Neighborhood Watch groups help keep communities secure

Neighborhood Watch is a joint effort between the Moorpark Police Department and the community designed to instill a greater sense of security and reduce the fear of crime by putting "neighbor" back into neighborhoods.

The police cannot monitor homes 24 hours a day, seven days a week, but neighbors can. Being aware of surroundings and paying attention to what happens in the area an important part of neighborhood safety.

The Neighborhood Watch program teaches participants how to make their home and neighborhood more secure to reduce the risk of being victimized as well as training citizens on how to recognize and report suspicious activity. Neighborhood Watch allows neighbors to get to know each other and their routines to address safety issues.

The Moorpark Police Community Services Unit has started a new project called Moorpark City Watch. Crimes are plotted on a map, and areas that have multiple crimes will receive a Neighborhood Watch alert that is sent by the Community Services Officer to the Neighborhood Watch block captains. The information would then spread through the neighborhoods to keep citizens more informed.

Those enrolled in the watch program will also receive all police press release information about their area and up-to-date emergency information that applies to the community's safety. The goal is to have more eyes and ears assisting with fighting crime. This information will assist the police department in solving more crimes and eliminating the criminal element from neighborhoods.

This project is designed to have the police and community work together to improve the quality of life in the city.

For information on this program or to start a Neighborhood Watch group, call (805) 532-2707 or e-mail Bob Berger at MprkCity_Watch@ventura.org.