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Neighborhood Watches
Posted: Apr 26, 2014
I'm just looking for some opinions on so-called organized (or general) neighborhood watches. When we leave town for more than a day or so, I tell just my immediate neighbors. With all good intentions, one of them said, "Oh, okay. I'll tell everybody I know." I asked her not to do that, that I just wanted a few people who lived nearby to know in case they saw something "funny." I don't think it's a good idea for the whole neighborhood to know. All it takes is one errant kid (or grownup) that isn't on the up and up or who is on drugs, and that's that. We're basically and 50 and up community, but some people do have kids, or have their kids/grandkids visit or stay for a few weeks, and I don't feel all have to know. Others in other neighborhoods could easily find out, too, as people don't just hang with only the people in this neighborhood. I don't feel I'm paranoid, but maybe some of you do. We live in a relatively safe area overall.;
Never tell that neighbor again. - LOL, but serious
[ In Reply To ..]Only one or two should know and they cannot tell everyone!
That neighbor sounds like a gossiping nitwit. I suggest not mentioning it to her again.
LOL, but - OP
[ In Reply To ..]Well, she's not a gossipy wit-nit. I think in her mind, she thinks that the more people who know, the more people are watching out. I understand the mentality of the thinking, but I feel the more people who know, the more of a chance of something not good happening.
People here are always talking about setting up a formal neighborhwood watch, but I think that is just spelling trouble. Everybody in their pup knows you're away when you do something like that.
Suggestion - Shipwrecked
[ In Reply To ..]Several years ago when my house was broken into, the police told me that most burglaries are committed by people looking for money or items to sell to get drug money. He suggested leaving maybe $50 or $100 in plain sight, and avoid having the house trashed.
That would just invite them to return whenever - youre gone. A better idea is - sm
[ In Reply To ..]to make your house as difficult to break into as possible. I can't afford to have my house broken into at all, let alone leaving out cash treats for the Thug Fairy.
Really, might as well just tape it to - the front door.
[ In Reply To ..]Sheesh, what weird advice! I would think anyone finding $100 in plain view would be inspired to spare no effort in finding more!
You should not advertise that you are gone. The house should look like you are still there. Drapes in the same positions, lights coming on and off at regular times (get timers), etc.
Whomever watches your house should come over daily as if visiting. They look most convincing carrying casseroles and pastries, but, of course, not carrying them away again. Just leave room in your freezer for them. That way, you will have something to eat when you come home.
It is a shame the health dept no longer quarantines homes. No one would have dared go in with one of those signs on the door.
I would just hire a housesitter to bring in papers - and mail, water plants, and - sm
[ In Reply To ..]keep an eye on things. You want your house to appear occupied, not empty. Put lamps on timers, too. Or hire a very trustworthy friend or relative to do live-in, overnight housesitting. You never REALLY know your neighbors, and you don't know who they know. I wouldn't tell them I was leaving.
Thanks - OP
[ In Reply To ..]I have a friend come in and feed our parrots, so at least there's some activity once a day. I also have our lights on a timer.
We had purchased one of those timers that is random, so if someone is seriously casing the joint, it would throw them off....but we couldn't get the darn thing to work right. We have our lights timed for the same time we would turn them on and off if we were home.
I think the parrots themselves would be a good - "burglar alarm" - I would bet - sm
[ In Reply To ..]they would raise a ruckus if a stranger were to come into the house. People who live in rural areas often use geese for the same purpose. NO ONE gets on the property without the geese telling the whole world about it!
LOL - My parrots do have big mouths-OP
[ In Reply To ..]xxx
I think parrots and cockatoos are SO cute! - I especially like their love of music! :)
[ In Reply To ..]Have you ever seen videos of "Snowball the Dancing Cockatoo"? OMG - that little bird is a head-banging rocker! ;D
I have seen some You Tube Videos, so cute! - OP-nm
[ In Reply To ..]xxx
on leaving your house - bebe
[ In Reply To ..]I wouldn't tell anyone but maybe 1 neighbor your trust most.
Re: Home safety - Old Pro
[ In Reply To ..]That's part of the reason I have a Doberman and a Rottweiler. My built-in security system! :)
Thanks to all - OP-see msg
[ In Reply To ..]Thanks so much. Yeah, I really don't get the formal Neighborhood Watch thing. I think they even have meetings where everybody knows when everybody will be away.
A sheriff lives across the street from us, so he's our number 1 person we tell. The house to the left of us is completely empty, so I do like to let the neighbor to the right of us know so they can peak around back now and then. We live in a non-light-polluted area, so it's quite dark out there.
Thanks so much for all the responses.
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