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Neighborhood Watch program works, says crime prevention specialist

Rick Monroe

Special to the Village News

Being a snoopy neighbor may have a bad ring to it, but it can also be a good thing if you're in a Neighborhood Watch program.

"I've never experienced it in a bad way," said Heather Mitchell, crime prevention specialist at the Sheriff's Fallbrook station. "I call it being a good neighbor."

Mitchell has been assigned to Fallbrook for only a couple of months but is working closely with several residential areas in establishing Neighborhood Watch programs. There are currently about 10 active citizen groups in Fallbrook, she said, but more coming on board.

"It's a big part of my job," she said. "It's all about looking after one another and being proactive instead of reactive."

Neighborhood Watch is effective because it also connects residents with deputies, Mitchell added.

"An example from Valley Center, where I was previously assigned, was residents near one of the casinos being concerned that people would wander into their neighborhood in the evenings, sometimes on foot," she said. "Deputies observed the situation and added a regular patrol to the neighborhood."

Another example was neighbors concerned that an elderly woman who lived alone near them hadn't been seen for a couple of days. Two of them decided to go to the home and were able to look into a window and see the woman on the floor and unable to move. Fortunately, paramedics were called in time to help, Mitchell said.

Neighborhood Watch programs can be established in a track home development, gated community or rural area, or even on a single street, Mitchell noted. Sometimes it's through an HOA. Connecting with the Sheriff's Department isn't required, she said, and some are set up directly through the National Neighborhood Watch (NNW.com), started in the 1960s. September is also National Neighborhood Watch Month.

However, residents working with Mitchell get personal attention and she first meets with the resident having an interest one-on-one to explain the steps. Then, if several neighbors are interested, she scheduled a presentation.

"It's usually outdoors, maybe as a block party, clubhouse, park or even a large home to introduce the program," Mitchell said. "I answer their questions and share crime prevention techniques and statistics. Phone trees are created, block captains assigned, and a schedule for future meetings is set - monthly, quarterly, or whatever the group decides. Free Neighborhood Watch signs are also provided."

"The idea that if there is something suspicious, no matter how petty it may seem, is to call us," she said. "That's what we're here for, 24 hours a day."

Anything serious can be called to 9-1-1, but more routine observations can be reported to the communications center at 858-565-5200. She added that it's best to be on the safe side and not personally approach a suspicious person. Instead, use the phone.

Mitchell said she sometimes notices minor incidents are reported on social media and not officially reported. It's more effective to report directly to the Sheriff's Department, she said.

Neighborhood Watch programs are more of a partnership with residents and the Sheriff's jurisdiction, she said.

The crime specialist said sometimes a group will start strong but then taper off on participation. She urged residents to be persistent.

Neighborhood Watch also helps build relationships between the public and deputies, Mitchell said. It becomes a point-of-contact in fostering relationships.

She also touted the social aspect.

"It's a great opportunity to get to know one another," she said. "I'll ask at the initial meetings if you know your neighbors on both sides, and many say they don't. I think some people feel they don't want to invade your space, but you can really help one another. Little things like picking up newspapers thrown on the driveway or bringing in trash cans when people are on vacation is part of prevention."

Mitchell can be contacted at 760-451-3124. She also suggested visiting the Facebook or Twitter accounts for the department. The Twitter address is @sdsofallbrook.

 

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