Public Safety Committee presents new neighborhood crime watch program
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Thursday, March 11, 2010 - 10:08am
More than 30 Durham residents attended a two-hour presentation Tuesday, March 2, in an effort to prevent crime from occurring in their neighborhoods with the help of the town’s new communications system.
The Public Safety Committee’s new neighborhood crime watch program uses the power of the town’s “Safer Durham Notification System” to alert residents of criminal activity in their neighborhood. The system allows the town’s Resident State Trooper to send text messages to resident’s e-mail, PDA or Smart Phone when they enroll in the program at the town’s website (www.townofdurhamct.org). As part of the presentation, residents received training on how to be more observant, and were encouraged to report suspicious activities.
According to Public Safety Committee chairman Frank DeFelice, “If something in your neighborhood seems out-of-place, it most likely is. Residents should not hesitate to call police and have them investigate, or jot-down their observations on paper. Many a crime has been solved because of a license plate number or motor vehicle description.”
The presentation also provided residents the opportunity to meet with Durham Resident State Trooper Peter DiGioia. DiGioia recounted numerous examples of a neighbor’s watchful eye foiling criminals who were burglarizing other homes in their neighborhood.
The Public Safety Committee’s Neighborhood Crime Watch Program is designed to reduce crime by increasing awareness and improving communications between citizens and the police. Residents who wish to learn more about this program are encouraged to attend any of the committee’s informational meetings or contact Frank DeFelice at 860-349-9688.
