In 2012, Haddonfield had higher than usual crime statistics, including 70 burglaries, according to Lt. Ed Wiley of the Haddonfield Police Department. It was then that citizens came together and revitalized the Haddonfield Civic Association Neighborhood Watch.
On Nov. 17, the Neighborhood Watch had its second meeting of the year where citizens were given information and updates about the Neighborhood Watch, crime and participation. They also were informed about signing up for real-time crime alerts. From its peak, the crime in Haddonfield today has dropped significantly.
“The purpose of the Neighborhood Watch is to inform, enlighten and engage with fellow residents around crime, personal safety and safety around the home,” said Brian Wolfson of the Haddonfield Civic Association and member of the Citizen Advisory Board of the Neighborhood Watch. “Those residents that came were able to get updates with crime within the borough, tips of what participation means within the watch and being able to observe between normal and abnormal. It is more about learning about going about your everyday business, but learning to pay attention.”
Those who attended were given crime statistics by Wiley of the following year as well as the current statistics through August. Wiley also informed citizens about examples of common crimes, such as unlocked cars, breaking and entering and speeding through town, as well as crimes they may not necessarily know or think about. He spoke about copper theft where robbers take down gutters and stomp them down to fit in a duffle bag or backpack, various packaging that drugs can be found in and phone scams of people claiming to be from the IRS who demand money to be paid right away.
He also spoke of ways people can help report crimes. They can carry their cellphone to report or take a picture of suspicious activity. Wiley spoke of an example where a neighbor used their cellphone to take pictures of a suspicious vehicle and person who ended up being involved in a garage burglary.
“Don’t be afraid to call. We’d rather have a tip while something is active. People know what their community is like. If they see something out of place, we encourage them to call,” Wiley said.
Residents were also given information about how they can help the Neighborhood Watch. According to Wolfson, there are active and passive roles citizens can take. Active roles are where a neighborhood has a watch that exists on their block and actively engage with neighbors. Passive involvement includes coming to the biannual meetings or signing up for the Neighborhood Watch alerts.
“What that really means is folks can participate as much or as little as they want,” Wolfson said.
Citizens who attended the meeting said they found it very valuable and informative, according to Wolfson.
Residents can sign up for email alerts at haddonfieldcivic.com/ watch. The alerts provide real-time access to crime in the borough. Past and current crime statistics can be found at the New Jersey State Police website, www.njsp.com. Other information on crime in the borough can be found on the Haddonfield Police’s Facebook page.
Wiley recommended that those who are going away for the holidays make sure their house looks lived in, with lights on timers and such, and to inform a trusted neighbor to check on the place. Residents are also encouraged to let the police know so they can check on the residence as well. For emergencies call 911 and for non-emergencies call (856) 429–3000.
The next Neighborhood Watch meeting should be around six months from now.
