Don’t forget to use the full screen option

Neighborhood Watch has become especially practical in our current society, in which two-income families are the norm and many neighborhoods are deserted during the day. While criminals have attempted to use this statistic to their advantage, law enforcement has uncovered an important reality: the communities in which citizens have observed and reported suspicious activity have enjoyed lower crime rates. That is the bottom line, WE, the residents of Cottonwood Heights, can make our neighborhoods a safer place to live by being INVOLVED!

The Cottonwood Heights Neighborhood Watch (CHNW) program is comprised of many neighborhoods in varying stages of organization; some have been well-organized for 20 years and some are in the infancy stage. In the past year there has been a big push to find, document, and support all existing Neighborhood Watch group within Cottonwood Heights and to organize the rest of the neighborhoods within the city into well-trained groups.  If you would like to register your Neighborhood Watch or would like to be a Block Captain or Neighborhood Coordinator, please sign up online at www.chneighborhoodwatch.com .

The newly set-up CHNW groups are devoted primarily to disseminating information on the nature and volume of burglary and securing residential property and making it less vulnerable to break-ins and using an “extra eyes and ears” approach to crime prevention. Those new Neighborhood Watch are encouraged to view the training videos at www.chneighborhoodwatch.com provided by the CH Police Department.

The goal of the CHNW is to eventually have all Neighborhood Watch groups enjoy a much more proactive, community-oriented endeavor providing a unique infrastructure that brings together local officials, law enforcement, and citizens for the protection of their communities. Currently our more well-established neighborhoods incorporate activities that not only address crime prevention issues, but also restore pride and unity to a neighborhood by enjoying annual block parties and participation in community cleanups and other activities that strive to improve the quality of life for community residents.

Currently, CHNW is working with members of the CH Community Emergency Response Team to determine the best way for both organizations to work together within our neighborhoods. We will keep you updated as more information becomes available.

Don’t forget to use the “Full Screen” option down on the bottom right hand corner of the presentation.

Don’t forget to use the “Full Screen” option down on the bottom right hand corner of the presentation.

Don’t forget to use the “Full Screen” option down on the bottom right hand corner of the presentation.

Don’t forget to use the “Full Screen” option down on the bottom right hand corner of the presentation.

Cottonwood Heights Neighborhood Watch November 2009 Newsletter

Cottonwood Heights Neighborhood Watch is organizing in your community, and we need you to get involved! What’s in it for you? It’s safer streets and homes, community spirit, camaraderie with your neighbors, stronger relationships with law enforcement, and so much more. And it’s easy to participate in Neighborhood Watch!

Neighborhood Watch embraces and strengthens many things we’re already doing, such as watching out for each other’s homes or working together to solve problems. But Neighborhood Watch brings along the power of organization and the ability to focus energy and resources.

Often Neighborhood Watch groups get started because there have been incidents in the community that have caused concern – acts of vandalism, burglaries, or auto thefts. These are the types of crime that Neighborhood Watch is the most successful in reducing. An active Watch group can also help reduce drug dealing and open-air drug markets, discourage gangs, improve the security of young people, and help older neighbors stay safe from crime.

Get to know your neighbors. You are each other’s best defense against crime. Studies show that where neighbors work together, where they know and respect each other, there’s less crime.

To read more about why Cottonwood Heights Neighborhood Watch needs you: http://www.ncpc.org/resources/files/pdf/neighborhood-safety/neighborhood-watch-needs-you.pdf

To become an integral part of your Cottonwood Heights Neighborhood Watch, visit: www.chneighborhoodwatch.com and “join in.” If your neighborhood or block isn’t yet organized, become a Neighborhood Coordinator or Block Captain.

HOW TO RUIN A CRIMINAL’S DAY

Criminals love it when you are alone and away from people who could help you. So shop with a buddy and protect yourself from being isolated and becoming a potential assault victim because you are alone or in a dark or lonely area of a parking lot.

‘T was the month before Christmas and all through the town

People were busy shopping and rushing around.

The purses and wallets were filled with lots of money,

In hopes that finding great deals would help Mommy!

With bags full of gifts in every hand to carry,

Thieves were eager to catch shoppers unwary.

So shoppers take care and aim those thieves to outsmart–

Put the bags in the trunk and find a new place to park.

MALL SHOPPING AND SAFETY

1.         Always try to walk to and from your vehicle with another person. If you are            shopping alone, consider walking near other shoppers in the parking lot.

2.         If shopping alone and leaving at night – particularly if you’re carrying several bundles – ask a security officer to accompany you to your car. Most malls will            provide that service.

3.         Consolidate purchases into one or two large shopping bags so you can keep track of everything. Never leave your purchases unattended, even for a few minutes.

4.         A man should carry his wallet in the front pocket of his pants, rather than in a back pocket or in his jacket. A woman should hold her purse close to her          body, with the opening facing toward her; when walking with another person, the purse should be held between the two.

5.         While Christmas shopping in large crowds, it is best to keep personal items in front of the body and never let those items out of sight.

6.         Park in areas that are well-traveled and will be well lighted if you return after dark. When parking in an attended lot, leave only the ignition key.

WEBSITES TO CHECK OUT:

For Mall and shopping safety check out this site: http://www.flhsmv.gov/fhp/misc/christmas/MST.htm

Christmas shopping safety tips: http://www.streetdirectory.com/travel_guide/204697/shopping/safety_tips_while_christmas_shopping.html

To view the National Sherriff’s Neighborhood Watch website: www.usaonwatch.org

Citizen Corps was created to help coordinate volunteer activities that will make our communities safer, stronger, and better prepared to respond to any emergency situation. It provides opportunities for people to participate in a range of measures to make their families, their homes, and their communities safer from the threats of crime, terrorism, and disasters of all kinds. For info: www.citizencorps.gov

Visit www.bereadyutah.gov for more information on how you can be prepared in the case of an emergency.

REMEMBER:

Call the Valley Emergency Communications Center (VECC)  Police Dispatch @ 801-840-4000 for non-emergencies.

Of Course Call 911 for emergencies.

WE SEE, WE HEAR, WE CALL

Well in case you are wondering if Pro Active Policing and Neighborhood Watch make a difference. Look at the map below from www.CrimeReports.com. Not much going on inside Cottonwood Heights, a little bit on the parameters. Not bad for a Police Department that is 14 months old, Official Neighborhood Watch that is only a few months old. There have been neighborhood watch programs in the community for quite some time, it is until recently that they have become more organized and getting resources. w00t w00t.

This training is required Neighborhood Coordinators and Block Captains and good for everyone.

Thursday November 5th 7pm.

7045 S Campus Drive.

Cottonwood Heights

Call Joe for more details 801-943-7621