How Being a Good Neighbor Can Make Williamson County Safe & Secure

neighborhood watch sign

crime story header

by Christine McDonald 

 

Williamson County: beautiful homes, lush scenery, children playing in our parks, and wonderful people. Regardless of how wonderful our county, you can never be too careful. Safety and security cannot be taken for granted. As Williamson County grows, one of the best options for safety and security might just be your neighbor. Not just the occasional “Hi!” or courteous smile as we pass each other in church, but a Neighborhood Watch network that can ensure safety and security in Williamson County’s neighborhoods.

In this three part series, we will connect you with what you need to know to reinforce an existing neighborhood watch or start a neighborhood watch. Let’s Get Started!

HEY BRENTWOOD! Do You Know Who To Call?

Officer Mark Wood heads up the Brentwood Crime Prevention Division with Officer Samuel Bady. Together, they have over 40 years police experience. I recently spoke with Officer Wood about Neighborhood Watch groups.

“If you have a Neighborhood Watch or are thinking of starting one, we will come speak with your neighbors on how to get started. Communication is key!” said Officer Woods. “With your Neighborhood Watch [we recommend] having a monthly or quarterly newsletter that goes out. Keep your neighbors informed.”

“In my neighborhood we have a program that uses NEXTDOOR. It helps with crime prevention, lost and found, future events, and much more. It helps keep the neighborhood stay current, involved and informed,” said Officer Wood.

According to NeighborhoodScout.com, Brentwood is safer than 77% of the cities in the U.S.  Officer Wood attributes that stat to engaged neighbors and neighborhood watch groups.

Suspicious Activity?

If at any time you see someone or something out of character or conduct for your neighborhood don’t second guess yourself, trust your gut instinct and reach out to your local Police Department. The police are here to serve and protect. “[If you do see anything out of the ordinary,] write down the car color, make, model license plate number, what individuals look like (hair color, etc.). Any observation is critical,” said Officer Wood.

Nothing is To Small

“We just had an incident where a car was moving in a strange manner– stopping and swerving in a neighborhood. We received a call and it ended up being a domestic dispute. A husband was hitting his wife in the car. If the neighbor didn’t call [us] who knows what could of happened,” informed Officer Wood.

Brentwood Neighbors

Get creative with your Neighborhood Watch meetings. Have cookouts, pot lucks, or even a block party to attract attendance and encourage participation. Don’t forget the children! Include safety presentations for children in the neighborhood. It is never too soon to encourage safety practices.

Lisa Sammons of Sentry Management, HOA for McGavock Farms, Brentwood Country Club, Princeton Hills, and Landsdowne shared, “The Brentwood police are so liked and welcoming. The one thing I can advise is at every Neighborhood Watch is to keep the neighborhood well lit. Whether it is neighborhood entrance lighting or individual home lighting it is a proven prevention method to keep the lights on. It’s a lot safer.”

Neighborhood Watch groups promote an increased quality of life. Best practices for neighbors interested in encouraging a watch group should:

* Schedule recurring meetings.

* Get to know one another.

* Work on stragies for your neighborhood to ensure safety.

* Don’t hesitate to call and get to know your police department. They are here to support you!

Officers Mark Wood and Officer Samuel Bady of the Brentwood Crime Prevention Division can be reached at 615-371-2267 or by email Officer Wood [email protected] Officer Samuel Bady [email protected]

Stay tuned for follow ups with Lieutenant Charles Warner of the Franklin, TN Police Department and Troy Huffines Nolensville Chief of Police.

 

 

[scroller style=”sc1″ title=”Special Report:Crime” title_size=”17″ display=”cats” cats=”5898″ number_of_posts=”12″ auto_play=”5000″ speed=”300″]