How to Start a Neighbourhood Watch Program WITHOUT Community League Support?

If you want to start a Neighbourhood Watch program for your street, building or complex without the involvement of your community league, the following steps are required:

1. Interest must be expressed by a person/s who can do one or more of the following:

• Attend the public training to learn about Neighbourhood Watch.
• Follow ENW on social media (Facebook, Instagram & Twitter) for information on crime prevention.
• Participate in ENW programs for individuals such as Walk Your Block & the Block Party program.
• Consider becoming a Neighbourhood Watch Ambassador.

2. Follow the practices of a Neighbourhood Watch program.

• Get to know your neighbours.
• Look out for your neighbours and neighbourhood.
• Learn to recognize who and what belongs in your neighbourhood.
• Practice crime prevention strategies to protect yourself and your property.
• Call the Edmonton Police Service at 780-423-4567 or #377 should you see suspicious activities.
• Encourage anyone who is a victim of a crime to report it to the police.
• Report any crimes to the Edmonton Police Service that happen to you or your property by reporting online, calling 780-423-4567, #377 or using the EPS mobile app.

3. Meet with neighbours and talk about what’s happening in your neighbourhood.
4. Share what you have learned with your neighbours.
5. Encourage your neighbours to do what you have done.

Helpful tools to find a volunteer

Advertise in your newsletter, website or e-circulars that your community is looking for a Neighbourhood Watch Community Rep. At community events, advertise that the community needs a volunteer who is interested in community safety and crime prevention.  The most successful Community Reps are those that have an interest or passion in making their communities safer. *Community groups must be INCLUSIVE and serve ALL RESIDENTS of a community (as determined by the geographical boundaries of a community league). They must have some means to communicate with residents within the community.

Click here to check if your community league has an Official ENW Program.

Don’t know your community league? Visit Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues membership page and enter your postal code under FIND YOUR LEAGUE.