When I was young many, many years ago, we had a neighborhood watch. It was called neighbors. People in my neighborhood stuck together and everybody knew everyone. Someone was always watching what was going on in the neighborhood.
Today things are different. People have become more isolated and many families don’t even know their neighbors.
After living in Lehigh Acres for about 6 years, we began to experience break-ins and air conditioners being vandalized in my neighborhood. It was then that I became concerned about my safety and was ashamed that I barely knew my neighbors. I realized that it was impossible to have a police officer on every block at all times, so I felt that community involvement was needed to reduce the opportunity for crime. My husband and I got to know our neighbors and realized that we shared a common interest in keeping our community safe. Together, we started a Neighborhood Watch.
Was it worth the effort? Yes. Besides reducing crime in our neighborhood, we have become educated about activities that are suspicious and learned how and what to report to the police. We have learned home and personal safety tips. We have gotten to know some of the Sheriff’s Deputies who serve our area and are always amazed at the rapid response and pleasant attitude our concerns generate.
But the best part of all is we got to know our neighbors. We have neighborhood block parties, barbecues, and visit with our neighbors. We are aware when someone is hospitalized, when a couple is expecting a baby, or when the kids are having birthday parties.
I strongly encourage you to get involved in a Neighborhood Watch or start one. For more information on how to start a Neighborhood Watch group, please contact Larry Gutridge at the Lee County Sheriff’s Office Community Outreach Unit (239-477-1400).
Not only do we have a Neighborhood Watch program but we now have a neighborhood!
Eli and Yvonne
The Triangle Neighborhood Watch