Minnetonka Neighborhood Watch

Did you know that the Minnetonka Crime Prevention Association supports programs, such as Neighborhood Watch, by educating residents about local crime and safety?   Neighborhood Watch is a police-community partnership that is a cost effective way to prevent crime in your area.

Are you a member of Neighborhood Watch? The benefits of joining include:

• Neighborhood Watch signs are posted in participating neighborhoods warning that suspicious activity will be reported.

• Crime alerts and notices are distributed to Watch Captains to be sent to the Watch Group.
• Residents are trained to recognize and report suspicious activity in their neighborhood. Personal safety and home security techniques are practiced by residents in the neighborhood.

• The police department informs Watch members about trends in security and safety when home or away.

During the upcoming holiday season it is important to be vigilant about safety. Some tips are:

• The police need your eyes and ears to assist them. Stay alert and be aware of your surroundings. Report suspicious activity by calling 911.
• Be certain to place packages in your trunk before reaching your destination. If you must put items in your car while at one shopping destination, move your vehicle to another parking spot.
• Don’t leave your purse in a shopping cart and walk away. Put your wallet in an inside coat or front pants pocket and avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
• If you take your children shopping, teach them to go to a police officer or a store security guard if they get separated or lost.

For more information on getting a Neighborhood Watch started in your area call Crime Prevention Analyst Nicole Nelson at 952-939-8546.