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Seymour Police Block Watch Program
Block Watch operates under the community policing principle that preventing crime is everyone‘s responsibility. Block Watch is successful because it is a program of neighbors helping neighbors to prevent crime. No special equipment, skills, or tasks are required of anyone to participate. The only thing required of participants is being alert to what‘s going on in their neighborhoods. A police officer patrolling the neighborhood may not recognize a stranger in your yard, but you or your neighbor might.
The Seymour Police Department will help you form a neighborhood Block Watch or let you know if one already exists in your neighborhood. Block Watch is simple, requiring two commitments:
1. A commitment between neighbors to be concerned about each other's property
2. A commitment that when suspicious activity is observed, that a call is placed to check on the neighbor's welfare and the activity is reported to 9-1-1.
Block Watch is a crime prevention program that:
Teaches citizens techniques to reduce their risk of being victimized at their home and in public.
Teaches citizens the importance of recognizing suspicious activities and how to report them to police.
Teaches participants how to make their homes more secure and properly mark their property.
Encourages neighbors to get to know one another and their routines so that any out of place activity can be reported and investigated.
Provides a way for concerned citizens to address issues that concern the entire community.
Block Watch does not have to be restricted to crime prevention issues. Block Watch can also address other community issues as well such as drug awareness, personal safety, first aid, health and safety, fire prevention, city planning, street repair and disaster preparedness.
Block Watch is not:
A citizen patrol or vigilante force.
Intended for participants to take personal risks to prevent crime.
Limited to homeowners. The concept of neighbor watching out for neighbor is just as important for renters as it is for property owners.
A guarantee that crime will not occur in a neighborhood.
For information on how you can start or join a Block Watch program in your neighborhood call the Crime Prevention Unit at 203-881-7608
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