What's one of the first things a burglar looks for before breaking into a house? According to a survey of 236 inmates, many burglars look for a neighborhood-watch sign to determine whether the neighbors look out for each other. Statistics show that crime rates have dropped by as much as 80 percent in areas where neighborhood-watch signs were posted. To get a sign for your neighborhood, however, you'll have to meet a few requirements. First, communicate with your neighbors to find out whether anyone else wants to start a watch program. If the desire for a program exists, contact the police department, which will send a crime-prevention representative to meet with the neighbors and discuss organizational steps. Your group must then determine the boundaries of the watch area and agree to meet at least twice a year. The police department will provide your group not only with a neighborhood-watch sign but also with crime-prevention tips. Once you begin your neighborhood-watch program, take steps to make sure it's effective. First, communicate with your neighbors. Know who they are, what their work schedules are like, what kinds of cars they drive and how to contact them. You should also know your beat officer, the police officer who patrols your area. Keep your neighborhood clean. If a house in your area is run-down or poorly maintained, contact the codes-enforcement department, which will take appropriate steps to remedy the situation--from contacting the homeowner to condemning the property. Let your neighbors know when you're going on vacation, and arrange for one of them to pick up your mail and newspaper while you're gone. Make your house look lived in by using motion-sensor lights and timers to control radios and interior lights.
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