Winchester Neighborhood Watch Program

Neighborhood Crime Prevention: A Joint Responsibility

The prevention of crime -- particularly crime involving residential neighborhood -- is a responsibility that must be shared equally by law enforcement and private citizens. The fact is, the impact on crime prevention by law enforcement alone is minimal when compared with the power of private citizens working with law enforcement and with each other. NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH is based on this concept of cooperation, and Nationwide statistics prove that it works. When citizens take positive steps to secure their own property and neighbors learn how to report suspicious activity around their homes, burglary and related offenses decreased dramatically.

Posting Neighborhood Watch signs on your street and labels or decals in your windows tells a criminal that:

1. You are not an easy target.
2. They are probably being watched.
3. You have taken the steps necessary to deter crime in your neighborhood.

When a member of a Neighborhood Watch sees a suspicious person or vehicle, or a crime in progress, they call the police to report it.

You should NEVER attempt to apprehend a suspect. This is the law enforcement officer's job.

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Username: wcneighborhoodwatchprogram

What kind of activities should I be on the lookout for as a Neighborhood Watch member?

● Someone screaming or shouting for help.

● Someone looking in the 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.

● A stranger sitting in a car or stopping to talk to a child.

Report these incidents to the Police or Sheriff's Department. Talk about concerns and problems with your neighbors.

How should I report these incidents?

● Call 911 or your local emergency number. 765-584-1721 is our non-emergency line.

● Give your name and address.

● Explain what happened.

● Briefly describe the suspect: s*x and race, age, height, weight, hair color, clothing, distinctive characteristics such as a beard, mustache, scars, or accent.

● Describe the vehicle if one was involved: color, make, model, year, license plate, and special features such as stickers or damage to the vehicle.