How a Neighborhood Watch Program is Great for Home Security
1. It gives police much-needed help. You would be hard-pressed to counter the notion that police forces don't have the resources today they've had in the past. Unfortunately, budgetary restrictions have compelled law enforcement agencies to cut corners. Don't let your home security be directly affected by this shift in economic stability. Join up with the neighborhood watch program, or start one up with your local police force's help. If you live in a smaller community, you might even try your own small version.
2. It makes everyone wise to the tactics criminals have been using. When you are involved and talking with police about the best method of protecting the community, you are going to learn a great deal. Instead of wasting your time doing some unnecessary things which you think will make everyone safer, you'll find out what has been tested and proven to work. Police forces don't have time and resources to waste, so they will bring their best to the table right away and show you how to do the same.
3. It allows you to workshop ideas. Everyone has something to learn about security tactics, and who better to learn from than the people living in your neighborhood? Tips on everything the best home alarm for your development's house style to the locks that are sure to never be hacked off could be passed on to you for free. Chances like this don't come along everyday, and don't allow you to get to know your neighbors better in the exchange.
4. It works by simply existing. There's a big difference between a neighborhood blanketed in signs for the watch program and a single, isolated home which appears to be shut down for the season. The latter is an ideal target, while the carefully guarded community is something of a nightmare for thieves. Why would they bother with a neighborhood watch program when there are so many communities with lax home security plans?
5. It fosters a sense of community. Nothing turns off a burglar like a vibrant community, with people sitting on their steps and having conversations at all hours of the day, happy to be out in a safe environment with friends and family. Isolated, dark areas are more up the burglar's alley, so by getting involved with your neighborhood watch, you are joining a group of people who have immediately increased their home security quotient.