Neighborhood Crime Watch groups are formed by neighbors who agree to keep an eye out for suspicious behavior in the local area, and are committed to reporting such activities to the police. Your neighborhood crime watch group can also conduct educational programs and training on such topics as how to make your home security better, or how to stop vandalism in the neighborhood. Each watch group collaborates to determine the direction of its activities.

Such groups have long been recognized for their positive effects within the community, but how do you get a group started? This can seem like a daunting task, especially if you've never met some of your neighbors. Communication is crucial for the long-term success of your program. Regular meetings must be held, either at a home in the neighborhood or in a public building. Many watch groups have elected members to do certain tasks, such as putting together a monthly newsletter. Some groups communicate through letter or fliers, while others have switched to email. In addition to sharing the meeting dates, your neighborhood watch group should also keep updated information on current threats within the neighborhood, such as suspicious people recently spotted prowling around empty homes.

Although it's easy to start forming a group by gathering a small number of people, it's also important for your group to be inclusive. Make sure that the message reaches the entire neighborhood. At the first meeting, it's a good idea to have a “meet and greet” where neighbors can meet each other and share their concerns. Don't forget to invite new neighbors to join your group soon after they move into the neighborhood.

By being part of a neighborhood crime group, you will be better informed of what is going on in your local area. Many law enforcement agencies are more than willing to come speak to such groups, and may even share information on crimes occurring nearby. Often, neighborhood crime watch groups are the first to know about such activities.

From the beginning, it is important to communicate what your group does. Being a part of this group does not require a big time commitment, but rather an agreement to keep your eyes open as you go about your usual activities and report any problems you see. Some groups do have formalized patrols around the neighborhood, although these are not very common. Often, there is a perception that a neighborhood crime watch is a license for vigilante justice. However, crime watch members should not confront any criminals they spot. This is best left for the police. In addition to watching for home invasions and related crimes, there are other activities in which the group can become involved, such as cleaning up the neighborhood to deter vandalism. Your group should establish a list of concerns early in the formation process so that you can focus your attention on matters of concern to the community.

Once your neighborhood watch group has been established, don't forget to put signs in your windows and on neighborhood streets as a visual deterrent. Once criminals find out that you have an active group, they will know that their actions will be watched and reported. These signs, coupled with the actions of group members, can go a long way in keeping suspicious and criminal behavior out of your neighborhood.