Last updated 5/5/2000
What is Neighborhood Watch?Neighborhood Watch was created to obtain citizen involvement discouraging and preventing residential crime. Neighborhood Watch programs are not designed as substitutes for police protection, rather they supplement police activities by providing eyes and ears. Neighborhood Watch also operates to educate participants in the principles of deterrence, delay, and detection. The program depends on a communications network organized with three levels of participants: the Block Watchers, Block Captains, and District Organizer. Contact Heather Sauter for a description of the responsibilities of each of these positions, at (301) 565-4013 or [email protected].Map With Links to Block Captain Information
Click on this icon to view a larger map that will allow you to click on your block and view information on your block captain. FREE Home Security InspectionsHome security inspections by the Montgomery County Police Department are one way to reduce burglaries, robberies, and larcenies of property stored in the yard. The inspecting officer examines doors, doorframes, door locks, windows, window locks, lighting, landscaping, and fencing. A written copy of the survey is given to the homeowner with recommendations. This is an invaluable tool to better protect you, your family, and your possessions. Call Officer Tom Pecoraro at (301) 565-5762 to learn more about security surveys or set up an appointment.If It's Suspicious to You, It's SuspiciousAt the March ISCA meeting, Montgomery County Police Officers Tom Pecoraro and Karen Gunn addressed the concerns of 30+ residents over crimes that have taken place in the neighborhood these past few months. One ISCA resident encountered a man just after he tried, unsuccessfully, to break into his home. This same individual is believed to be the same man responsible for several other break-ins in the neighborhood. Montgomery County police now have a profile of the suspect, a Hispanic male who walks with a crutch; they believe he is responsible for similar burglaries in Kensington and Bethesda.In cases of "theft from auto" and "auto theft", Officer Gunn stated that 70% of the time cars were left unlocked. 80% of cars stolen do not have any sort of anti-theft device, whether it is an alarm or a club. In some instances, the keys were in the car! Officers Gunn and Pecoraro stressed that resident vigilance is key to helping Montgomery County Police respond to and solve crimes. Suspicious activity should be reported to the police non-emergency number (301) 279-8000. When asked to define "suspicous" Officer Gunn replied, "If it's suspicious to you, it's suspicious. You know better than we do what is unusual in your neighborhood." She also added that crominals try to look ordinary and may pose as delivery persons, markets distributing flyers, and, as was the case on Dale Drive, a WSSC worker re-lining sewer pipes. A strong Neighborhood Watch Program in these types of instances is invaluable. When neighbors know each other personally, they are more aware of each other's habits and routines. This awareness makes them more observant of strange cars in the neighborhood. Officer Gunn is now on medical leave, however, questions about crime in our neighborhood and other community policing issues may be directed to Officer Tom Pecoraro at (301) 565-5762 or email at [email protected].
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