JACKSON – An effort by local law enforcement is aimed at bringing those to justice who are involved with a recent rash of breaking and entering of residences in Northampton County.

Northampton Sheriff Jack Smith is concerned about the rise in the number of these types of crimes, most of which he said are occurring during daytime hours. Smith believes the formation of Neighborhood Watch programs throughout the county will drastically reduce these crimes as well as putting behind bars those taking part in such criminal activity.

“Northampton County is built on the strength of our citizens,” Smith said. “Not only does neighborhood watch allow citizens to help in the fight against crime, it is also an opportunity for communities to bond through service by helping our neighbors. The Neighborhood Watch Program draws upon the compassion of average citizens, asking them to lend their neighbors a hand as well as to your local law enforcement.”

Smith added that the program will work in rural communities and neighborhoods where the majority of family members are either working or in school, thus leaving their residences deserted.

“While criminals have attempted to use this to their advantage, the neighborhoods in which citizens have observed and reported suspicious activity have enjoyed lower crime rates and have assisted law enforcement with catching these criminals,” Smith noted.

What are some of the benefits of starting a Neighborhood Watch Program?

** Connects you with your neighbors and local law enforcement in a positive way;

** Helps reduce crime in your neighborhood;

** Maintains a safer and better neighborhood;

** Unites the neighborhood; and

Improves communications between neighbors and law enforcement.

Smith said the Northampton Sheriff’s Office is ready to assist those who are interested in establishing a Neighborhood Watch Program. He stated the starting point was for concerned citizens to recruit and organize as many neighbors as possible and then contact the Northampton Sheriff’s Office to schedule a meeting where community concerns and the development of an action plan and communication plan can be discussed.

If your neighborhood wants to start a Neighborhood Watch Program they can contact Captain Chuck Hasty with the Northampton County Sheriff’s Office at 252-534-2611.

More information can be found at the following websites:

http://www.nccwa.org/

http://www.usaonwatch.org/