What is Neighborhood Watch?
Neighborhood Watch is a "team" approach in which the Madera Police Department works hand in hand with you and your neighbors to reduce crime in our community. Statistics and criminals alike verify that when neighbors organize, the opportunity for crime is drastically reduced. Crime Prevention personnel are available to assist you in starting and maintaining your Neighborhood Watch. Call 559-673-9362 dlloren@cityofmaderapd.org to join the team and help to contribute to the safety of our community.

How Do I Start a Neighborhood Watch?
Concentrate your initial effort by organizing those neighbors with whom you have occasional contact. For example, if your block is mostly single family dwellings, invite neighbors on both sides of the street and adjacent corners. If you live in an apartment or condominium, include everyone in your building and in the adjacent buildings as space permits.

First, talk to your neighbors and tell them that you are starting a Neighborhood Watch and that you need their participation. Ask which evenings your neighbors are available. Generally, neighborhood meetings are conducted at 7 or 7:30 p.m., Tuesdays through Thursdays.

Exchange phone numbers. Tell your neighbors that you will notify them when a meeting is scheduled. If you need a location for your meeting, ask if neighbors can offer their home to host this or a future meeting. Alternative locations, which can be arranged, include local schools, places of worship and libraries. Next call our Crime Prevention Sergeant at 559-675-4251 or email him at mwiles@cityofmaderapd.org to set up the date and time for your first meeting.

Each Neighborhood Watch Group must have a Block Captain. Block Captains serve as a liaison between the Police Department and the Neighborhood Watch Group. To find out how to become a Block Captain for your area, please call 559-673-9362.

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How Do I Keep My Neighbors Involved?
Don't come together only when there is a problem. Keep the problems away by keeping up with meetings. The continued interest and involvement of your neighbors is crucial to the success of your Neighborhood Watch. While holding periodic crime prevention meetings is important, gathering only to discuss "gloom and doom" topics may cause a loss of interest. Introducing a variety of activities into your Neighborhood Watch provides a welcome change of pace. You and your neighbors can participate in the following social activities.

Block Parties:
Neighbors arrange to have the street blocked off from vehicle traffic to allow an outdoor party. A "pot luck" meal and games for all set the stage for a festive occasion. Consider inviting the Police and Fire Department to present a display or demonstration. Contact your Crime Prevention Coordinator Durbin Lloren dlloren@cityofmaderapd.org for assistance with scheduling your block party.

Neighborhood Potluck:
A pleasant change of pace takes place when a neighbor hosts a gathering where residents bring their favorite foods and beverage items for sampling. Provide ample non-alcoholic beverages and be prepared to share your prize recipes.

Progressive Dinner:
A great way to mingle with neighbors is to plan a dinner where neighbors prepare foods from a planned menu. Each menu item from salad to desert is served at a different location for guests to serve themselves.

Outdoor Picnic:
When the weather is moderate, an outdoor or backyard picnic on a weekend is a fun way to get together with your neighbors. Consider inviting a guest speaker to this event as well.

Pool Party:

Residents with pools become most popular if they invite neighbors over for a "dip" especially during a heat spell.

House Warming:

Introduce yourself to new neighbors and invite them to your next gathering. They may volunteer to host a meeting in their new home.

Arranging these types of activities fosters a sense of cohesiveness among your neighbors. New neighbors will feel welcomed and everyone will get to know each other. Then if something suspicious occurs, you'll know how to report it to the police and how to notify you neighbors, alerting them against further intrusion. With a heightened awareness and a "sense of community" achieved, criminals will find it much harder to work unnoticed in your area. For more information, call the Crime Prevention Unit of the Madera Police Department 559-673-9362 dlloren@cityofmaderapd.org . Criminals will find it much harder to work unnoticed in your area.