Locking Down the Neighborhood

Here at Watch Guard, we specialize in securing your home, your family, and your valuables.  What can be done, though, to secure your neighborhood?  How can you rest easy at night knowing your streets are safe?

Stay Informed

In the DC Metro area, most local or county police departments have ways through social media to stay updated on crime events in your area.  Whether it’s a garage theft or a hit and run, you should be able to get notifications on what’s happening around you.  Listen to your local news, read articles, and take notice of any HOA messages relating to neighborhood specific crime.  In this day and age, communication and information are at your fingertips, so take advantage of that to keep your area on alert.  Once you are made aware of concerns, communicate it to those around you to help prepare your neighborhood and prevent it from being the next targeted area.

Make Friends with Your Neighbors

Do you know the saying “Keep your friends close, but your enemies closer”?  While there’s truth to that, there’s something to be said for first knowing who (and where) your enemies are.  Northern Virginia is such a highly populated and busy area that it is easy to get lost in the crowd in your neighborhood and go months at a time without speaking to your neighbors.  Instead, make intentional attempts to get to know them – greet yourself when you first see them, talk to them in passing on the street, or say hello when checking your mail.  The more you know about who lives next to you, the better you will know when to be concerned.  If you get a gut feeling about someone, keep him on your radar.

Another advantage of being friendly with your neighbors is that they will hopefully keep an eye out for you.  They will let you know if they see suspicious activity around your home, and you should do likewise.  If you all help keep your eyes out for each other, then crime in your neighborhood will likely be non-existent, as it will become known that it is quickly reported.

Don’t Invite Crime

In general, the suburbs encircling the DC area are relatively safe places to live.   This may tempt you to leave your garage doors open, your doors unlocked, and to feel safer being alone at night.  These are all great things, but they also are open invitations for criminals to hit your block.  Don’t tempt these criminals by making it so easy for them.  Lock your doors (car doors, too), leave garages and sheds shut and locked, leave your porch lights on at night, place your home security signs in your yard, and wear safety gear when running or walking at night (along with a way to call for help, if needed).  If a streetlight is broken, report it to your city or HOA for them to repair immediately.  If you see suspicious vehicles or activity, don’t delay in reporting it.  You and your neighbors can work together to ensure your immediate neighborhood is one known to criminals of being difficult to victimize.

If you want to ensure your homes are all safe and secure in your area, please call us at Watch Guard.  We would be happy to talk with you and your neighbors as to how we can help keep you and your families resting safely each and every night.