When neighbours watch out for each other
Right about this time, neighbourhood watch groups are working out holiday plans to ensure that homes will be safe this festive season. Already, the number of burglaries and housebreak ins in residential areas are increasing. Therefore, it is important to join such an initiative if you have not yet.
For the past two years, travel has been restricted due to Covid and criminals have been somewhat restricted to carryout their criminal activities but now with the high numbers of people expecting to travel this festive, there is a need to up security in homes.
Neighbourhood watch programs have been proven to be effective in fighting crimes within communities.
However, some members of the public for different reasons are often reluctant to take part in these noble initiatives. It is also evident that members of the public cannot solely rely on the police to offer their homes and neighborhoods protection.
Considering a neighborhood watch might be the solution.
Some may feel like it is not necessary to be part of such initiatives perhaps because they cannot afford it or they are just not interested in another “social club.”
The fact is most people have one way or the other been a victim of crime, and it is not funny business.
While losing valuable property is a serious setback, material things can always be replaced. But the psychological effect on the other hand is traumatizing and can leave a lasting effect on victims.
Many tell stories of where they were attacked in their homes and they have never been the same since.
Feeling unsafe in your own home is a life-changing experience that no one should need to endure. One of the most harrowing stories was an incident where intruders held a family hostage, and proceeded to rape all females in the presence of male family members.
Who can deny the pain and trauma that this family will have to endure for the rest of their lives? In this case, it is no longer about what material items criminals got away with but the psychological scars they will leave in that home.
All of us want safety and security especially in our homes, where we should feel the most safe.
Neighbours therefore have become fed up with what they have already experienced.
The most obvious advantage of a neighbourhood watch is that it lowers the risk for crime in a neighbourhood.
The unity of the members of the group can wade away criminals who would have difficulty penetrating such tight neat communities where everyone knows everyone.
You will be able to notice when something is out of place or unusual, so you know when to be concerned. Criminals will know that should they try something, neighbours will raise alarm and therefore stay away. In any case there is power in numbers.
A neighbourhood watch program ignites a sense of self-empowerment for the community. They feel like they have the power to take control of their safety, especially that such groups often work with other stakeholders including police, private security companies, political leaders and traditional leaders. Don’t be left out, be safe.