Block Watch is helping reduce crime in Lake Country and North Westside neighbourhoods.
The program has been in place in the Regional District of Central Okanagan for almost 10 years.
“It’s designed so neighbours watch out for each other and get involved in discouraging and preventing crime at the street and neighbourhood level,” said Roy Morgan, crime prevention co-ordinator.
“Neighbours are aware of the normal comings and goings in their area. As a result, they may be the first to know when someone or something suspicious and unusual is going on and then report it to the RCMP. By working together, neighbours can actively prevent crime in the most effective way before it happens.”
Block Watch participants not only learn how to be more aware of their neighbourhood surroundings, but also how to make their homes less inviting to thieves, how to prevent auto theft and how to recognize and report suspicious activity.
“It’s easy to organize a Block Watch area and helps bring neighbours together for a common goal,” said Morgan.
For more information on Block Watch in Lake Country and the North Westside, call 250-707-8021 or e-mail crime.prevention@cord.bc.ca.