Neighbors Watching Out
It cannot be over stated that a tight knit community that watches over each other is absolutely invaluable to preventing crime. Commonly promoted as neighborhood watch, having neighbors watching out for each other is nothing but positive.
Police generally are too few in number and cover too large an area to be there when suspicious people or events occur. Police most often "respond to" situations that are called in by citizens calling in a complaint.
The more neighbors know each other the better.
As I write this blog post, I am reminded of an incident that happened to me in my community.
My wife has a passion for caring for animals. In our suburban neighborhood it unfortunately is common for owners not to get their cats spade or neutered, or to abandon them when they move. We have become the caretakers of both community cats and other “rescues” that have adopted us as a fur-ever home.
One of these inside cat adoptees decided to exit the house compliments of a careless vendor one day. Before and after work I drove through all the subdivisions in our non- gated community looking for our "Purvis". While going through one of the subdivisions (which was non gated) and located on a dead end (one road in/out), I was doing my usual slow driving look out.
An older gentleman started eye balling me and eventually approached me about "my business " in the community. I explained the situation to him and complimented him on his vigilance. He was a watchful neighbor, looking out for his community.
Would-be thieves do take note of these behaviors. Most thieves look for soft targets where they can blend in or move freely without notice. Promote vigilance. Promote an atmosphere where thieves consider the risks to be too high in your area.
FYI--I am not recommending you approach all suspicious people you see. Use caution. Sometimes it is better to get on the phone and call the police department.
Moral of the story--neighbors being vigilant is a good thing.
FYI--Purvis returned 19 days later. He has shown no further interest in being adventuresome. Thank God.
To be continued…
~ Curt Price, founder of C.E. Safes