TID-BIT-TUESDAY... "Nosey Neighbor"

TID-BIT-TUESDAY…??“Nosey Neighbor”

As a cop on the streets of Houston, back “in the day,” there was a thing called, “community Policing.”?This is something that has, unfortunately, all but gone away, as of late.?With Houston becoming one of the highest crime areas in the nation, Police Officers have become more “reactive” than “proactive,” to no fault of their own.

I spent a great deal of time in the neighborhoods getting to know the community.?We were amazed to hear what residents knew about their neighbors.?It was humorous at times – startling at others.?They knew work schedules.?They knew the drinkers.?They knew the ones in marital strife.?They knew the “shady” ones.

In any effort to reduce crime in your neighborhood, it is imperative that you take a “pro-active” approach.

Get to know your neighbors.?If you have not already done so, introduce yourself, swap phone numbers, let them know you will look out for them and ask them to do the same for you.?Learn each other’s schedules, their visitors and the vehicles of those who visit.?Communicate with each other.

Run crime statistics of your area.?There are a number of free websites that provide this information.?Check your area for registered sex offenders.?This is public information and it’s free to access.?Know the area you live in, the type of crime occurring, the frequency and your proximity to these areas of concern.?Plan your travel routs and activities, accordingly.?Understand that your area is dynamic – ever changing.?The way things are now, may change in a matter of weeks.?Join neighborhood groups on social media outlets.?Communicate your concerns and listen to the concerns of others in your neighborhood.?Be vigilant and stay informed.

Above all, BE NOSEY!?Pay attention.?Look around you.?Notice what may be going on across the street, down the street, as you come into your neighborhood and as you leave out of it.?Notice the occupied car sitting in the cul-de-sac, with the lights off.?If it gives you that uneasy feeling, grab a plate and call it in to the Police to have them check it out.?You just may thwart a crime in the making.