Block Watch is a neighborhood based crime prevention program. It is designed to reduce crime and the fear of crime in residential areas. The Bridgeport Police promote the program and assist any community residents who want to start a Block Watch in their neighborhood.
Why start a Block Watch?
To build a sense of community, connect with your neighbors, and prevent crime. Block Watch is a neighbors-helping-neighbors program which takes very little time, and no money. It has been shown that neighborhoods with an active Block Watch program can reduce incidents of residential burglary by 64%.
Program Basics
- Get to know your neighbors. At least one time per year have a neighborhood get together. Plan an event such as a Potluck Picnic, or an Ice Cream Social. Involve the children. Food seems to attract lots of people.
- Operation ID. Mark at least three items in your home with your driver's license number. Mark items which are likely to be stolen, such as stereos, computers, televisions or microwaves. The marking should be permanent and include the indication of "WA" for Washington, and "DL" for driver's license, e.g. WA/SMITHJP544LN/DL.
- Physical Security of the home. Block Watch members will be given information on home security and can improve the security of their homes as they see fit and can afford.
How do I get started?
- Ask your neighbors, do they want to start a Block Watch?
- Decide how large your Block Watch neighborhood is?
- The decision is yours, 8 homes, 15 homes, 30 homes....
- Plan the initial meeting, where and what night of the week is best for your neighbors to meet to learn about Block Watch techniques?
- Call the Community Services Division at 203-576-8278 to schedule the first meeting. We will come to your location to present the principles of Block Watch, and crime watch techniques.
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Additional Links
Contact Information
Roderick Porter
Chief of Police
Bridgeport Police Department
300 Congress Street
Bridgeport, CT 06604
Phone: 203-581-5100
Email me
Click here for directions
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