Neighborhood Watch Program
We are proud to announce that Woodson Terrace recently launched a Neighborhood Watch program, an organization run by its citizens, and designed to help reduce crime by watching out for and immediately reporting suspicious activity to the police.
Participating in Neighborhood is simple: when you see something that looks unusual or suspicious call the police right away. Watch, then report. As neighbors, we generally know what goes on in our neighborhood and when something seems out of place, it is a good idea to alert the authorities. You should never feel apprehensive or embarrassed to call the police. They are here to serve our community and would rather take a call that prevents a possible crime than to respond to call after the crime has already taken place. Here are some things to keep in mind to help reduce crime in our community:
1. Keep a general watch for your neighbors on either side of you, across the street from you, and behind you for any suspicious activity. We suggest keeping a pen and a small notebook in your car and near your home phone, so that you can jot down key pieces of information before you make the call.
2. Report any suspicious activity to the Police immediately, no matter how small it may seem. Our Police department will not view this as a nuisance call. They encourage us to notify them. Call 911 and be sure to specify that you are calling from Woodson Terrace. This is especially important if you are calling from a cellular phone.
3. For your safety, NEVER approach individuals involved in suspicious activity. Call 911 and let the Police handle the situation.
4. Turn on your front and back porch lights at night to keep your home and immediate area well lit. This actually uses very little electricity, and with the new compact fluorescent bulbs, you will use 1/3 to 1/4 less energy to operate. The cost of a compact fluorescent bulb is more than a standard bulb, but pays for itself with a long life. Criminals do not like a well-lit neighborhood.
5. If you are going out of town for a period of time, let your neighbors know so they can be on the lookout for any suspicious activity about your home. Your neighbors will probably be more than happy to oblige, as you would do the same for them. Also, call the Police department and let them know how long you will be gone and any details such as: when you expect to return, will there be a car in the driveway, will there be any interior lights on, are there any persons you have authorized to be on the premises, etc.
Successful Neighborhood Watch programs will greatly reduce the incidence of crime. However, just because all is going well, you should never let your guard down because that is when incidents will happen. That being said, there is no reason for anyone to stay on a 24-hour heightened sense of alert. Doing your part by being observant during your normal activities will make this Neighborhood Watch a success.
Important Phone Numbers
Emergency: 911
Non-Emergency Dispatch: 314-889-2341
Contact Us
If you would like to learn more about Neighborhood Watch, serve as a Block Captain, or volunteer for the booth, please contact Brad Wheeling at brad.wheeling@gmail.com or 314-392-7761 or visit the Woodson Terrace Neighborhood Watch Program’s web site at www.woodsonterracewatch.com.
