Neighborhood Blockwatch

The Neighborhood Blockwatch Program is organized to enable the police and the community to work together to make specific geographical areas more crime-resistant to reduce crime. It is a citizen involvement, neighborhood- and community-based effort, designed to help citizens and the Sheriff's Departments in preventing primarily residential burglaries. In harmony with the philosophy of Community Policing, Neighborhood Blockwatch encourages strong working relationships between patrol officers and the citizens they serve.

What is a 'Blockwatch'?

Neighborhood Blockwatch has proven itself as one of the most effective ways for citizens to get involved in the fight against crime. The fact is, the police alone cannot control crime; they need the help of an alert and concerned public. Safe streets and neighborhoods are everyone's concern and Neighborhood Blockwatch provides a means for everyone to be responsibly involved in the fight against crime. It's our responsibility. Remember, the Homeowners Association is here to enforce Deed Restrictions - not to fight crime.

How does 'Blockwatch' work?

Blockwatch establishes a formal network for citizens to exchange ideas and information with their neighbors and with the police. Through a specially designed sequence of neighborhood meetings, the residents learn how to become the extended eyes and ears of the police, reporting on suspicious or unusual activity in their communities and forwarding that information to the proper authorities. Participants of a Blockwatch also learn the best techniques for securing their homes and property, along with tips on personal safety for themselves and their families when shopping, traveling, and engaging in other activities away from home.

Under no circumstances are Blockwatch participants asked to perform law enforcement duties. That is the job of the police. There are no Blockwatch tasks that would put anyone at risk. Most Blockwatch duties are performed in the course of everyday activities around the neighborhood. Being a Blockwatch participant does not detract from working schedules or leisure time.
The Sixth Amendment allows for the accused to face the accuser. Always be accurate and factual with all information, Do not use third-party or hear-say - "he said / she said" - when reporting. All information stated may be used in a court of law. False reporting is a criminal act, punishable by law, with fines.

How can a 'Blockwatch' help me?

Studies have shown that citizens and law enforcement officers working together can have a positive impact on the crime rate. Blockwatch is the best way for everyone to get involved. Be part of the solution, not the problem. However, for the Blockwatch to stay effective, the participants must be committed to making it work. All with "Positive attitudes and solutions".

How do I get involved in 'Blockwatch'?

Woodstream residents have had a first meeting with Sgt. Lape from the Fairfield County Sheriff's Department. Organizational details were discussed, including what is expected of Blockwatch participants, safety tips, and selection of block captains and/or coordinators. We are still looking for volunteers / block captains. We are in particular need on Shady Woods St NW, Woodside St NW, White Oak Dr., and the back section of Woodstream Dr.

You may volunteer to be a block watch captain. This means keeping your eyes and ears open, notifying the Sheriff when you suspect wrongful activities, and helping to notify your surrounding neighbors.

Non - Emergency number for POLICE:   614-837-2499

Blockwatch - Frequently Asked Questions

Q. There is no crime in our neighborhood. Should we still try to start a Blockwatch?
A. Yes. The fact that many neighborhoods are virtually crime-free does not make them immune. Criminal activity knows no geographical boundary, and provided that enough initial interest can be generated, the fact that your neighborhood is crime-free may be the best reason to establish a Blockwatch now. It should be stressed that every successful Blockwatch, regardless of the crime rate, requires involved, interested, and committed participants.


Q. Won't the Blockwatch program just result in a lot of frivolous and unnecessary calls to the police?
A. No. Remember that you are the best one to judge whether something is normal or not normal in your neighborhood. Sgt. Lape encouraged us to call when something is not normal. They cannot respond or help if we do not inform them! Even if your call turns out to be a false alarm, it is better to let trained police officers make that determination. Under no circumstances are Blockwatch participants asked to perform law enforcement duties.

SAFETY TIPS

Landscaping and Yard Security

A few alterations to your landscaping can be enough to put off intruders. To avoid getting caught, intruders look for property they can get into and out of quickly. Their ideal target is a house surrounded by large hedges and shrubs, which hamper visibility from the street and neighbors houses.

Bushes, Shrubs, and Trees: Trim shrubbery and trees so doors and windows are visible to neighbors, and from the street. Trimmed landscaping should not provide concealment for criminals. If you have a second floor, prune trees so they can't help a thief climb in second-floor windows. Place trellises where they can't be used as ladders to gain entry to the upper floors.

• Ground plants (shrubbery and bushes) within four (4) feet of any sidewalks, driveways, doors or gates, should be maintained at a height of not more than two (2) feet.
• Ground plants between four (4) and eight (8) feet of any sidewalks, driveways, doors, or gates, should be maintained at a height of not more than four (4) feet.
• Ground plants under windows should be maintained at a height that is below the window sill.
• Trees should be trimmed so that the lower branches are more than six (6) feet off the ground.

Place large gauge gravel on the ground near windows. The noise caused by intruders walking on it can become a psychological deterrent. DO NOT place river rocks or other items near glass windows or doors. You do not want to provide the burglar with his tools!

Plant spiny (thorny) plants along fences and under windows. Such plants will discourage even the most nimble intruder. Protecting with spiny plants is as effective as the use of barbed wire, and a lot more attractive.

House and Garage Doors

Entry doors should be solid core wood (at least 1 3/4" thick) or metal-wrapped. Your door should fit it's frame tightly, with no more than 1/8" clearance between the door and the frame. If the gap is too big, replace the door or bolt a sturdy metal strip to the door edge. You will boost your protection, and save energy too.

Most hollow core doors can be easily broken through. If the door is flimsy or weak, or doesn't fit securely into the frame, it offers little protection, no matter what locks you use.

Your garage door should be securely locked at all times (even when you are home). Keeping it locked is just as important as keeping your home locked, especially if the garage is attached to the home. Once inside the garage, a burglar can work uninterrupted at getting into the house. Statistics show that approximately 40% of our non-forced entry residential crime is through open garage doors. Even when you are mowing the lawn, gardening, etc., KEEP YOUR GARAGE DOOR DOWN.

If you install a "doggie door", be sure it is not a way in for burglars as well as the dog. Do not be complacent by the fact that you have a small dog. Burglars come in all sizes!

Arcadia Doors and Sliding Glass Windows

People often install sturdy locks on their front doors but leave arcadia (sliding glass) doors and sliding glass windows "wide open" to illegal entry. Burglars look for both of these because they are easy to open. Usually, arcadia doors and windows are more secluded than a front door, making a perfect place for burglars to hide and enter. Two factors must be protected against.

Prying the Lock:

Most arcadia doors and sliding windows come equipped with a lock that is easily pried open. A supplemental lock must be installed.

Broomsticks (they should fit snug), "Charlie bars" and finger operated locks provide some protection.

Key locking devices are much preferred because they can prevent the burglars from using the door or window to remove stolen property.

There are several types of supplemental locks available. Keyed locks may be keyed alike with other entry lock sets and deadbolts. Check with your locksmith or hardware store and select a sturdy type that most suits your home.

Lifting Out:

Many arcadia doors and sliding windows can be lifted out of their tracks from the outside.
Two sheet metal screws placed in the track above the removable part of the door or window can prevent it from being removed. Adjust the screws so that the doors or window will just clear underneath them.

Drill a hole and insert a nail through the inside frame and part way through the metal door frame. You can remove the nail but the burglar can't.

Home Inventory List

Keep a "Personal Property Inventory List" in a safe place, possibly with your insurance papers. This helps to recover stolen property in the event of a theft or burglary. Keep a duplicate copy in a safe deposit box or other safe place away from your home.

The more complete your inventory list the better. In case of a loss by causes other than theft, it may help you establish your loss with your insurance company. As an example, if you have a fire in your residence and lose a couch, an end table, and a portion of your carpet in your front room, the accurate listing of when and how much you paid for the items will assist you in establishing your loss.

On the inventory list indicate the room the property was located in. Make the description of the item as complete as possible. Include the manufacturer's model number, size, color, and the material the item is made of. This list might include damage marks, repairs, etc. Make sure to list the manufacture's serial number on the list. Do not confuse the model number with the serial number.

BE OBSERVANT - - - BE VIGILANT - - - BE CAREFUL - - - BE SAFE !!!