What is Neighbourhood WATCH?Neighbourhood Watch is a cooperative crime prevention program that helps neighbours work together and with the Police to create safer, friendlier communities that everyone can enjoy. Neighbourhood Watch programs teach crime prevention tips and encourages neighbours to develop awareness about their own neighbourhood. Neighbours become involved for the purpose of mutual protection to help themselves and each other. They choose to become “their brother’s keeper” because a threat to one is a threat to all. A number of Neighbourhood Watch programs already exist in the Turks & Caicos Islands and they are among the many protecting communities around the world. Who can join Neighbourhood WATCH?Anyone! Neighbourhood Watch programs will work in all types of residential areas, apartment buildings, condominiums and even mixed use or commercial sub-divisions. Anyone who is concerned about their neighbourhood and who wants to prevent crime can help to introduce this program to their neighbours. If you take the time to help your neighbour to protect himself and his property, it will then be his responsibility to help protect you and yours. “We look out for each other!” is our motto. What does Neighbourhood WATCH require?Neighborhood Watch is a mutual assistance effort between the community and the Police that requires:
What Neighbourhood WATCH isn’t.1. Neighbourhood Watch does not require you to perform any special tasks, go to a lot of meetings or to take on extra responsibilities. 2. You do not have to go on patrol or chase burglars. That is the job of the Police. You just need to be alert and observant as part of your everyday life. 3. You do not have to know your neighbour’s business, just be familiar enough to know who belongs and who doesn’t. 4. Neighbourhood Watch isn’t just for homeowners, it is for everyone. How to start a Neighbourhood WATCH Program?1. Start small! 4 to 6 committed residents in your immediate area must agree on the need to start a Neighborhood Watch Program in your community. They will serve as the first Neighbourhood Watch Program Committee and you will need to agree that one of you will act as the initial Neighbourhood Watch Program Coordinator. This core group can motivate others to become involved. 2. Your Committee will need to consider the street and/or area physical landmark boundaries in order for your Neighborhood Watch Program to be effective. Start small and think about accessibility, people available and communications. Your Program can always grow or more Neighbourhood Watch Programs can be put in place once the word spreads. 3. Advise the Community Policing Section of the Royal Turks & Caicos Islands Police Force, see below, regarding your plans. They will arrange a meeting with your Committee, Neighbourhood Watch Turks & Caicos and themselves to discuss your plan and to describe the resources and procedures that will assist your Neighbourhood Watch Program to be effective. 4. Schedule an open meeting for residents of your area at a home, church or school. The Police and Neighbourhood Watch Turks & Caicos will help to explain and launch your Neighbourhood Watch Program.
Royal Turks & Caicos Islands Police Force and Neighbourhood Watch Turks & Caicos look forward to helping you to create a safer and friendlier community.
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