Neighborhood Watch

By:         Rob Baquera, Public Information Officer

              Roseville Police Department

As we move into what our new normal will look like, there is one thing that will never change: neighbors looking out for their neighbors. Whether you’re new to the block, or a long-time resident, neighbors can work together to help keep each other safe. The Neighborhood Watch program, with the support of Roseville Police Department, is a program where residents help prevent crime in their neighborhoods. This method has been one of the most effective crime-prevention programs in the country. If you see suspicious behavior, call 9-1-1.

Here are some suspicious behaviors that might indicate a crime in progress:

• Someone running from a car or home
• Someone yelling or screaming
• Someone going door-to-door asking unusual questions, or soliciting
• Unusual noises that cannot be explained, like breaking glass
• Business-type transactions conducted from a vehicle
• Someone removing property from unoccupied homes or closed businesses
• Someone loitering in a neighborhood, on foot, on a bicycle, or in a vehicle
• A stranger entering a neighbor’s unoccupied home or yard
• A stranger following or bothering children

When you report a crime, it is helpful to provide detailed information to the police, such as:

• Location of suspected crime; street name, closest intersection, gated community name, etc.
• Caller or contact name and call back number.
• Is the crime in progress or did it already occur (less than or greater than 15 minutes ago)?
• How many people were involved?
• Were there any weapons or known injuries?
• Identifying information of persons involved, e.g., race; sex; physical descriptors – hair color, height, weight, facial hair or scars, etc.; clothing; and any vehicles?

As much information as you can provide will help narrow the police search and properly identify a potential suspect. You are the eyes and ears of the police within your community. Working together helps make for a safer community. If you are interested in joining, or starting, a Neighborhood Watch program in your area, please reach out to Roseville Police Department, or check out their site for more information. Here is a link to a Starter Guide: https://www.roseville.ca.us/UserFiles/Servers/Server_7964838/File/Police/NeighborhoodWatch/NW Starter Guide all 2018.pdf