Community Corner
Concerned About Crime in Your Neighborhood? Do Something About It
Redwood City Police say an alert and cooperative neighborhood is the best defense against crime. Here are a few tips from local police for keeping your block safe.
The recent rash of home burglaries has many residents concerned about their safety. The Redwood City Police Department and San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office has resources for those interested in starting a neighborhood watch group.
Information can be obtained directly from the Sheriff’s Office in the form of detailed materials designed to assist people in beginning a program within their neighborhood.
A neighborhood watch group is a organization designed to be proactive in preventing crime and vandalism. Members are hyper-sensitive to unusual activity and contact the police department to report crime in their neighborhoods. An alert and cooperative neighborhood is the best defense against crime, say local law enforcement officials.
Neighborhood watch groups increase effectiveness of crime prevention as residents report suspicious or criminal activity. They work toward a common goal — getting to know their neighbors and learning how to keep their homes and property secure.
There are steps you can take immediately. Contact your neighbors and determine a good day and time to schedule a neighborhood meeting to discuss crime problems in your area and explain the value of neighborhood watch (it does not require constant meetings). Doodle is an online tool you can use to find a time when everyone is available.
Police officials are available to attend meetings and answer questions about crime in your area. They also often provide information about deterring and preventing crime.
A good course of action is to define a liaison who is able to contact the appropriate department with questions. A Community Policing Unit Deputy can outline the role of people who actually oversee the daily routines and organize the unit and what is involved. The Sheriff's Office has limited involvement once the watch program has been installed.
The better unified a neighborhood, the stronger it becomes. Citizens can be trained in how to spot and report suspicious activity. This is about helping and supporting each other.
Groups are also encouraged to organize community patrols to walk around streets or apartment complexes and alert police to crime and suspicious activities while identifying problems that require attention.
Members can adopt a park or school playground to keep clean, report broken equipment and graffiti.
For information in Redwood City, visit the neighborhood watch resource page or contact Neighborhood Liaison Coordinator Officer Diana Villegas at dvillegas@redwoodcity.org.
For Woodside, Portola Valley and Ladera residents, the contact person is Deputy Ron DeRespini at (650) 257-3403, ext. 9 or by email.
The Huffington Post also has a variety of information available, including an opinion piece on such a program.
Find out what's happening in Redwood City-Woodsidewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Related articles on Patch:
Suspected Bank Robber Arrested in Milpitas Connected to RWC Robbery?
UPDATE: Teens Arrested in Stolen Vehicle After Police Pursuit from San Mateo to Redwood City
Teen Gang Members Appear in Court for Redwood City Drive-By Shooting
Jewelry Store Clerks Give Armed Robbers a Run for Their Money
Find out what's happening in Redwood City-Woodsidewith free, real-time updates from Patch.
"Like” us on Facebook
"Follow” us on Twitter
Want to share your opinions with the communities of Redwood City and Woodside? Start your own blog here.
