Block Watch

What is Block Watch?

Block Watch is a program where neighbours watch out for neighbours. It aims to get citizens involved in discouraging and preventing crime at the local level. The ultimate success of Block Watch depends largely on a commitment to cooperate between area residents and the police — and more importantly, between residents themselves.

How Does It Work?

The program depends on mutual aid. Your neighbours know who you are, what type of car you drive, and may be the first to notice a suspicious person at your door or window. A police officer patrolling your community may not recognize a stranger in your yard — but your neighbours will.

The Block Watch program builds on these facts. By simply getting to know the neighbours around you, you will be well positioned to recognize someone or something that is suspicious. When neighbours work together, they can combat crime in their area the most effective way — before it starts. Block Watch encourages active participation in crime prevention.

As part of the Program, you can learn:

• How to make your home less inviting as a target for thieves;
• How to participate in an engraving program to mark your valuables;
• How to recognize and report suspicious activity in your neighbourhood;
• How to increase your personal safety;
• How to prevent auto crime; and
• What is happening in the area of community crime prevention through our Newsletter.
• Getting Involved in Block Watch

What Is Required of Volunteers?

• Each block area will require a Block Captain.
• Depending on the size of the complex or neighbourhood, several Captains or Co-Captains may need to be recruited.
• All Captains and Co-Captains must undergo a suitability clearance by the police in advance of attending a free training session and crime prevention workshop.
• The Block Watch Application form can be obtained from one of our Community Police Offices or downloaded from our website.
• Block Watch does not require a lot of time and is easy to organize.

To get involved in Block Watch in your area contact your local Community Police Office. Our Crime Prevention Coordinators can provide you with more detailed information on how to start up a Block Watch Group. Please email Blair Berkner at bberkner@mapleridge.ca

Creating Safer Neighbourhoods one block at a time.