CONTACTING NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH WINDSOR

All it takes is one resident to get the process going. When making the choice to start a Watch, the canvasser contacts Neighbourhood Watch Windsor to register their Watch, and receive their sign-up materials. If you live in a private complex or building, you’ll need permission from your Board of Directors.

Canvassing your Neighbourhood

The canvasser is responsible for going door-to-door and collecting the contact information of the people in the neighbourhood. A minimum of 50% of residents need to be signed up for the program to be activated. Once this information is collected, it’s entered into a database by Neighbourhood Watch Windsor, and is never shared or sold.

C.P.T.E.D. Scan

Upon request, Neighbourhood Watch Windsor will conduct a Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) Scan of the neighbourhood. This audit indicates any structural/environmental issues in the neighbourhood that might be allowing crime to happen, therefore making small changes can reduce future criminal opportunities.

City Signage

The City of Windsor will install Neighbourhood Watch signage denoting your area as an activated Watch. These signs serve as psychological reminders to criminals to stay away, while branding your street. Private complexes and buildings are responsible for their own installation.

Activation Meeting

Neighbourhood Watch Windsor will host an ‘activation meeting’ at a local community centre or library for your neighbourhood. All dwellings in the Watch are invited to attend this hosted training presentation delivered by Windsor Police Service and Neighbourhood Watch Windsor. The meeting covers home security, crime prevention information, and details on how your Watch will work. It’s recommended all Members attend this meeting to get the education they need to be an effective Watch. Take home materials and fact sheets are provided at this meeting for Watch Members to take home. At this meeting the Block Captain(s) will be introduced. Most often the original canvasser, the Block Captain(s) will be responsible for maintaining the Watch and sending out communications to the Members.

Communicating with your Watch

Watch Members are now trained to report suspicious and criminal activity in their neighbourhood – both Windsor Police Service and their local Block Captain. Block Captains are responsible for taking the reports and sending them out to all Watch Members. This ensures everyone knows whenever something suspicious/criminal happens in their Watch, and keeps people talking.

Neighbourhood Block Parties!

All Neighbourhood Watches are encouraged to have Neighbours Block Parties right on their street! Community events like potlucks, BBQs, or just regular coffee outside are a great way to get neighbours out of their home and socializing. It sends a strong message to criminals that this is an active community, and that you live in a Watch where people stand together.

If you are the victim of a crime or see suspicious activity, immediately contact Windsor Police Service to report it.

9-1-1 If it is an EMERGENCY you need police, firefighters, or an ambulance, or you feel unsafe, or a crime is in progress).

Or, 519-258-6111 If it is not an emergency, and you are reporting the crime AFTER it has happened, use the non-emergency line.