Property crime has risen to staggering levels in Peel over the past several years. Auto thefts are occurring at record pace and break-and-enters continue to send shock waves through the community. Governments, police and the justice system play a key role in crime prevention; and so do everyday residents and property owners.
What can you do?
Neighbourhood Watch is one of the most effective ways that citizens can use to protect their property from would-be thieves. This program brings neighbours together so that they look out for one another and can more quickly recognize suspicious activity on their street.
I have long encouraged residents to start a Neighbourhood Watch and Ward 10 has among the most of any ward in the City. A recent report indicated that Churchill Meadows remains the safest community in Mississauga. While it is always difficult to quantify the benefits of a program that prevents bad things from happening, studies have shown that members of a Neighbourhood Watch are between 20 and 26% less likely to be victims of property crime than non-members. In fact, one neighbourhood in Mississauga reported an 80% reduction in crime after a Watch was established!
Another great benefit of the program is that neighbours get to know one another and build a stronger sense of community and belonging. It’s often the case that once you get to know someone, you treat them and are treated by them more favourably than if they remained a stranger. You live right next to your neighbours all the time—wouldn’t it be great if there weren’t strangers? I’ve been to many street parties over the years where neighbours who are part of a Watch organize an annual gathering to celebrate together and intentionally foster that warm and welcoming community atmosphere.
The Neighbourhood Watch program in our city is managed by Safe City Mississauga, a non-profit organization affiliated with the City of Mississauga. If you would like to set up a Watch on your street, speak with your neighbours to gauge their interest. If you have enough committed households to support the effort, reach out to staff at Safe City Mississauga who will guide you through the process of establishing and maintaining this program and what supports you will receive.
To find out more, visit Safe City Mississauga’s Neighbourhood Watch webpage.