Austin police said interest in Neighborhood Watch has dropped off in recent years. Officers said it's either a lack of interest or a misconception that neighborhood watches involve a lot of time and effort.
Pat Conegliano lives in Travis Heights where there's been a Neighborhood Watch program for the last 10 years.
"We just walk around, because we know people that live on this street and if we see someone that we've never seen before we'll just maybe look at them a little longer than we normally would," Conegliano said.
And that's the main purpose of Neighborhood Watch -- more eyes and ears -- a tool that tremendously helps police.
"We can't possibly have police officers in every neighborhood 24 hours a day. However with Neighborhood Watch, technically, we have the eyes and ears there and for the police department that's the most important part," APD Officer James Scott said.
The only fee -- residents of the neighborhood have to pay for the sign, which is about $20 and police say the sign alone helps keep criminals away.
"It's something that any criminal naturally by nature takes the least path of resistance. I guess that's one of the basic common factors among all criminals is the ease of the target," Scott said.
To get started it's as easy as contacting the police department -- finding out who your district representative is and setting up a meeting with your neighbors and the officer.
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Neighborhood Watch
Police say the program is in decline.
 
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"Of course we will come and we'll bring crime stats, crime trends in the area things to watch for and help them with guidelines of what to have, what you need, and basically your little organization," Scott said.
It can be as formal or informal as your neighborhood desires. Police say it's worth trying to keep you and your neighbors safe.
Austin police said your neighborhood watch can range in intensity -- anything from just posting a sign to keeping track of neighbor's cars and license plate numbers. If you'd like to form a Neighborhood Watch -- call your police department.
