Homeowners from the Southampton Community gathered in the neighborhood clubhouse Jan. 31 to discuss crime in their area and to form a neighborhood watch program. The residents are taking a proactive approach to ensure that the neighborhood remains safe and that their property values remain high. Chief Brandon Perkins was on hand to explain how neighborhood watch works and to provide the residents with crime information from the neighborhood and the Town in general.

While Southampton has seen its share of crimes since it opened, it is not Tyrone’s busiest neighborhood. In fact, the neighborhood accounted for only 2.54 percent of all assaults, burglaries, criminal trespass, thefts, domestics, and juvenile cases in Tyrone for 2007. Averaged out over all of the homes in the neighborhood, this is a very low rate of crime.

Chief Perkins explained to the residents how one of their vigilant neighbors was responsible for the apprehension of four burglars in August 2007. The resident observed four males entering his neighbor’s home and bring out a flat screen television. The resident called the police and followed behind the suspects at a safe distance until the police department arrived. All of the suspects were arrested after a chase that ended in South Fulton County.

Neighborhood watch programs are a proven method of reducing and preventing crime. Members learn what to watch for, how to be a good witness, and how to protect themselves and their homes from crime. Successful programs bring communities closer together and improve the quality of life for all involved. Residents from other neighborhoods in Tyrone are encouraged to contact Chief Perkins to get a neighborhood watch started in their neighborhoods.

Neighborhood watch programs are a proven method of reducing and preventing crime. Members learn what to watch for, how to be a good witness, and how to protect themselves and their homes from crime. Successful programs bring communities closer together and improve the quality of life for all involved. Residents from other neighborhoods in Tyrone are encouraged to contact Chief Perkins to get a neighborhood watch started in their neighborhoods.

For more information on the Southampton Neighborhood Watch program contact watch coordinator Lillian Wimbush-Smith at lillianblsd@aol.com She said the neighborhood watch is planning a walk sometime in March to bring the neighborhood together.