1. If out of the house for an extended period of time, create the illusion that someone may still be home. Leave a TV or stereo on in the room where a burglar would most likely break in. Use exterior lighting and motion detectors to minimize burglar concealment.

2. Make sure all exterior doors have good proper locks. Install 1-inch deadbolt locks on all exterior doors.

3. If you get an unexpected knock at the door, check to see who it is before opening it.

4. Do not leave extra keys under doormats, potted plants or any other obvious outdoor location. Thieves will generally find them. Find an inconspicuous place to hide the keys, or give a set to a neighbor you can trust.

5. Burglar-proof your glass patio doors by setting a pipe or metal bar in the middle bottom track of the door slide. The pipe should be the same length as the track.

6. Keep garage doors shut.

7. Keep drapes and blinds shut � especially in rooms where there is expensive equipment. Don't advertise the items in your home.

8. Store cash, jewelry and other valuables in a safe or safety deposit box instead of leaving them lying around the home.

9. Don't leave notes on the door for service people or family members. These alert the burglar that you are not home.

10. If you're going to be away from home for a few days, adjust your telephone ring to its lowest volume setting. An unanswered phone may tip off a burglar that no one is home. Also, have a neighbor or friend collect your newspaper and mail. Never cancel delivery � you don't know who will get that information.

The information above was provided by Security Choice an ADT Company

which can be found on the web at: www.securitychoice.com.

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?

Tom Van Keuren, Administrator
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Polly Onderko, Assistant Admin.
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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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Rob Scheithauer, Trustee
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