Residents consider re-forming Neighbourhood Watch group
More than 30 Erin residents attended an interactive crime prevention workshop held at Centre 2000 on April 3. The event was sponsored by the Erin Residents’ Association.
Mayor Allan Alls, councillor John Brennan and county councillor Pierre Brianceau welcomed the group and encouraged them to consider forming a Neighbourhood Watch chapter.
A display table was set up by Safe Communities Wellington County program coordinator Christine Veit and Jennifer McLaughlin introduced the newly formed Safe Communities Erin.
Wellington County OPP auxiliary staff sergeant Brad Hull, OPP auxiliary officer Neil Watterson and OPP officer Kirk MacDonald shared the SafeGuard Ontario Property Security program, including target hardening techniques to help reduce or prevent re-victimization of property crimes.
A survey of the attendees indicated many were recent victims of break-ins to their home or vehicle.
The OPP officers answered many questions and reinforced the basic principles of crime prevention through environmental design. More suggestions are posted on the OPP web site at www.opp.ca.
Organizer David Spencer closed the meeting and encouraged the group to talk to neighbours and consider re-forming the Neighbourhood Watch for Erin.
Interested residents may contact Spencer at erinresidents@gmail.com or erinresidents.wordpress.com.
Submitted by David Spencer,
Erin Residents’ Association
