Neighborhood watch

A neighborhood watch sign near Picayune, Mississippi, United States. Many U.S. signs feature "Boris the Burglar," a character trademarked by the National Sheriffs' Association.[1]
Neighbourhood Watch Sign, Combat Force Assistance (South Africa)

A neighborhood watch or neighbourhood watch (see spelling differences), also called a crime watch or neighbourhood crime watch, is an organized group of civilians devoted to crime and vandalism prevention within a neighborhood.

The aim of neighborhood watch includes educating residents of a community on security and safety and achieving safe and secure neighborhoods. However, when a criminal activity is suspected, members are encouraged to report to authorities, and not to intervene.

In the United States, neighborhood watch builds on the concept of a town watch from Colonial America.[citation needed]

  1. ^ National Sheriffs' Association. "Logo Usage Information". NNW.org. Retrieved February 5, 2015.