MY TOP 10 REASONS TO JOIN PVM WATCH & WHY YOU SHOULD, TOO:

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1. “I WAS ROBBED” or I don’t want to be robbed:

On Dec 15th Barb and I returned to a ransacked and burglarized home. For over 21 years we have lived in this neighborhood and for 20 of those years, never locked our doors. With our community’s recent rash of incidences, it is clear that crime in our community is on the rise. We need neighbors watching out for neighbors.

2. CAN’T BE HOME ALL THE TIME:

We are all so mobile. Work, travel, and vacations all take us away from our castles much of the time. Yes, some of us employ an electronic system, but as law enforcement will tell you, nothing replaces the watchful eye of an alert neighbor.

3. BEST DETERENT AND SAFEGUARD (BY FAR) ARE NEIGHBORS ON GUARD:

Alert eyes and ears of a neighborhood with a venue to communicate is a tremendously valuable community safeguard. “Good neighbors are the best deterrents.” Detective Rob Duncan “This community-based organization of citizens working together with law enforcement has become the key to preventing burglary and crime nationwide.” USAonWatch.org - Neighborhood Watch Manual.

4. WE ALL DESIRE A SAFE, SECURE AND THEREFORE DESIRABLE COMMUNITY:

Lower crime levels, and active residents will increase our neighborhoods desirability. I have personally witnessed a realtor home showing while police cruisers rolled into our sub with lights and sirens a blazing. Needless to say, the home is still on the market for sale.

5. A WATCH CAN CREATE A “COMMUNITY” OUT OF A NEIGHBORHOOD:

Some of us recall the good ole days. Some of us have experienced living in a neighborhood where everyone knew everyone and there was corporate concern. Our modern lifestyles, all too often, oppose that from being reality today. A watch group binds us together more, and even if slight, raises our sense of community.

6. DURING TOUGH TIMES CRIME INCREASES:

It is documented. Higher unemployment……higher crime. There is a correlation. We are experiencing tough times that some say will last for a long time. We should expect crime to be at higher levels.

7. A WATCH GROUP UPS OUR “FIGHT-BACK” ABILITY:

Many times when a person (or one we know) becomes victimized we cower and hope it doesn’t happen again. But joined together, we CAN fight back. There is measurable evidence that a watch group decreases the vulnerability to crime.

8. KIDS LEARN VALUABLE LESSONS ABOUT COMMUNITY AND CONCERN FOR OTHERS:

The young see the adults and learn from us. If adults act responsibly to show concern for one another, they learn to duplicate and can make the world a little better.

9. TECHNOLOGY CAN INCREASE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF MANY CONCERNED EYES AND EARS:

It is incredible what we possess in the palm of our hands with simple cell phones. Virtually everyone can snap an image of a suspicious car and it can be shared with our group within minutes. Urgent or interesting notices can be received by all in a very timely manner and usually for no cost, wherever, we get our emails or tweets.

10. I WANT TO SLEEP BETTER AT NIGHT:

I have two eyes and ears. With a watch group, that instantly multiplies. That can make sleep more sound.

Mark Sztanyo

(859) 916-0259