Neighborhood Watch

Neighborhood Watch is one of the oldest and most effective crime prevention programs in the country, bringing citizens together with law enforcement to deter crime and make communities safer. 
 
Sponsored by the National Sheriffs’ Association (NSA), Neighborhood Watch can trace its roots back to the days of colonial settlements, when night watchmen patrolled the streets. The modern version of Neighborhood Watch was developed in response to requests from sheriffs and police chiefs who were looking for a crime prevention program that would involve citizens and address an increasing number of burglaries. 
 
Neighborhood Watch counts on citizens to organize themselves and work with law enforcement to keep a trained eye and ear on their communities, while demonstrating their presence at all times of day and night. (The program took off quickly: in just ten years, NSA data showed that 12 percent of the population was involved in a Neighborhood Watch.) Neighborhood Watch works because it reduces opportunities for crime to occur; it doesn’t rely on altering or changing the criminal’s behavior or motivation.
 
The Balk Hill Homeland Security Committee has established a Neighborhood Watch program for our community.  
 
For more information and to become apart of the team, please contact Guyane Massiah, Chairperson for Homeland Security Committee.  For the e-mail address, please go to the "Contact Us" tab.
 
PERSONAL SAFETY TIPS
 
Being safe requires making wise personal choices that help prevent you from becoming a victim of crime. 
 
Follow these tips to be safe while out of the house: 
 
  • Be aware of your surroundings - Criminals don’t like witnesses and will generally avoid people who look alert.  Trust your instincts, because they may save you from danger.   
  • Avoid dangerous situations such as jogging or walking alone at night.  Whenever possible, walk or jog with friends, rather than alone.  
  • Avoid exercising outside alone at night. If you must go out, stay away from trees or shrubbery that block your view.  Wear reflective gear.  Tell someone how far you are going, your route, and when you expect to return. 
  • Stick to well-lighted, well-traveled streets. 
  • Avoid shortcuts through wooded areas, parking lots or alleys. 
  • Know where to go if you need help. 
  • If you think someone is following you, switch directions or cross the street - If they are still there, move quickly toward an open store, restaurant or a lighted house.  
  • Carry a cell phone and don’t be afraid to call or yell for help. 
  • Be alert in the neighborhood. 
  • Call police about anything you see that seems suspicious.  Report AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
  • Have your car or house key in your hand before you reach the door. Also, it may be a good idea to have an extra set of car key close to your bed. If you hear a noise outside of your home or someone trying to enter your house, you can press the panic button on your car alarm. 
HOME SAFETY TIPS
 
  • Always lock your doors and windows when you are not at home, during the day and at night.
  • Change your code on your garage door/remote control devise.
  • Don’t leave notes on the door when going out.
  • When leaving for an extended period of time {days or weeks}, you should:
  1. Notify the police and a neighbor and leave emergency contact information, who is allowed to be at the house and what vehicles will be there.
  2. Cancel deliveries such as newspapers, UPS, FEDEX, and mail.
  3. Have someone mow the lawn, take out the garbage and remove the garbage cans and shovel the walkway if needed.
  4. Use a timer to turn on and off the lights and leave curtains open.
  5. Notify police and neighbors upon your return.
  • Never hide your keys under the door mat or mailbox or in conspicuous places
  • If you find your door or a window open and suspect someone inside, “DON’T GO IN THE HOUSE”. Leave immediately and call 911. Wait in a safe place and listen to the 911 dispatcher.
  • If someone is soliciting, ask to see their permit and their credentials along with a photo I.D.  
  • If the person{s} are representing workers from utility companies, or delivery services, don’t rely solely on a uniform or his claims, again ask for photo I.D. and credentials.
  • Always lock your vehicle doors and remove valuable items (cameras, money, laptop computers, GPS units, CD’s and purses )
  • Be alert of suspicious activity, vehicles and persons in the area.
  • To report an incident or emergency CALL “911”. Do not call the station direct. The officer may not be at the station. The most effective way to get help quickly is to use the “911” system.
Report an incident to “911” ASAP, do not wait to call. Make every effort to be a first party caller. Important information can be lost if reported by a third party. 
 
ALSO, CHECK OUT NEXTDOOR!
 
What is Nextdoor?
 
Nextdoor is the private social network for your neighborhood.  On Nextdoor, neighbors create private groups for their neighborhoods where they can ask questions, get to know one another, and exchange local advice and recommendations.  Balk Hill has been established on Nextdoor so no need to create the community, just join!  Additionally, Nextdoor can be found on Google Play Store and Apple Apps for your mobile device.
 
To Register for Nextdoor, Click Here