by Christine McDonald
Being a concerned citizen is so important. With the growth of Nolensville, it is essential to be an active member of the community and its growth.
“Be a good witness and steward of our community and report what you see. Whether it’s ever so minor, you might not know when that [report] will lead to something much larger. It could be a good deterrent to stop criminal activity,” said Troy Huffines Chief of Police for Nolensville, TN.
Spring is quickly approaching and spring and summer have always brought a statistical rise in neighborhood crime. Lawn mowers, tools, bikes, and other attractive items for theft get left in the front yard. These are just a few examples of the numerous opportunities for criminal activity to rise in the warmer months.
“We work with a lot of the HOAs in the communities teaching what to do and not to do. Our community uses Nixle to get the word out,” said Chief Huffines. If you are a member of a Neighborhood Watch group, consider using Nixle as a way to keep your neighbors informed.
Nixle enables real time two-way communications via text, voice message, email, and social media. Nixle even has a mobile app to make access quicker and easier. Click here to learn more about Nixle.
Criminals rely on the politeness of individuals as an opening to take advantage of a situation. It is important to remember not all criminals look like criminals. Neighborhood Scout is a national database of neighborhoods with advanced analytics on crime rates and more. National Scout reports that for every 1,000 people in Nolensville, there are 2.02 burglaries per month.
Chief Huffines proudly states, “The communities of Nolensville has pulled together and crime is down!” Chief Huffines contributes this to community meetings, HOA’s, and Neighborhood Watch groups coming together.
The National Neighborhood Watch Institute says, “Always remember that your responsibility is to report crime. Do not take any risk to prevent a crime or try to make an arrest. The responsibility for apprehending criminals belongs to the police”
“Neighbors should not ever assume the role of the police,” said Chief Huffines. Being a concerned citizen does not mean you should take the law into your own hands. Support your neighbors and your police department by reporting suspicious behavior. The police will do the rest!
Reduce Crime
Regardless of where you live in Nolensville, a suburban subdivision or a more rural area, it is important to participate in a neighborhood watch program. Usually, neighborhood watch groups are formed in response to an increase in residential burglary or a need to eliminate community issues. However, you can be proactive and form a watch group before a theft occurs.
Once you have formed a neighborhood watch group, you can promote the safety and security by:
– Posting a neighborhood watch sign in your community. Let these signs and security systems signs be displayed in clear sight.
– Encourage neighbors to be careful of how they dispose of trash. For example, you don’t want to leave your new TV box out on the curb announcing to potential burglars that you bought the big screen tv.
– Neighbors should also be on the lookout for packages on the front porch of their neighbors. Mailbox and package theft is a reality and occurs more often than we realize. As a concerned citizen and a part of the neighborhood watch, you should report these fraudulent activities to the police and your neighbor.
Solicitation
“Solicitation has been on the rise. If it is not your local high school student at your door, it is best not to answer the door. Some solicitors are dangerous and, yes, they are trespassing,” says Chief Huffines
Leading experts say that solicitors can use the opportunity to scout out your yard, belongings, and neighborhood for a future grab and go. You are under no obligation to speak or answer your doorbell for these solicitors.
It is essential for old and new neighborhoods to come together. A list of future HOA’s and Community Meetings has been posted to the Nolensville website: www.nolensvilletn.gov.
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