Neighborhood Watch programs have been helping neighbors deter crime since 1972. It’s a community-based program that partners with local law enforcement - and for the residents of Poway, it’s a great opportunity to build a connection with the Sheriff’s Poway Station.
Crime Prevention Specialist Heather Mitchell presented an overview of the program at the June 3 Poway City Council meeting. Neighborhood watch groups usually start with one or two neighbors who want to do more to empower their neighborhood.
Although the key component is citizen training and reporting suspicious activity, the program teaches neighbors about crime prevention techniques and fosters neighbors looking out for one another.
One of the valued perks is receiving a Neighborhood Watch sign with the San Diego Sheriff’s contact information displayed as a deterrent, but Sheriff’s Captain Claudia Delgado stressed that the program is more than a sign.
“Neighborhood Watch is about collaborating with law enforcement,” she said.
Implementing a watch program can vary by neighborhood, but the first step is connecting with the Poway Station’s Crime Prevention Unit at 858-513-2810.