Police in Fayetteville have set a neighborhood watch meeting for Thursday, April 13, at 7 p.m. at the Fayetteville Depot, taking another step in making residential crime prevention a top priority.

Citing statistics that indicate a home is burglarized every 14 seconds in the United States, the city Police Department is working to reduce crime in the community by providing crime prevention education and neighborhood watch programs.

Neighborhood watch is a program involving the joint efforts of the Police Department and the community, designed to enhance neighborhood security, heighten the community's power of observation and encourage mutual assistance and concern among neighbors. It encourages citizens to become active in the fight against crime and make their community a safer place.

Thursday's two-hour educational program will give interested persons information that they can use to reduce the likelihood that they will be crime victims.

For information or to reserve a seat, phone Fayetteville Police Lt. Tom Kirkbride at 770-461-4441. Space is limited to 70 participants, so residents are advised to register early.