Background

Neighbourhood Watch is supported by York Regional Police (YRP) to reduces crime through the active participation of citizens in crime prevention.  The goal of the Neighbourhood Watch is to prevent crimes by keeping an eye in the community and reporting any suspicious activities.

A Neighbourhood Watch Group (NWG) works with a Police Liaison in setting up and running the program.  The goal of the NWG is keep an eye on the community while the members carry out their usual routine.  The NWG should not increase patrolling and confront any crimes; instead, it is about noticing any suspicious activities and reporting to the authorities.

A NWG requires at least a Captain to organize the program.  The Captain will have direct communication with the Police Liaison.

The NWG members will communicate in a group chat to share observation and information.  For any suspicious activities, the group will report to the police so that they can track down criminals and reduce crimes.

If any members observe any hazards, the group can also quickly identify the contact so that the hazards will be removed in a timely fashion to avoid injury or damage.

For more information about the program, please check out the YRP page.

Neighbourhood Watch in Leitchcroft Community

The Leitchcroft Community consists of a mix of duplexes, townhouses, condominium building complexes, and apartment buildings.  The guidance by the York Region Police is avoid mixing condominium complexes (cover by private areas inside the complex) with houses and townhouses.

Following this guidance, the LCA encourages residents in a condominium complex to start their own Neighbourhood Watch Group.  The LCA can provide contact to the Police Liaison.

To inquire about the Neighbourhood Watch Program, please do not hesitate to email the LCA at leitchcroft.community@gmail.com

Surveillance and Monitoring

The Crime Prevention Office will provide information about the Neighbourhood Watch (NW)  concept, home security audit, and crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED).

In additions, the York Regional Police provides tips on identifying crimes on this webpage, in areas such as drug trafficking, fraudsters, property theft, and street-level robberies.

The Neighbourhood Watch members will get familiar with these tips in monitoring the neighbourhood.  It is very important to note that the NW members should not to engage with the suspicious individuals, due to safely reasons.  It is best to contact the YRP immediately so that an officer will be dispatched to handle the situation.

In additions, on this webpage, the YRP provides tips on break-and-enter preventions for every home owner to consider.

For those who have security cameras installed around their property, consider registering with the YRP.  More information can be found here.

Reporting

On this webpage, the YRP has listed out some examples of "When to dial 911" (emergency) or "When to call the non-emergency line".

For non-emergency incidents, especially when there is no suspect involved, it is also recommended to report the incidents online.  Please see this page for the types in incidents and how to report.

CrimeStoppers is another way to report crime while staying anonymous.

If any Neighbourhood Watch members observe any changes in the neighbourhood that may suggust suspicious activities, information will be shared among the group.  The NW Captains can also reach out to the program police liaison to take further actions.

Resources

YRP Neighbourhood Watch

YRP Crime Prevention

YRP Break and Enter Prevention

YRP Community Safety Portal

YRP When to Call 9-1-1

YRP Online Reporting