Block Watch

Creating safer neighbourhoods one block at a time.

Block Watch is a program to help neighbours watch out for neighbours. It aims to get citizens involved in preventing crime at the local level.

How does it work?

Your neighbours know who you are, what type of car you drive, and may be the first to notice a suspicious person at your door or window. A police officer patrolling your community may not recognize a stranger in your yard — but your neighbour will.

Block Watch volunteers report suspicious activity to each other and to the police. A Break and Enter can be prevented if criminals know that there are watchful neighbours!

Why join?

Neighbourhoods with an active Block Watch show a significant decrease in crime in their area. Other benefits include:

• Increased communication between your neighbours and police.
• A sense of community and safety in your neighbourhood.
• Education on how to recognize and report suspicious behaviour
• Receive Block Watch street signs and stickers for your doors

What is required of Block Watch volunteers?

• To start a Block Watch group, someone must volunteer to become the Block Captain.
• You must be at least 19 years old.
• Block Watch does not require a lot of time. It is easy to organize.
• It is not necessary to be home all the time to be a Block Watch Captain or Co-Captain.
• Block Watch can be established in single family homes, condominiums, and town homes.

The role of a Block Watch Captain and Co-Captain

The Captain and Co-Captain share the responsibility of managing the Block Watch Program in their neighbourhood. They serve as the communication link between their neighbourhood Block Watch participants and the RCMP.

As a Captain or Co-Captain, you will meet with the Block Watch coordinator for a one-time training session. The meeting is approximately 60 minutes in length, and is designed to give prospective Block Watch Captains and Co-Captains a more detailed idea of what their duties as a Captain would be and how to organize/maintain their block.

Resources

• Block Watch: blockwatch.com