Recent crime has revived an all-but-forgotten institution in Columbus: The neighborhood watch.
Two Ward 6 neighborhoods, Bluecutt Estate and Northaven Woods, have recently created watches, and a third, Holly Hills, is in the process, said Capt. Fred Shelton, the Columbus Police Department neighborhood watch liaison.
The neighborhoods join the city”s three other active watches in East Columbus, Ward 5 and Southside, Shelton said.
Crimes including the attempted rape of an elderly woman in Northaven Woods last year have spurred some neighborhoods into action, Shelton said.
Ideally, a neighborhood watch has neighbors looking out for each other and each others” property and calling police for any suspicious activity.
Ward 6 Councilman Bill Gavin, who has recently organized town hall meetings about the issue, also said the revival is picking up speed in Columbus.
“It”s started to grow and expand a little bit,” he said of the program. “People are excited.
“For some reason, neighborhood watch programs died down. I”m hoping that doesn”t happen with us (again).”
Neighbors should be looking out for each other, especially as the city develops and crime increases, Gavin said.
“Columbus,” he added, “is no longer a sleepy little Mayberry.”
“(The number of watches) needs to grow,” Gavin continued. “There are more citizens who need to be trained about what to look for. I hope it goes city-wide.”
Besides protecting fellow citizens, the watches also help police nab criminals quickly and efficiently, Shelton said.
“The neighborhood watch groups are our eyes and ears when we”re not there,” he said. “They”re very important.”
Shelton said people should call the police anytime they spot suspicious activity.
“The main thing is, call, call, call,” he said. “If you see something suspicious or not right, give police a call.”
For information about starting a watch in your neighborhood, call the police department at 662-244-3500.
Neighborhood safety tips
· Don”t leave valuables, like lawnmowers, outside.
· When you vacation, have a neighbor get your mail. Also, call the police department for more information about having your residence checked daily by officers.
· Let the police department know about any suspicious activity. Better safe than sorry.
Source: Columbus Police Department
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