What is the Elyria Township Neighborhood Watch program?

Neighborhood watch is one of the oldest and most effective crime prevention programs in the country, bringing citizens together with law enforcement to deter crime and make communities safer. In areas with active neighborhood watch groups, the opportunity for criminal activity is significantly reduced. “This is a great opportunity for residents to get more involved in the safety of their community,” said Deputy Joe Greiner. “Residents can make a significant difference just by working together and educating themselves about their own personal safety and about the safety of those around them.”

Neighborhood Watch groups, the foundation of community crime prevention, were created to encourage citizen involvement in preventing residential crime. Involved neighbors report suspicious activity to the Block Watch Captain or Sheriff’s Office and members watch out for their neighbors through observing from their homes.

Neighborhood Watch educates participants in the principles of deterrence, delay and detection. The program depends on a communication network organized with three levels of participation- the residents, Block Watch Captains, and the Sheriff’s Office.
Neighborhood Watch is a proven crime-reduction program, and like any self-help program, its success depends upon you and your neighbor.

Neighborhood Watch does not condone vigilante actions
No one is asked to take personal risk

Are their Neighborhood Watch groups near me?

Currently, there are groups established in the following areas:
West Ridge Road
North Murray Ridge Road
Lake Avenue
Griswold Road
Dellefield Road
Woodhill, Galaxy Drive and Murray Ridge Road area

How do I start a Neighborhood Watch group on my street?

First, you need to contact one of the committee members with your name and date of birth so we can have the Sheriff’s Office run a minimum clearance background check on you. They use the OLEG system and all results are kept confidential. We want the leaders of our groups to be legitimate role models with a clean record. Don’t worry, speeding tickets don’t count. You will then receive the guidelines and responsibilities of the Neighborhood Watch Captains so you know your role.

Next, you will receive a packet of information to distribute to your neighbors. This includes:
A letter introducing yourself and the program
A resident data form for them to fill out and return to you. This includes, name, address, phone number and e-mail
A phone tree template to use to keep track of your group and contact them if needed.
A map of your area so you can track participating homes
An incident data sheet to teach your neighbors to use if they see suspicious activity in the neighborhood.

You will need to forward a copy of the resident data forms you get back to Polly Onderko, the secretary, so we can recognize your group as an official Neighborhood Watch group.

Then, official Elyria Township Neighborhood Watch signs will be posted on the street in your area to let everyone know that your group is active.

The Elyria Township Neighborhood Watch steering committee hosts quarterly meetings that are open to all watch groups to learn more about how to keep our neighborhoods safe. Guest speakers and opportunities to network with neighbors make these great events to connect and build relationships.

Who do I contact for more information?

Participate in the Neighborhood Watch program by contacting the Elyria Township Neighborhood Watch Administrator Laura Fenik at 440-336-2785 or at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Polly Onderko, Assistant Administrator
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Barb Scheithauer, Secretary
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John Fletcher
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Sandy Lotz
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Terry Shipula
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Carl Snezek
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Tom Van Keuren
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Rob Scheithauer, Trustee
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