Emily Stone's Crime Watch Tip # 19 - Neighborhood Watch Groups

Police Departments across the country are learning that community participationin anti-crime programs is essential. One of the most effective ways to promote citizens interactionwith police is sharing of information. Citizen groups determine specific needs or problems and then share this information with local police.

The Neighborhood Watch concept is designed to target specific geographical areas and to assist citizens in these areas to;

• Establish and organizational structure and create an information sharing network.


• Help to introduce neighbors and create social ties that will help them work together.


• Allow police to train citizens on how to be proactive by preventing crime and how to recognize and report criminal activities.


• Access information and assistance from police and of the Government agencies that can help improve living conditions.


• Provide the community with a strong unified voice to inform community leaders on programs and actions that the people support.

For more information contact your local police precinct and see what programs they have available.

Also, many areas now have ways that you can inform the Police of strange circumstances in your neighborhoodthrough the PC, Phone, and even by sending a Text Message remaining confidential. This system, if available,works very well and many crimes have been prevented with this program.

Never try and be a hero, if something does not look right or you think you hear gunshots call the Police immediately. Do not think that someone else is making the call. The more calls the Police receive the more they will realizethe potential higher crime areas.

Working together as a community is important and adding on the Police and keeping them informed will help your neighborhood be a safer place to live.

Emily’s Crime Watch – Tip #18 (Investment Scams)

The age-old saying, “If it seems to be too good to be true, then it probably is” holds true most of the time.

Has this every happened to you or someone you know? You receive a call or letter from a so-called broker offering some type of investment tip. It can actually be a well-scripted, elaborate scam. First they get your confidence because they state they don’t want any money from you, etc. Then after the third or fourth phone call or letter, they have a great opportunity with no risk to you for a certain $$$.

In this day and age, money is tight, taxes are high, and budgets are being squeezed. We all want to make more money to give family and ourselves a little breathing room and some financial freedom.

What should you do?

1. Work with trusted professionals.Ask for references on any broker or financial group you’re considering investing with and actually call these references. Make sure that your broker answers all your questions.
2. Know when to hang up the phone.Ignore unsolicited calls. Never give out ANY personal information, even if they say they are representing your bank or credit card company.
3. Take the time to really look at the proposal.Don’t make a quick, hasty decision. Allow it to sit and do your homework.
4. Watch your credit cards.Always shred and carefully store any credit card receipts. Make it a habit to always review your credit card statements each month.
5. Take a step back and know when you’re the most vulnerable.If you’re in a vulnerable situation, it can make it easier to fall victim to a scam. Know exactly what you’re investing in and take the necessary steps outlined above before you act. Don’t let fear drive your investment.
6. Be wary of something that you want to hear.Anyone who is trying to sell something, even the legitimate ones, know how to make a hard sale based on people’s hopes and dreams. Listen, but make your decision on the entire picture with the “worst case” and “best case” scenarios.
7. Remember, if it seems to good to be true, it probably is too good to be true.It’s generally best not to buy on a “hot tip” or when it’s offered to “only a select group of people”. Do your homework and only make investments that you can afford and afford to lose.

Finally, if you believe that you or anyone you know are being targeted for a scam, REPORT IT IMMEDIATELY to law enforcement.

Jennifer Chase

Award Winning Author & Criminologist
Author Blog: www.authorjenniferchase.blogspot.com/

Website: www.jenniferchase.vpweb.com/