It used to be that neighbors looked out for each other, but the growing population and the busy life styles that most people lead today has changed this in many ways. For the most part people have enough stress looking after their own family and property and are not inclined to get involved with others.

A lot of communities have created neighborhood watch programs that have been most valuable in many different circumstances. With so many new housing developments being created sometimes this type of valuable resource can be forgotten about.

It has been shown that crime prevention is one of the best security measures that anyone can utilize and when it becomes a group effort like the neighborhood watch program then it can be all the more effective. Not only does this keep people alert it gives them a better living atmosphere to enjoy.

Aside from being the instigator of implementing a neighborhood watch program in your area you can also become the source of encouragement for your neighbors to become more alert to what is happening in regards to the residences on either side of them or even across the street. We’re not advocating the “nosy neighbor” concept here, but merely suggesting that showing a little concern when something seems to be out of the ordinary.

You could suggest to close neighbors that have to be away from their residence for awhile that you will keep an eye on their place for them. They may not be comfortable with leaving the keys to their home with you, but they could leave a contact number with you in case something seems remiss while they are away.

Encourage those in your neighborhood to respond to home and vehicle alarms if they are triggered. What has happened especially with car alarms is that people have become so used to them going off because they are over sensitive, that people basically ignore them.

First take the appropriate steps to have a solid security system put in place for your home and vehicles, and encourage your neighbors to do the same. This will go a great distance in eliminating false alarms because of inferior security systems.

Responding to a triggered alarm will most likely mean contacting the proper authorities, and could be a real benefit to assisting a neighbor whose home, property or vehicle is in potential trouble.

Looking out after others in your area doesn’t have to be time consuming, but merely means remaining alert as to what is going on in your neighborhood.