Neighborhood alert is a crime prevention program that brings neighbors together with law enforcement to deter crime. It’s one of the oldest crime prevention programs in America, dating back to the colonial days when night watchmen patrolled neighborhoods.
A neighborhood watch alert is an email or text that warns residents of criminal activity. The alert might mention a burglar alarm or a suspicious person, or it may include information about an actual crime. The goal is to encourage people to take action, such as contacting the police or calling a friend to check out an unusual situation.
Scammers have used fake neighborhood watch alerts to gain trust and steal information from unsuspecting victims. Some of these scams involve stealing personal financial details and access to homes under the guise of protecting the community.
To protect against this, a good neighborhood alert system will allow members to easily and securely communicate with neighbors about crime and safety incidents. Using a phone number that everyone in the neighborhood can remember and quickly recall is important. DialMyCalls can help you create a hard-to-forget vanity number that makes it easy for anyone in the neighborhood to contact the group.
Publish a newsletter or social media page that gives prevention tips and local crime news, recognizes residents of all ages for making a difference, and highlights neighborhood events. Encourage your group to organize block parties and social events that give neighbors a chance to meet each other. Work with a law enforcement representative to advise your group, landlord, or apartment complex on the best security devices and practices for homes and apartments.
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