While we don't like to talk about it, or even think about the fact that crime is on the increase throughout the world.  The number of burglars, muggers, auto thieves, robbers, etc., is growing at an alarming rate.  You, as a resident, working with neighbors can help reduce the crime rate.

How?  By organizing and/or joining a neighborhood program in which you and your neighbors can learn as a unit how to protect yourselves, your family, your home and your property.  You can get the criminals off your block and out of your area, if you work together.  

There's safety in numbers and power through working as a unit.  The ups are .... you get to know your neighbors and you can work together to reduce crime, develop a united community, put a communication module between the neighborhood and the law enforcement in place, establish crime prevention techniques and renew community activity. 

"Citizens Safety Projects" are set up to help you do this.  It is a joint effort between the neighborhood and local police.  Such programs have been started all over the world.  Maybe one already exists in your community.    

This is NOT a "vigilante" group:  

These groups gather citizens together to learn crime prevention from local authorities ... things like reporting suspicious activities, watching over a neighbor's house while they're away, and educating everyone to be mindful of the standard precautions for property and self that should always be taken.  Criminals tend to avoid neighborhoods where such groups exist. 

Through cooperation with local law enforcement agencies, some of the things you will learn are:  

1.       Recognizing a burglary in progress.

2.       Identifying stolen items.

3.       Protecting yourself and family.

4.       Signs of a burglary in progress.

5.       What to do in case of injury.

6.       What to do about suspicious people hanging around on your street.

7.       Identifying a suspicious person.

8.       Recognizing auto theft in progress.

9.       Protecting your house or apartment.

10.     How to handle an emergency.

11.     Identifying a vehicle being used in a suspected criminal activity.  

and much more.  

It's easy to get your group started.  All you have to do is to arrange the first meeting with your neighbors and arrange a date, place and time for the meeting ...  hold it at your home or that of a neighbor.  Try to plan it when it is convenient to most of your neighbors - preferably in the evening.  

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