CPAT has been running successful Neighbourhood Watch programs since the early 1980’s and it continues to be one of the most effective crime prevention programs today. There have been many changes to this program. With developments in technology we are able to expand our borders and are continuously working to adapt to the needs of every community.
The program continues to be supported by the Toronto Police Service and many City Councillors across the GTA. Many communities see a decrease in crime because the residents have taken back their neighbourhoods and are actively using the streets, pathways and parks. Walking, jogging, bike riding and being visible in the community effectively limit the opportunity for a crime to be committed.
Why Become Involved?
Prevention starts with you. By working together, neighbours can make their community a safer place to live. Neighbourhood Watch provides a means of reducing the opportunity for crime to occur through the active participation of citizens in crime prevention. Citizens are taught how to make their homes less inviting to thieves, their personal property less desirable to burglars, and how to be alert to suspicious activity in their neighbourhoods. Because very few people are able to protect their homes all the time, Neighbourhood Watch provides a sense of security for individuals or families who leave their homes unattended for any length of time. The program also helps to coordinate the efforts of police and the neighborhood encouraging strong community involvement and unity, which can deter crime. By getting involved, residents can improve home security, get to know their neighbours and learn what is suspicious and what to do about it.
Revitalizing a Neighbourhood Watch Group
Sometimes when residents feel that their community is safe, it becomes difficult to keep the program running. We may feel that the problem has been solved and as a result, the Neighbourhood Watch program can become dormant. It is very important that we continue to work together, with the community and the police. If you believe your Neighbourhood Watch group is not active, please give our office a call to discuss ways in which to revitalize the program in your area.
Contact our office to get in touch with one of our Community Safety Coordinators. We will be happy to meet with you and discuss about starting, revitalizing or joining Neighbourhood Watch in your community.
For more information for our Neighbourhood Watch Program click here.
