Take a stand against crime. Join the Neighborhood Watch.
What is Neighborhood Watch?
Neighborhood Watch is a program where neighbors watch out for each other in an effort to make the community safer and improve the quality of life in their neighborhood. It empowers citizens and communities to become active in emergency preparedness in an effort to fight crime. The Neighborhood Watch program was pioneered by the Winchester Police Department to educate community members regarding their roles and responsibilities in the prevention of crime, and to encourage them to take active measures to prevent crime.
There are three Neighborhood Watch groups in the City of Winchester. A guest speaker attends each meeting and answers questions from local residents.
THE NORTH END NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH
Group meets the third Monday of every month at the Douglass.
THE WOODLAND AVENUE NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH
Group meets on the second Wednesday of every other month in the Debbie Bock Training Room at the Timbrook Public Safety Center at 7 p.m.
NORTHSIDE NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH
Group meets the last Monday of every month at 121 West Oates Avenue at 7 p.m.
Click Here to download a copy of our Neighborhood Watch Tool Kit!
If you are interested in starting a Neighborhood Watch group in your community contact WPD.
Responsibilities as a Watch Member
Know your neighbors and watch out for each other
Report suspicious activities and crimes to the police department
Learn how you can make yourself and your community safer
What to Look Out for as a Watch Member
Someone screaming or shouting for help
Someone looking in windows of houses and parked cars
Property being taken out of houses where no one is at home or from closed businesses
Cars, vans, or trucks moving slowly with no apparent destination or without lights
Anyone being forced into a vehicle
A stranger sitting in a car or stopping to talk to a child Report these incidents to the police department. Talk about concerns and problems with your neighbors. The non-emergency number for the police department is (540) 662-4131.
Give your name and address.
Briefly describe the event – what happened, when, where, and who was involved.
Describe the suspect: sex and race, age, height, weight, hair color, clothing, distinctive characteristics such as beard, mustache, scars, tattoos or accent.
Describe the vehicle if one was involved: color, make, model, year, license plate, and special features such as stickers, dents, or decals.
Top 10 Tips for a Safe Home
Lock doors and windows
Crime-proof outside areas
Get to know your neighbors
Consider an alarm
Protect yourself with lock and key
Protect your home when traveling
Protect your valuables
Teach home safety to your kids
Have an emergency plan
Take a stand – Join a Neighborhood Watch group.
Sgt. Mike Ackerman
231 E. Piccadilly Street
Crime Prevention: