Ask A Cop: How Can I Make My Neighborhood Safer?

Is there anything you have ever wanted to know from the police department? Well, this is your chance to ask. 

Patch has always strived to bring its readers all types of information and keep them updated on what is happening in their communities. It is with that in mind that we bring you our newest column, “Ask A Cop.” We will be teaming up with the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office and other local law enforcement agencies from around the county to answer your questions.

Whether you have a question about certain laws and how they might affect you, your family or friends or how to stay safe in certain situations, we want you to ask them. Every week we will run one question and answer. To submit a question, email Shannon.burkey@patch.com.

Question:

My neighbors were burglarized but I didn't even notice. How can I be more vigilant about crime in my neighborhood?

Answer:

Sheriff's deputy April Skalland had a lot of good information about how to make your neighborhood safer.

First on her list was knowing your neighbors. 

“I think a lot of time nowadays people don’t know who their neighbors are," Skalland said. “Obviously the best thing to know is who’s in your neighborhood, who belongs where."

If you need help with that, contact the Sheriff's Office sub-station in your part of the county (see the list of offices and phone numbers here) or your local police department. A law enforcement officer can meet with you about how to get involved with Neighborhood Watch in your area or start your own group, if there isn't one already.

Here are some other suggestions:

• Most burglaries happen during the day, so if you're home when most people are away for work or school keep an eye out for your neighbors.
• Don't be a target. Lock your car, close your windows, make your house look occupied even when it isn't and don't keep valuables (purses, electronics, jewelry, cash) where would-be thieves could see it.
• Ask the Sheriff's Office to check on your house while you're on vacation. Here's the form to request a Vacation Check.
• Take part in National Night Out on Aug. 7. There are events throughout the county where you can meet your neighbors and get to know the law enforcement officers who patrol your neighborhood.
• Of course, call 9-1-1 if you see people prowling or peering into parked cars. 

National Night Out celebrations will be held in five locations:

• Live Oak & Soquel, from 6-8 p.m. at Shoreline Middle School, 855 17th Ave., Live Oak. Call 464-6230.
• Aptos, from 5-8 p.m. at Twin Lakes Church, 2701 Cabrillo College Dr., Aptos. Call 662-0690.
• Watsonville, from 4-8 p.m. at Pinto Lake County Park, 757 Green Valley Rd., Watsonville. Call 763-4420.
• San Lorenzo Valley, from 6-9 p.m. at the Sheriff's Sevice Center, 6059 Hwy. 9, Felton. Call 461-7400.
• Summit Area, from 6-8:30 p.m. at Redwood Estates Pavilion,21450 Madrone Dr., Los Gatos. Call 464-6230.