Neighborhood Crime Watch
Police and Citizens’ Stopping Crime Together

Neighborhood Crime Watch is one of the most effective and least costly ways to prevent crime and reduce fear. It bonds area residents to help reduce crime and improves relations between police and the communities they serve.

In 1981, the St. Petersburg Police Department began the Neighborhood Crime Watch program. Since that time, we have been working hard to reduce crime, but we need the help of every citizen in this effort. Citizens like yourself need to involve themselves in the fight against crime by working with the police and other residents.

Neighborhood Crime Watch encourages citizen participation in reducing crime. Residents and police work together to achieve one common goal – "Making Their Neighborhoods Safe."

Residents are taught how to protect their property and report suspicious activities to the police.

Neighborhood Crime Watch also helps build pride and serves as a springboard for efforts that address other community concerns.

What does a Neighborhood Crime Watch do?

Members meet their neighbors and learn how to make their home more secure. They watch out for each other and report suspicious activities to the police.

Neighbors mark their valuable property with an identifying number (drivers license number) to discourage theft and help police return stolen property.

• Meetings – These should be held at least once a year with your Crime Prevention and Community Police Officers.
• Citizens’ Patrol – Crime Watch members who walk or drive through the neighborhood and alert police to crime and questionable activities. Not all neighborhood crime watches need a citizens’ patrol.
• Communications – Regular discussions between neighbors, Crime Prevention Officers and Community Police Officers.
• Special Events – Block Parties, Crime Prevention Programs and National Night Out

Organize a small group of neighbors to discuss concerns, the level of interest, and possible neighborhood problems.

Schedule a date, place and time to hold your first crime watch meeting.

Contact the Crime Prevention Unit to start a Neighborhood Watch in your neighborhood
893-7128