About 25 residents of SnowdenJones Apartments came out Friday to learn more about how they can stop crime right in its tracks.
"My hat is off to you all for coming out. That's what Neighborhood Watch is all about - making your neighborhood safe," said Sgt. Dennis Mitchell, the Neighborhood Watch project officer for the Greenwood Police Department.
Mitchell said getting people to look after one another is an important aspect of the program and its success in stopping crime.
"If you've got people that are willing to help and are concerned, it will stop quick," he said.
Mitchell was joined in his remarks by David Jordan, City Council member from Ward 6.
Snowden-Jones, built in 1970s, is home to approximately 105 families and many of the residents present Friday said there are repeated car break-ins and other crimes taking place in the complex.
Mitchell said the complex has changed over the last 30 years and that more crimes are being committed.
"There is all kinds of stuff going on," he said.
The officer said developing a Neighborhood Watch program could make a difference, provided the residents of Snowden-Jones are willing to participate.
Jordan said the city's Crime Stoppers program, which isn't operational yet, should help residents in the future come forward to report crimes with complete anonymity.
He also said increased police patrols of the complex will be something he will be asking for.
Crime robs a community of its well being, Jordan said.
"The bottom line is, it hurts everyone," he said.
Mitchell said Neighborhood Watch is already working in some parts of the city.
Jordan encouraged the youngsters in the crowd to stay in school and to refrain from self-destructive behavior.
He also encouraged the adults to step forward.
"We all have to live here together," Jordan said.
For more information on Greenwood Neighborhood Watch, call Sgt. Dennis Mitchell, at 453-3311.
