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APD Neighborhood Crime Watch Call us: 786-8585 E-Mail us:  ncw@muni.org NEW!! "My Neighborhood" Neighborhood Watch locations can now be viewed online on the “My Neighborhood” site. Enter a street address and choose the category “public safety”.  Crime Watch Neighborhoods are shaded in gray. Neighborhood Watch Key-People at Awards & Recognition Ceremony at APD from left to right – Kris Spencer (NCW Program Coordinator) Sylvia James, Goldie Vacendak, Shauna Ramirez, Victoria Weindel, Paulette Missal, Becky Roth, Marilyn Hanson, Judy See, Glynnie Thomsland, Mandy Foster, Esther Schruf, Konrad Schruf, Joe Williams, Mayor Mark Begich, Wade Lacey (NCW Program Director) Back Row left to right: Stephen James, Mr. Johnson, Lynne Johnson, Edna Brackney, Pat Brackney, Jim Crum, Wes Steele Do Neighborhood Watch Programs really work? Number of City-wide burglaries January 1, 2002-December 31 2006: 8,000 (approx) Number of Burglaries in Crime Watch Neighborhoods during same time period: 3 Read our success stories! What is Neighborhood Crime Watch? What are the Goals of Neighborhood Crime Watch? How do I start a Neighborhood Crime Watch? How can we get a Neighborhood Watch Sign? Is there a Crime Watch Neighborhood in my part of town?      search:  by area, by neighborhood (alphabetical) History of Neighborhood Watch Important Numbers to Print and Post From the Director: Quality of life in our community is everybody’s business.  We are individually and collectively responsible for the safety and security of ourselves, families, neighbors and our homes. Yes, we pay tax dollars for our police department, but the police are primarily a reactive agency.  They do an excellent job after the fact, but if we are going to prevent crime before it occurs, that burden falls upon us, the citizens. The Neighborhood Crime Watch Program is a Crime Prevention Program which enhances neighborhoods in many respects.  Concerned neighbors, safe neighborhoods, communication among neighbors, awareness, and attention to home security are just some of enhancements the program can make. Not only is the program effective, it is free.  The time spent attending our presentation and the effort spent doing Operation ID are well worthwhile. We hope to see you soon.  Please call us for information on scheduling a presentation. What is Neighborhood Crime Watch?  Neighborhood Crime Watch is a Crime Prevention Program of the Anchorage Police Department.  It is one of the most effective and least costly ways of reducing and/or preventing residential property crimes.  It is a citizen involvement, neighborhood and community based effort designed to assist citizens and the police in reducing crime and increasing an overall sense of peace, safety and security in the neighborhood. The program’s success is hinged on improving communications between neighbors and achieving and sustaining an appropriate level of neighbor involvement to a point where the neighbors realize a reduction and/or achieves prevention of burglaries and other property crimes. What Are the Goals of Neighborhood Crime Watch? To increase awareness of the crime of burglary and other property crimes To implement various safety and residential security strategies to make homes more secure and less likely to be targeted. To help neighbors recognize signs of suspicious and criminal activity and to report them to police. To implement Operation ID to deter burglary.  Operation ID is advantageous to the return of stolen property and may help police solve cases. To develop and utilize a communication network within the neighborhood for the purposes of informing neighbors of criminal and suspicious activity and other neighborhood-oriented concerns. How do I Start a Neighborhood Crime Watch? Call the Neighborhood Crime Watch office at 786-8585 (Mon-Fri 9am-3pm) to schedule a date, time and location for a Program Presentation.   Please speak with your neighbors first to gage their interest and learn which night of the week is best (for the highest possible turnout).  Typically, Neighborhood Watch presentations are held in a home in the neighborhood.  If this is not possible, other good locations are a school, rec center or church in close proximity to the neighborhood. Once a date is set you may use the Neighborhood Watch invitation forms to invite neighbors to the Presentation. The Presentation: Format: Powerpoint or presentations without powerpoint are available Length: 35-40 minutes + questions and answers What’s covered at the initial presentation? - An overview of police Calls For Service to your neighborhood        and surrounding area - Burglary and other property crimes - How the program works to prevent crime - Operation ID (a property identification program) - Home Security tips - Reporting crime and suspicious activity What is Operation ID? Instructions & Inventory Form Operation ID is a property identification procedure that assists police in the return of recovered property in the event of a theft or burglary.  It is highly recommended by Insurance companies as well.  This is for your private records.  We do not take a copy! Operation ID is the only program requirement.  50% of the neighbors within the geographic boundary you establish must complete Operation ID in order to receive a neighborhood Crime Watch sign(s).  There is no maximum or minimum size for a Crime Watch neighborhood. It involves: Inventory List:  neighbors are instructed on how to create an inventory list by recording the make, model and serial number of their valuables. Photographs: Take pictures of your valuables, especially jewelry, artwork and collectables.   As an additional step: Police highly recommend marking your property with your Alaska Driver’s License number (example: AK 1234567) Electric engravers with an adjustable tip are perfect for marking tools, electronics, bicycles etc.  Place the mark near the serial number or in a visible location that could be seen by a police property technician.  DO NOT mark on firearms, antiques, artwork or collectables.  Artwork & Prints: record the artist’s name, print number, and print size on your Inventory sheet. Make two (2) copies of your Inventory List and photos.  Store one copy in a safe place in the home and a second copy outside the home (your safe deposit box, at work or with family member) Please read the Operation ID Form above carefully before beginning this procedure. You may use this form, an Excel spreadsheet or notebook paper for these purposes. How can we get a Neighborhood Watch Sign? Neighborhood Crime Watch signs can be a visual deterrent to criminals.  The signs are an indication that neighbors are alert and watching and willing to call police about suspicious and criminal activity.  Therefore, it is mandatory that a Neighborhood Crime Watch program be established in order for a neighborhood to receive signs.  When 50% of the neighbors on your street have completed Operation ID, a sign(s) will be posted free of charge.

Related Links

• Success Stories • Home Security & Safety Tips    Interior    Exterior • Preventing Car Break-ins • Home Addressing • Home Security Checklist • Bicycle Registration • Residential Traffic Solutions • Citizen Police Academy

Related Agencies

• Anchorage Police Department

External Links

• Anchorage Police Citizens Academy Alumni Association • Citizen Corps • Community Councils • Crime Prevention Coalition of America • National Association of Town Watch • National Sheriff's Assoc. • Mcgruff the Crime Dog (kids fun page) • USA On-Watch

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