Support neighborhood watches
Dear editor:
With Hot Springs being Arkansas’ tourism hot spot, our city has an alarmingly high crime rate. Arkansas is repeatedly ranked in the bottom 10 states in many categories, with violent crime and property crime being one of the most pertinent concerns. Hot Springs is no exception to this ranking. One of the most outstanding statistics is that of property crime for Hot Springs. According to CityRating.com, the property crime rate was at 230 percent above the national average, and nearly 150 percent above the state average in 2016. There are several solutions to decrease this high number, and the most practical and executable would be establishing more neighborhood watch programs in Hot Springs.
Almost rarely would one see a neighborhood watch sign when driving through back roads in Hot Springs, but more neighborhood watch communities would be an effective solution to decreasing crime in the area. Neighborhood watch is a crime-prevention program that involves citizens and community members and teaches them how to better protect themselves from crime. Residents are taught to report suspicious activity and be the “eyes and ears” for police. Citizens reduce their risk of becoming victims of crime because they are taught how to better prepare themselves against vandalism, burglaries, and assault. Another benefit is that community members will get to know who their neighbors are, making them more comfortable in their home and when they are away. Most neighborhood watch programs are started with assistance from law enforcement and run by volunteers within the community.
The significant amount of crime makes Hot Springs a dangerous environment to be in, decreasing its appeal as a tourist hot spot. The chances of being a victim of property crime in our city is one in 15, and tourists are high risk-targets. By implementing more neighborhood watch communities around Hot Springs, we could potentially decrease the crime rate, especially for property crime, making our city safer for its residents and visitors. To start a neighborhood watch program, reach out to local enforcement for more information. Nina Thomas ASMSA student