The Village of Algonquin, IL

Neighborhood Watch programs are known to instill a greater sense of security and well-being. They can also reduce the fear of crime in the community as well as create a greater "sense of community" and put the "neighbor" back into "neighborhood." Neighborhood Watch also brings law enforcement and the community together as a team to help reduce crime opportunities.

• Teaches citizens to reduce the risk of being victimized.
• Trains citizens on the importance of recognizing suspicious activities and how to report them.
• Teaches citizens how to make their homes more secure and properly identify their property.
• Allows neighbors to get to know one another and their routines, so they can report any 'out of place" activity.
• Creates a body of concerned citizens addressing issues that concern their community.
• Allows neighborhood Watch signs to be posted in your neighborhood.
• Reduces the fear of crime and improves the quality of life.

An important step in preventing home burglary and other crimes is to make sure that a residence is as secure as possible.A careful inspection by someone trained to observe security precautions can indicate features which would make entry easy or difficult for a prospective burglar.

Chances are that home security can be improved.Take ahard look at entry points in your residence and determine what steps could reduce vulnerability.A security inspection begins at the front door and goes on to include side and rear doors, windows, locks, lights, and landscaping.Here are a few check points that you will see in the Home security checklist provided to you at your request:

• Is the door of solid construction (metal or wood)?
• Is the door secured by a dead-bolt lock with a minimum 1 inch throw?
• Is front entrance lit with a minimum 40 watt light?
• Does porch or landscaping offer concealment from view from street of public areas?

• Does door from basement/garage to living quarters have locks adequate for an exterior entrance?

Ground Floor Windows

• Do all windows have adequate locks in operating condition?

Anyone interested in starting a Neighborhood Watch group should call Officer Jeff Diamond at the Algonquin Police Department at 847-658-4531 or via e-mail.