Block Watch is all about neighbours being “good” neighbours. Good neighbours watch out for one another and report all suspicious activities to the local police. In turn the police will assist your neighbourhood with crime issues.

Who Can Become a Member of Block Watch?

Any one living in any residential or strata building in New Westminster can become Block Watch members.  Rental properties should contact the coordinator of the Crime Free multi-housing Program.

How Much Time is Required to Start & Maintain an Effective Block Watch?

There are no time commitments to this program.  The initial organizing of your Block Watch Group may require some time commitment.  However, once your program is established, minimal time is required to maintain membership participation.

• A safer community

• A residential security assessment

• Information on property identification

• Membership window decals – includes a warning that property has been marked

• Street or Building sign

• Semi-annual Newsletter

• A webpage Discussion Forum – Some Block Watch Groups have developed their own intranet, email, or newsletter communication

SELF ASSESSMENT: Questions to answer.

• Are you door locks adequate?  Your deadbolt locks should have a one-inch throw with a striker plate installed with three-inch screws. Quality is paramount.
• Do you have an eye viewer installed at access points for safety? Ensure viewfinder is at an adequate height for all residents.
• Are your windows secured with secondary locks?
• Is your outside lighting adequate? Lights should be motion or photo sensitive, as these are power smart. Outdoor lighting should have ample wattage to enhance surveillance if necessary. 
• Do you use interior timers for lights? Consider timers for interior lighting, as this provides the illusion of activity in the home.
• Do you have a monitored home alarm system?  Is the alarm company certified and reputable? Do your research.
• Does your landscaping enhance visibility and surveillance opportunities? Trees and shrubs should not obstruct view.  Landscaping can enhance security without losing privacy.  Trim shrubbery down and trees up to allow lines of visibility.

Block Watch: Property Identification

• Your property must be marked for identification purposes before you become a registered Block Watch Member.
• There are two recognized methods to mark property: Electric engraving device or TB Vets Securitags. 
• For either method, use your BC Driving license number or BC Identification number, but never your social insurance number.

Types of calls:

• 9-1-1 This is expressly for EMERGENCY calls, when the crime is actually in progress.

• 525-5411 This is the non-emergency number used to report a suspicious activity or crime that has already occurred.

What to do:

• STAY CALM - Let the Police Operator control the conversation.

• STAY ON THE PHONE, until the operator tells you to hang up.

• GIVE ALL OF THE INFORMATION REQUESTED.

• ASK FOR A FILE NUMBER, this enables you to follow up on the case.

When to call:

Reporting a crime

Should you arrive home and discover a burglary in progress (the suspect is still there or you observed him departing) or windows or doors tampered with -

Go to a neighbour and call the police. If it is a burglary in progress, call   9-1-1
 

Reporting a suspicious person or vehicle:

Reporting an impaired driver:

• Phone 9-1-1 as soon as possible and give the following information:

• The licence plate number, colour, make and model of the vehicle;

• The direction of travel of the vehicle, and the street it is on; give your name, address, and phone number. This is not essential as the police do take anonymous calls, however, if the case goes to court, it is crucial that witnesses are available to attend and testify.

This information will help the police in intercepting the vehicle before any real damage is done. It is very important to try and get the licence number of the vehicle, as this will give the police the best chance of catching the drunk driver. It is our duty as community members to help stop this crime. Be responsible for yourself, your family and your community; make that call.

What is a Suspicious Activity? How do I know something is Suspicious? What should I do? 

Usually we can trust our instincts - if something doesn't feel right or look right - It probably isn't. What to do? Call the police; DO NOT intervene or attempt to act in the capacity of a police officer, as the culprits may be dangerous. Record as much detail as possible regarding the suspicious person and any vehicle involved and provide this information when calling the police. The following list may give you some guidance recognising suspicious activity. 

• Unfamiliar persons loitering in your neighbourhood.

• Slow moving vehicles that circle the block or unfamiliar parked vehicles especially if someone remains in them.

• Unusual noises, screams, glass breaking, barking dogs, etc.

• Persons going from door to door (especially back doors).

• Persons looking in parked cars.

REMEMBER.... PROMPTLY REPORT...."ANY".... SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY, SUSPICIOUS PERSONS, SUSPICIOUS VEHICLES TO THE POLICE!!

Look out for / help one another!