News Flash

Neighbors who watch out for neighbors make a big difference in our community. In one instance, a woman noticed an unknown man entering the home of her neighbor. The woman called for police. As RPD officers were en route, the neighbor saw the suspicious man exit the house carrying various items belonging to the resident of that house. Officers quickly spotted the suspected burglar less than a block away. On-scene investigation led to his arrest and the recovery of the stolen items.

RPD encourages citizens to be mindful of the simple steps you can take to help reduce crime – much of it property crime – in your neighborhoods. Among the things you can do to protect your home and vehicles are installing adequate lighting in dark areas around the outside of the house, having a dog at home, making sure to lock vehicle doors, and not leaving valuables in vehicles.

It is also important to know your neighbors so everyone can protect each other by being aware of and alert to what is taking place in the neighborhood each day. The people who know a neighborhood best are the people who live there. They know who belongs and who doesn’t.

The local Neighborhood Watch program can offer more tips and can help organize formal programs in neighborhoods. Anyone interested in forming a Neighborhood Watch group or simply taking advantage of the resources the organization offers can call Richard Lucero at 622-7233, or stop by the office at 425 N. Main St.