A neighborhood alert is a group of neighbors that share information on security issues in their community. Often organized as a separate group or a subset of a community association, the members are trained to observe and report suspicious activity, helping police catch criminals and reduce crime. In addition, a well-run neighborhood watch can improve the quality of life in a community by encouraging camaraderie among residents and strengthening relationships with local law enforcement.
There are many ways to get involved in a neighborhood alert, including joining a block or house watch, reporting suspicious activity to police, or participating in a citizen patrol. A good way to start is by talking to other neighbors about the benefits of a watch, and forming a small group committed to starting one. Be sure to include your local police department in the effort and request their help and resources as needed.
Another great way to stay alert is with a simple communication tool such as DialMyCalls. This simple app lets you notify your entire neighborhood in seconds to keep an eye out for any suspicious activity or vehicles. Keeping your neighbors informed can be a powerful deterrent to burglary and vandalism, and can also save lives in the event of an emergency.
Many communities use Facebook, Nextdoor, Ring, or other social media sites to communicate and share security concerns. Public safety agencies, local governments and community organizations can set up a Neighbors Verified account to connect directly with residents through a free interface.