Neighborhood watch program aims to reduce crime

More than 800 watch programs in Colorado Springs take part in the National Night Out program.

Neighborhood watch programs gather twice a year for National Night Out to discuss neighborhood safety.

“I wanted to make my neighborhood more safe,” said Rose Bills.

For the past seven years, Rose Bills volunteered to be a neighborhood block captain. After her home was robbed, she said she knew something had to change.

“My house was burglarized in 2014. We’ve had petty crimes around the neighborhood, recently just after 4th of July we had arson right outside our house,” said Bills.

More than 30 million neighborhoods participate nationwide and Colorado Springs police say they notice the impact.

“It shows everyone there’s a unity in their neighborhood. People know they’re against crime and willing to report things to police,” said Sid Santos, a crime prevention officer.

Santos says neighborhoods with limited lighting and overgrown shrubs, often attract suspicious activity. Since the neighborhood watch program was put into effect- the team was able to install a street light and do basic maintenance light to prevent crime.

“We’ve trimmed up all the trees and that crime light just lights up the whole street and so that has stopped that activity,” said Bills.

With the help of the program, both police and residents hope the education will reduce crime.

If you are interested in joining your neighborhood watch program, call your nearest police department and ask for the crime prevention officer.