It's a program that enlists residents from the same neighborhood to watch out for each other. It's done through cooperation and participation of the citizens and the Police to help reduce crime and improve the quality of life in our neighborhoods.
(1)It's becoming acquainted with your neighbors.
(2)If it's suspicious to you, it's suspicious to us, but only if you call and report it.
(3)It's working together to identify and solve problems in your neighborhood.
(4)It's implementation of simple crime prevention techniques to enhance security.
(5)It's not apprehending someone, that's the job of the Police!
(6)It's putting neighbor back in Neighborhood.
Starting a Neighborhood Watch
The Police cannot be in every neighborhood at all times, you can help by forming a neighborhood watch. you and your neighbors can stay safer by looking out for each other. start organizing your neighborhood watch by scheduling a neighborhood watch meeting by contacting the Washington Borough Police Department, Community Policing Unit at (908)689-4646, to schedule a presentation. At your meeting we will explain how you can create an alert neighborhood by using simple crime prevention methods.
More Information about Neighborhood Watches
(1)Canvass your neighborhood for interest. Try to involve neighbors from the adjacent streets to yours.
(2)Ask about convenient times to schedule your initial meetings.
(3)Neighborhood Watches do not require frequent meetings.
(4)It does not ask anyone to take personal risk to prevent crime.
(5)Neighborhood Watch leaves the responsibility for apprehending criminals where it belongs, with the Police.
Things to look out for in your Neighborhood
(1) Someone screaming or yelling for help.
(2) Someone looking into windows and/or parked cars or unusual noises.
(3) Property being taken out of houses where no one is home or business that is closed.
(4) Cars, vans, trucks moving slowly with no apparent destination or without lights.
(5) Anyone being force into a vehicle.
(6) A stranger sitting in a car or talking to children.
(7) Abandoned cars.
(8) Hearing audible alarms.
(9) Hearing glass breaking.
(10)Seeing suspicious moving or delivery trucks in the area.
(11)Youths congregrating on the street, at a vacant house or a house where no one is home.
(12)Watch for strangers in cars or on foot.
(13)Always ask unknown solicitors/vendors/canvasser to see their permit.
How to Report Suspicious or Criminal Activity
*Call the Washington Borough Police Department at (908)689-4646/2111 or 9-1-1 for emergencies.
*Give your name, address and phone number for follow-up information.
*Briefly describe the event, what happened? When? Where? Who?
*describe the suspect; sex, race, nationality, height, weight, hair color, distinctive characteristics such as beard, mustache, scars, tattoo's, accents and clothing.
*Describe the vehicle, if one was involved; color, make, model, year, license plate number and any special features like damage, stickers and direction of travel.
Any resident interested in becoming involved in the Neighborhood Watch Program is being asked to contact Sgt. Roger Doll at 689-4646 or at the Police Station.
The Washington Borough Police would like to thank all the people, organizations and businesses that supported the 2002 National Night Out. Because of their outstanding efforts and dedication, we had another great night out! We hope to see you all there again next year for an even bigger and better celebration.
Burglary Prevention Tips
KEEP ALL WINDOWS & DOORS SECURELY FASTENED. Doors should have deadbolt locks with a 1" throw & reinforced strike plate with 3" screws. Sliding glass doors should have a metal rod or a piece of strong wood in the track to prevent it from being forced.
CREATE AN ILLUSION THAT YOU ARE HOME. Use timers on lights, radios or TV to make it appear your house is occupied. Avoid clues that might tip a thief off that you are away, even for the night. Collect mail, newspapers and have a neighbor park a car in your driveway. Keep some blinds or shades open (preferably on the 2nd floor) so everything appears normal.
KEEP PERIMETER OF YOUR HOME CLEAR & WELL LIGHTED. Keep shrubbery trimmed away from entrances and walkways. Install motion lights or permanent spotlights to deter prowlers.
COMMUNICATE WITH YOUR NEIGHBORS. Let them know when you will be away, even if it's just for a day or evening. Also let them know if you will be having visitors who might be driving vehicles that are unfamiliar to them, or if someone will be coming to your home while you are out.
SAFEGUARD YOUR VALUABLES. Engrave jewelry, watches, TV's and other portable items with your social security other identifiable label. Consider storing jewelry and cash in a bank safe deposit box, or a hidden safe in your home. Most burglars go directly to the master bedroom, so avoid storing them there.
REPORT ANY SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY IMMEDIATELY TO THE POLICE. Any person, vehicle, event or activity which seems odd or suspicious should be called into the police as soon as possible. Try to obtain as much descriptive information about the person (sex, race, clothing, age, hght, wght, hair) or vehicle (lic plate, color, make, model, occupants) as you can, without alerting possible suspects.
If you have any questions or concerns please call the Washington Borough Police at anytime. The phone number is 689-2111. If there is an emergency, dial 9-1-1.
