Neighborhood alert is a powerful tool for communities to share important information with each other, often used in gated communities, apartment complexes, and HOAs. These groups of neighbors act as the eyes and ears of their community, reporting suspicious activity to law enforcement in real time.
Whether your neighborhood has an active group or not, you can still take steps to stay safe. Get to know your neighbors, and make an effort to greet newcomers to the area. Familiarizing yourself with your neighbors can help you spot suspicious activities more easily, as you will be able to recognize their habits and patterns.
For instance, if you notice that your neighbor’s lawn goes weeks without being mowed, or their house looks unoccupied, it could be a sign that they are out of town and leaving their home vulnerable to burglary. Additionally, if your neighbor has small children or elderly family members, they may need extra care while away from the home. Consider asking a trusted friend or neighbor to regularly check in on your property while you’re out of town, or even set interior lights on timers to make it appear as if the home is occupied.
It’s also a good idea to form a positive relationship with local law enforcement. This can be done through community events or by inviting police to attend neighborhood watch meetings and other gatherings. This will give the residents a chance to ask questions and build trust, which can lead to better communication with local law enforcement officers in regards to safety concerns.