Crime Prevention

Neighborhood Watch
Tips for Senior Citizens
Domestic Violence
Identity Theft

 

Neighborhood Watch

Neighborhood Watch is one of the most effective crime prevention tools being utilized today. Neighborhood Watch is basically a return to the way neighborhoods used to be. Years ago, people looked out for their neighbors’ property. If they saw something suspicious, they would investigate or call the police. Today in so many neighborhoods people do not even know their next door neighbor’s name. Neighborhood Watch was designed to help strengthen the relationships between neighbors and in the process build a community wide crime prevention network. Law enforcement officials have for years relied on the community to assist in apprehending criminals after the crime has been committed. With Neighborhood Watch, this assistance is proactive instead of reactive.

Working together, law enforcement and the community can stop the crime before it occurs. This is the core of the Neighborhood Watch program.

A Neighborhood Watch can be formed around any geographical unit: a block, apartment, public housing complex, business area, office, or marina. A watch group serves as an extra set of eyes and ears for reporting crime and helping neighbors. How effective a Neighborhood Watch is depends on how active its members are. Neighborhood Watch serves as a springboard for efforts that address community concerns such as recreation for youth, child care, and affordable housing.

How do I get started?

First, before you contact your local law enforcement agency, contact your neighbors. Send out a flyer, call, or visit your neighbors to get an idea as to what the main concerns in the neighborhood are in regard to crime and personal safety. Then contact your local law enforcement agency and check about setting up your first Neighborhood Watch meeting. In order for a group to be certified as a neighborhood watch, most agencies require a minimum of two initial meetings. After your two initial meetings, it is up to your neighborhood to elect a captain for your Neighborhood Watch. After you have established the core group of members and the area your watch will cover, you will receive your signs that will announce to would be criminals that your neighborhood is "on the watch." If you live in Ware County, Georgia, and would like to start a Neighborhood Watch, contact the Ware County Sheriff’s Office at (912) 287-4326

After a Neighborhood Watch program has been adopted in your community, here are some tips on things to do to keep your program active:

Remember, the only way we are going to keep our neighborhoods safe with less crime is to get law abiding citizens to take action to insure the safety of our communities and our homes. Neighborhood Watch is not the sole answer to the problem of crime in our communities. However, if we all work together, Neighborhood Watch can help curtail many of the crimes that go unchecked because of simple mistakes or neighbors that are "afraid to get involved."

Return to Top

 

Tips for Senior Citizens

As people grow older, their chances of being victims of crime decrease dramatically. But a lifetime of experience coupled with the physical problems associated with aging often make older Americans fearful. Even though they may be on the lookout constantly for physical attack and burglary, they’re not as alert for frauds and con games - in reality the greatest crime threat to seniors’ well-being and trust. Here are some tips on how to avoid becoming a victim as a senior citizen.

While out and about....>

In your home....

Watch out for con artist!

Getting involved with community programs such as Neighborhood Watch, would help you take an active part in the safety of your community. If your neighborhood does not have a Neighborhood Watch Program, contact your local police or sheriff’s office.

Work to change conditions that hurt your neighborhood. If we are going to keep crime in check, we are going to have to work together. It takes everyone in the community, both young and old, to keep our neighborhoods a safe place we can be proud to live in. For more information about Senior Safety call 706-272-327

Return to Top

 

Domestic Violence

As many as four million women in this country suffer some kind of violence at the hands of their husbands or boyfriends each year. A women in the U.S. is physically assaulted by a partner an average of once every twelve seconds. Very few will tell anyone-- a friend, a relative, a neighbor, or the police. Victims of domestic violence come from all walks of life, all cultures, all income groups, all ages, all religions. They share feelings of helplessness, isolation, guilt, fear, and shame.

How do you know if you are abused? Ask yourself the following questions. Does the person you love.....

If the answer to any of these questions is yes, It’s time to get help.

What do I do If I am being abused?

First, don’t ignore the problem. Talk to someone. Part of the abuser’s power comes from secrecy. Victims are often ashamed to expose intimate family problems. However, the first step toward solving the problem is admitting to yourself and others that there is a problem. Talk to a friend or neighbor, or call a domestic violence hotline to talk to a counselor:

National Resource Center on Domestic Violence 1-800-537-2238

Plan ahead and know what you will do if you are attacked again. Tell your neighbor to call the police if they hear any disturbances. Even if you decide to stay, you should be prepared to leave on a moments notice. Set aside some money and clothes in a secret and safe place. Put important papers together (marriage license, birth certificates, checkbook)

in a place where you can get them quickly. If you are attacked get out fast. However, If your being abused, don’t wait for another attack. Get out now. Especially if there are children involved.

What can I do to stop abusing my loved ones?

Domestic violence is passed down from generation to generation. The only way to stop this inheritance of destruction is to get help now. The steps you take now could bring about a positive change in your family’s future for generations to come.

Return to Top

 

Identity Theft

Identity theft is a serious crime. People whose identities have been stolen can spend months or years - and their hard-earned money - cleaning up the mess thieves have made of their good name and credit record. In the meantime, victims may lose job opportunities, be refused loans, education, housing or cars, or even get arrested for crimes they didn't commit.

How can someone steal your identity?

Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personal information such as your name, Social Security number, credit card number or other identifying information, without your permission to commit fraud or other crimes.

If you think your identity has been stolen, here's what to do now:

For more in-depth information on recovering from identity theft and help with specific problems, read Take Charge: Fighting Back Against Identity Theft.

Identity Theft - Federal Trade Commission Website

Return to Top

FooterLine