September 25, 2009

NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH PROGRAMS FORMING

RAHWAY – A Neighborhood Watch program is perhaps the oldest crime prevention program in existence.  This community-based program encourages neighbors to get to know each other, teaches neighbors how to look for and report suspicious activity, keep an eye on each other's homes and property, and safeguard their homes from criminal activity. 

This program began in 1972 when the National Sheriffs’ Association developed the original program.  At the time, Police chiefs and Sheriffs from around the country were looking for a program that would decrease the increasing burglary rate across the country, and Neighborhood Watch seemed to be an ideal tool in the fight against crime.

In Rahway, Neighborhood Watch programs have come and gone over the years.   It has been proven that an active neighborhood watch program can significantly reduce crime in a community.  Ongoing Neighborhood Watch meetings and events in a neighborhood keep the program alive.  Quarterly meetings and update email reports will be used to keep block captains informed on current crimes trends in the community.  Citizens’ working with law enforcement in a joint partnership is a highly successful means of keeping a community safe.

If you are interested in starting a Neighborhood Watch program in your area, please contact Detective William Eicholz of the Rahway Police Department at (732) 827-2079 for more information.