Crime Prevention
Neighborhood Watch
Neighborhood Watch is one of the most effective and least costly ways to prevent crime. Neighborhood Watch is an organized group of neighbors that are the eyes and ears for the Sheriff’s Office. Neighbors come together to discuss community crime prevention issues. They learn how to report suspicious activities and persons to the Sheriff’s Office in a timely manner.
Organizing a Neighborhood Watch:
- Contact Samantha Preciado with the Yolo County Sheriff’s Office at (530)668-5298 and express your desire to start a Neighborhood Watch Program in your neighborhood.
- Contact your neighbors and find out who is interested in the program.
- Have an initial meeting with your neighbors and a Sheriff Crime Prevention Deputy
- Select a block captain and co-captain.
- Establish a calling list with the names, addresses and phone numbers of the neighbors who will be participating in the Watch Group.
- Select a date, time, and place for your second meeting.
With the education and skills received your neighborhood should be prepared to be involved. Continue having meetings which support people’s efforts to maintain awareness of what is going on in the neighborhood.
When to call law enforcement for assistance:
No law enforcement agency can function effectively without the assistance of responsible citizens. Some people fail to call the Sheriff’s Office simply because they are not aware of what seemingly innocent activities might be suspicious. Others may notice suspicious activities and be hesitant to call for fear of seeming like a ‘nosy neighbor.’ Still others take for granted that someone else has already called. Take the time and call the Sheriff’s Office any time you see suspicious activity of any type in your community. Don’t worry about being embarrassed if your suspicions prove unfounded. Think instead about what could happen if you don’t act!