighbors, learn how to make their home more secure, watch out for each other and the neighborhood, and report activities that raise their suspicions to the police.
Mark valuable property with an identifying number to discourage theft and help law enforcement agencies identify and return stolen property.

WHAT ARE MY RESPONSIBILITIES AS A WATCH MEMBER?

Be alert!
Know your neighbors and watch out for each other.
Report suspicious activities and crimes to the police.
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?

Someone screaming or shouting for help.
Someone looking in windows of houses and parked cars.
Property being taken out of houses where no one is at home or from closed businesses.
Cars, vans, or trucks moving slowly with no apparent destination or without lights.
Anyone being forced into a vehicle. A stranger sitting in a car or stopping to talk to a child.
Report these incidents to the police. Talk about concerns and problems with your neighbors.

HOW SHOULD I REPORT THESE INCIDENTS?

Call 9-1-1 or the Rehoboth Beach Police Department, at: (302) 227-2577.
Give your name and address.
Explain what happened.
Briefly describe the suspect: sex and race, age, height, weight, hair color, clothing, distinctive characteristics such as a beard, moustache, scars, or accent.
Describe the vehicle if one was involved: color, make, model, year, license plate, and special features such as stickers.

Last Updated: November 10, 2006