Stepping out of your house, you notice shattered glass on the curb only a few yards from your driveway: yet another car break-in. However, what you do not see is evidence of at least three more break-ins toward the end of the block. But if your street had a Neighborhood Watch program, other residents would make note of such details. As a group, you could report these incidents to the local police, who would then be aware of a potential pattern of crime in your district. Together, neighbors and police could work on solutions, such as more street lighting or additional patrols at certain hours.

Neighborhood Watch is one of the most effective means at your disposal to creating a safer home and community. The program involves you and your neighbors keeping eyes and ears open for suspect activity and coordinating with the police to make your area more secure. Group effort offers the safety and influence of numbers, as well as an opportunity to gather a broader and more useful range of data on local crime. Police can then use this data to focus their efforts to greater success. Plus, neighbors get the opportunity to know each other better. More closely knit communities provide a keener awareness of criminal activity and a greater likelihood that residents will take the time to call the police whenever necessary. Best of all, you'll get those big Neighborhood Watch signs to scare away potential burglars.

If you're interested in forming a group, visit the San Francisco S.A.F.E., Inc. ("Safety Awareness for Everyone") Web site or call them at 415-673-SAFE (7233). The procedure involves a preliminary planning meeting between interested residents and a Crime Prevention Specialist (CPS). After a subsequent outreach effort to promote the program in your area, you will have your first Neighborhood Watch meeting, facilitated by the CPS. They will also be present for the next few meetings. Your group will then be fully-fledged and functioning on its own. SF S.A.F.E can provide you with more information, as well as a detailed brochure on starting a program.