Block Watch

Captain, Co-Captain & Block Watch Participant Manual

An operation manual for

the Block Watch Program

For Safer Communities

Contents

Why Block Watch? ................................................................................................. 3

Block Watch Program Overview ............................................................................ 4

Running Block Watch............................................................................................. 5

Captain & Co-Captain Responsibilities .................................................................. 6

The Block Watch Map ............................................................................................ 7

Program Dynamics ................................................................................................ 8

Safer Communities ................................................................................................ 9

Holding a Block Watch Meeting ........................................................................... 10

Maintaining Block Watch ..................................................................................... 12

Dwellings Other Than Houses .............................................................................. 13

Property Identification ........................................................................................ 14

Home Security Tips .............................................................................................. 15

Property Inventory Chart ..................................................................................... 18

Suspect Identification ......................................................................................... 20

Participant List .................................................................................................... 21

Why Block Watch?
In recent decades, policing has changed dra- Your Block Watch office is not always able to
matically. Historically, police have used a reac- have direct contact with the general duty or
tive style of law enforcement. In other words, burglary section members of the police force.
they responded to your complaints. A growing Therefore, the Block Watch Office may be un-
population, budget cuts, and other factors have aware if a break-in occurs on your block. So,
forced them to rely on you, the public, more communication between you and the office is
than ever. Consequently, community policing of utmost importance. We need to hear from
has arrived. The police are establishing a base you! Participation in the program is the key to
within communities in an effort to fight crime on its success.
an altogether different level.
The program has been influential in arresting
In 1986, this model of community policing led criminals and, in general, reducing crime. It
to the development of Block Watch. Block also promotes increased feelings of neighbour-
Watch works out of your local police depart- hood security.
ment or community police office. Its personnel
usually consists of one coordinator, which may
be a police officer or a civilian, and in some of-
fices, one or more assistant coordinators.

Congratulations on Volunteering...
Every successful program needs leaders like you!
l Block Watch is a way to have neighbours watch and communicate with each
other and Police.
l Block Watch involves being alert.
l Block Watch involves being aware of your neighbour’s property as you would
your own, and a commitment to reporting suspicious activity to your police
and neighbours.
l Your involvement and leadership is the key to success.

Safer Communities, Block by Block 3

 Block Watch Program Overview

What Block Watch Is What Block Watch Isn’t

Block Watch is an extension of what you may al- Block Watch does not require you to perform spe-
ready be doing on a daily basis. Many of us have cial tasks or go to a lot of meetings.
watched our neighbour’s home for them when
You do not patrol the neighbourhood or chase bur-
they are away or at work, as a favor. Under Block
glars.
Watch that watchfulness is broadened and be-
comes more systematic. All residents on a block You aren’t required to live in your neighbour’s hip
get to know each other through participation and pocket. You can still conduct your life in privacy.
communication to keep an eye out for each other.
Block Watch doesn’t require that you be any friend-
Block Watch involves being alert as part of your ev- lier than you want to be.
eryday life. For example, when you go to a win-
dow to close the drapes, take the time to look Block Watch isn’t just for homeowners. The tips
around the neighbourhood. Ensure everything is and techniques are equally valuable to tenants.
as it should be. Talk to your neighbours to keep
them aware of current crime prevention tech-
niques and news of local crime trends.
Crime is a community
The Program involves two commitments: the first is
to be concerned about your neighbour’s property problem that requires
as you would your own. The second is to report
suspicious or criminal activity to the Police and to
community response!
your neighbours.

Aims & Objectives of the Program

4 Reduce residential crime

4 Improve Police / Public relations by “working together”
4 Establish a sense of community within neighbourhoods
4 Make our communities a better place to live, work and raise our children

As a Captain or Co-Captain:
You ARE ...
- a neighbourhood communication consultant.
- the liason between your local Police department and your membership.
You ARE NOT ...
- the neighbourhood patrol.
- responsible for the security of your neighbours.
- expected to give up any privacy.

4 Safer Communities, Block by Block

Running Block Watch
Q: How much time does being a participant take?
A: It really only takes seconds to look up & down your street, alley or at the school or park.
The primary function of the Block Captain is to set
up communication between neighbours and
Organize at Least One
serve as the link between Block Watch partici- Meeting Per Year
pants and the Block Watch office. The Block
Watch Captain or Co-Captain is not responsible Neighbours meet to create a sense of ‘commu-
to keep crime off the block, to patrol the area or nity’, and to also create a common bond with one
be responsible for everyone’s house keys when another regarding crime prevention. Every meet-
they are on vacation. ing should be considered as important as the
first! Block Watch groups should meet formally
at least once a year to renew acquaintances and
Captain & Co-Captain meet new neighbours. It’s also useful to review
block problems and find solutions. Occasionally,
Responsibilities new Captains and Co-Captains can be selected
Serving as a Captain is not time consuming and at these meetings.
you do not have to be home at all times to volun- These meetings can also be used to educate the
teer. Captain and Co-Captain don’t have to per- block about the program and pass on security
form all their duties alone. advice received from the Block Watch Office.
Ask others on the block to help out when necessary
Before becoming a Captain or Co-Captain you Conduct Telephone
must undergo a security clearance. You must
also undergo training (where most Captains or
Fanouts Or Use Email
Co-Captains receive this manual). If you haven’t Fanouts are a method of contacting neighbours
completed these steps, please contact your to inform them of any incidents, crime trends,
Block Watch office. suspicious activity and updated Block Watch in-
formation.
Draw Up a Map & Participant List It is the Captain’s and Co-Captain’s responsibility
to keep everyone informed and aware of what is
You are not officially on the Block Watch Program
going on in your neighbourhood.
until the Block Watch Office receives a copy of
your map and participant list. See page 7 for in- The Block Captain may wish to set up a telephone
structions on this process. tree. It is a system where Block Watch members
are assigned to call other members with informa-
tion. This lessens the burden on the Captain or
Co-Captain and helps speed up communication.
Email communication is as simple as a touch, set
up “group email”.

Safer Communities, Block by Block 5

 Captain & Co-Captain Responsibilities

Distribution of Newsletters Communication with the

Newsletters are an important communication Block Watch Office
tool. Deliver them to participants personally. This
gives you another opportunity to exchange infor- Stay in contact with your Block Watch Office.
mation with them. It also helps you keep tabs on Ensure that they have an updated Block Watch
what’s happening on your block. map, with current names and phone numbers.

If you do not have your own newsletter, there is a The office will also photocopy your maps and
monthly one available on the Block Watch web- lists, so you can distribute them to your block.
site: www.blockwatch.com Report any crimes or suspicious activity that oc-
curs on your block to the Police first and then to
the Block Watch Office.
Distribute Manuals & Equipment
Engravers, decals, manuals and other handouts Proper Communication
are available at no cost. Block homes can borrow
an engraver from their Captain or Co-Captain Contact new neighbours who move onto the
to mark their valuables. After a participant has block, invite them to join the program and forward
engraved their valuables, they can obtain Block information to them. Encourage participants to
Watch decals from their Captain inform you when they witness suspicious activi-
or Co-Captain. The decals are ties, crimes or any other block problems.
displayed at entrance ways to Remind them to call the Police first, then the
show that valuables are marked Captain or Co-Captain, who will in turn inform the
for police identification. Block Watch Office.

Practise Crime Prevention Strategies

Provide a good example to your block by practising good crime prevention strategies in your home:
l Engrave valuables and display decals. (Engraved property is more difficult to pawn.)
l Leave front and rear outside door lights on all night. (Property criminals do not like to be seen.)
l Secure doors and windows each time you go out.
l Examine and modify landscaping and shrubs to make your home more visible from the street.
This includes eliminating potential hiding places for criminally-minded individuals.
l Lock your cars and bring valuables inside. Do not leave ANYTHING in your vehicle.
l Put away tools, ladders, etc.
l Tell the neighbours when you will be away.
l Watch for suspicious activity or strange vehicles.
l Call Police when necessary. 911 for emergencies or your local non-emergency number if
your area has one.
l Call your Block Watch Office to discuss crime prevention measures.

6 Safer Communities, Block by Block

The Block Watch Map

Create a Block Watch Map neighbour. For example, this neighbour might be
someone who is creating the problems on your
Here’s how: block that you are trying to eliminate.
Keep it simple and don’t worry if you are not an You can include names and street addresses
artist. Make your map functional and clear and of the people in the homes that back onto your
concise. Mark the street names and house num- block. Record this information on member’s per-
bers on it. Also, include the names and phone sonal maps. It need not be added to the block’s
numbers of the block members or attach a list. master copy that’s kept at the Block Watch Of-
fice. This can be helpful if block members ob-
Make the map suitable for everyday communica-
serve suspicious activity occurring on the next
tion among block members. Be sure it’s easy to
block over.
use in the event of an emergency. Also, put com-
pass directions on the map. Consider including:
Include important phone numbers, such as emer- l Business or work numbers
gency and non-emergency numbers of police fire l Cell phone numbers
and ambulance (if applicable). Add the Block l The names and ages of block children
Watch Office number and your block identifica- l Block members’ vehicles, including make,
tion number for reference. model, plate number and colour
l Alarms that are installed on the block
Be sure to update the map regularly and send a
copy to both the Block Watch Office and block
members. Date the map to indicate how current
it is. Keep your map near the phone, but out of 4
sight. If it got into the wrong hands, it could cause Block Watch Map Block #

you and your block a lot of problems. Police Emergency phone:

Police Non-Emergency phone:
Bashir Barry
Map Options Block Captain:
Co-Captain: Red Inglis
Some block members may not wish to disclose Date: January, 14 2011

their phone number to other residents. In these

cases simply write UNLISTED. Red Inglis Sam & Mary Smith N
412

411

604-555-1041 604-555-1791
If they permit, list their business phone number Co-Captain

instead. Check to see if these participants are Cal & Dee Young Joe Pitre
410

409

604-555-2717
willing to give their unlisted numbers to you and 604-555-1631

the Block Watch office for message fan-out and

Ridge Dr

Quan & Ho Lee John J. Rankin

408

407

emergency purposes. 604-555-6921 604-555-98075

Remind them that Captains and Co-Captains are Bashir Barry Not Participating
406

405

604-555-2761
security-cleared and reassure them that the num- Block Captain

ber will be kept confidential. Helen Reeve Sal Rosie Stone

404

403

604-555-5044 604-555-8299
If your block is uncomfortable with a particular
neighbour being part of your Block Watch (and 96th Ave

subsequently having a map and list of partici-

pants), it is certainly permissible to exclude that
Safer Communities, Block by Block 7
 Block Watch Program Dynamics

The Block Watch Meeting How Calls are Handled

A neighbourhood meeting is the first step in All calls are handled on a priority level and di-
creating a Block Watch community. Your Block vided into two basic categories:
Watch Captain will introduce you to your neigh-
Emergency Calls - 911
bours and the Block Watch team.
These include crimes in progress, such as break-
ins, vandalism, and situations where the suspect
The Block Watch Map is still present. The Police are dispatched on a
The neighbourhood map is important to the Block high priority to these calls.
Watch Participants because it identifies all the
homes on your block, with contact names and Non-Emergency Calls - A regular phone number that
phone numbers for cases of emergency. is available in most communities
These are situations in which the crimes have al-
Reporting a Crime or ready been committed, and suspects have left
the scene. Police are dispatched to these calls
Suspicious Activity with the availability of manpower - be sure to tell
the operator whether or not you would like Police
The Police will need all the details that you can
to attend your residence.
give them. Write down the person’s sex, approxi-
mate age and height, the colour of clothing such Always obtain a file number for reference pur-
as jacket, shirt, pants and shoes. Keep your origi- poses.
nal notes and give a copy to Police.
Report All Crimes or Suspicious Activity
In the case of suspicious vehicles, look for the Even if “Minor”
licence number, the colour, body style (e.g. two
or four door sedan), and any unusual character- For example - theft of garden ornaments or
istics such as a loud muffler, wide tires, rust or lights. Police and your Block Watch Office need
missing parts and bumper stickers. to know what’s happening in your neighbour-
hood. A Block Watch warning message could be
Please refer to form on page 20. sent by the Block Watch Office to your, and other
neighbourhoods.

Make the Call Count

l Stay calm
l Stay on the phone until told to hang up
l Let the operator control the conversation
l Give all the information requested

You will be asked for some personal details,

including birth date. This information is used
in the police file.

8 Safer Communities, Block by Block

Safer Communities
The Block Watch Program is not a new concept. It
was introduced in Seattle in 1973, and since then
it continues to combat local crime in communities
The Procedure
throughout the modern world.
The concept is simple... neighbourly concern. 1. Watch for Suspicious Activity
Block Watch is a volunteer program consisting of a The success of the Block Watch Program
Block Watch Captain, a Block Watch Coordinator relies on the prompt reporting of all suspi-
and your local Police. cious activity. Many neighbourhood crimes
This booklet was prepared to assist citizens inter- have been prevented because alert neigh-
ested in organizing a local Block Watch Program. bours have made a call to the Police.
The Program was created in an effort to decrease
residential break-ins through organized neighbour-
hood participation. 2. Call Police
This program is successfully operating in many For emergencies dial 911
North American communities, and because it
functions with the organized involvement and co-
operation of community members, it is a proven 3. Call a Block Captain
crime deterrent. Community members are the key
factor to safer communities. The Block Captain will then alert:
l Assigned neighbours

l Assigned Area Coordinator (if this

option is available in your program)

l Your Block Watch Coordinator
Block Watch Participants (Our Neighbourhoods)

Block Block Block Block Block Block Block Block Block

Captain Captain Captain Captain Captain Captain Captain Captain Captain

4. Use Email
Area Area Area
Coordinator Coordinator Coordinator Communicate efficiently
via email.
Optional position
Block Watch Police
Coordinator Agency

Examples of suspicious activity that should be reported:

l Slow moving vehicles... possible burglars casing homes
l Unknown vehicle loading valuables... possible break-in in progress*
l Property carried by persons on foot... possible stolen property*
l Persons going door to door... possible burglars casing homes
l Stranger in backyard... possible burglar looking for an entry point*
l Door/window forced open... possible break-in in progress*
l Many visitors, coming and going at all hours... possible drug activity
(Contact your Block Watch Office for more information on suspicious activity)
* Requires emergency call to 911

Safer Communities, Block by Block 9

 Holding a Block Watch Meeting

Here are some things to remember when preparing for your Block Watch meeting:

q Determine where the meeting will be handouts, etc. Encourage everyone

conducted. It can be held at the Cap- to write down any suspicious activity
tain’s or Co-Captain’s home or at an- when they witness it. This information
other designated home. You can also can be invaluable to a police investiga-
look into holding it at a local commu- tion.
nity facility, such as a school or com-
munity centre. q Remind people to use the Suspect
Identification Form on page 20. Make
q Speak to everyone who you would like arrangements to circulate the engraver
to attend. Explain that you are the Block and remind people that they will re-
Captain, who has been trained to or- ceive their decals once their valuables
ganize Block Watch in the neighbour- have been engraved.
hood. Advise them on when and where
the Block Watch meeting will be held. q Implement a telephone or email fanout
You can ask your Police department to system.
send an officer to attend your meeting.
This service may not be available in all q Don’t be disappointed if some neigh-
areas, so check with your Block Watch bours don’t show up. This is quite
Office. Officers are usually available common and doesn’t mean that they
Monday through Thursday, but be sure are not interested. After the meeting,
to give them 10 to 14 days notice. contact those that did not attend and
encourage them to participate and col-
In the event of emergency police busi- lect the missing data for your map.
ness, a scheduled officer may have to
cancel. q Distribute the map and participant list
to everyone. After the meeting, please
q Block Watch videos can be borrowed call the Block Watch Office and let
free of charge for your meeting. They them know how the meeting went. If
are approximately 10 minutes in length you need further assistance, this is a
and cover a variety of subjects, includ- good time to ask.
ing general information and crime pre-
vention tips. Call your Block Watch Of- q Make sure to send updated maps to
fice to reserve copies. your Block Watch Office.

q The block meeting is the best time to

compile data for the block map and
participant list. Distribute manuals,

10 Safer Communities, Block by Block

Holding a Block Watch Meeting Continued

Introduction Home Insurance

Provide everyone with name tags. Introduce Discuss home insurance issues. Tell them that
yourself and ask everyone to introduce them- some companies give discounts to members of
selves and identify where they live. Block Watch.
Thank everyone for coming and then briefly ex- Suggest that they photograph or video-tape valu-
plain why you have taken the steps to organize ables and make an inventory of their household
Block Watch. Ask the participants to share infor- items. Keeping a file of sales receipts is also a
mation with the group about any problems they good idea. All these precautions are useful during
have encountered on the street or in the complex. an insurance claim.

Block Watch Video & Handbook The Block Map

Show a video that you feel is appropriate for Explain why and how the block map is used.
the group. Obtain a list of titles from your Block
Complete the map at the meeting. Remind ev-
Watch Office. Give a copy of the Block Watch
eryone to keep it in a handy place that’s out of
manual to everyone and point out that it provides
sight. Tell participants to ensure that their house
general information about home security. Sug-
numbers are lit and are visible from the street.
gest that they call the Block Watch Office if they
Tell them this also helps emergency vehicles find
need further help with home security.
their home. The map should be updated annually.

The Engraver Newsletters

Discuss the engraver and why it is useful in protect-
Tell block members that they will receive the
ing valuable belongings. Tell them that they can bor-
newsletters from the Captain or Co-Captain. Ex-
row it for three days at a time. Set up a schedule to
plain its purpose.
circulate it. Tell them that door decals are available to
them once their contents have been engraved. Re-
mind them to engrave their drivers licence number. Calling the Police
DO NOT use your social insurance number.
Tell participants to obtain a police file number if
they have to call the Police. This will help in the
future if they want to follow up on the case.

Wrap Up
If you do not have a Co-Captain, ask for volun-
teers. Decide how often your block should meet.
Answer questions and deal with any other busi-
ness at hand.

Safer Communities, Block by Block 11

 Maintaining Block Watch
For information to be useful, it must be shared. Communication is the key to maintaining
the Block Watch Program. Here are several ways you can communicate effectively:

Personal Contact
Hand delivered hard copy newsletters should Being alert to crime
be delivered in person so that Captains and
Co-Captains can have added contact with par- and its prevention
ticipants and exchange additional information. is the responsibility
of everyone on the block
Contact With Your Office
The Block Watch Office tries to maintain ongo-
ing contact with all Captains on a regular ba-
sis. In larger programs, Area Coordinators as-
sist by acting as a liaison between a number of
Captains and the Block Watch Office.

Message Fanout System

The message fanout system is a method of
communicating information to your block.

Benefits of the Fanout System include:

l Information of interest to Block Watch par- l If any message is relayed to the Captain
ticipants can be quickly transmitted and com- or Co-Captain from participants or the Block
municated. Information regarding crime trends Watch Office regarding suspicious activities or
occurring in a specific area can be distributed occurrences, then the fanout system must be
to participants to raise awareness. implemented as soon as possible. It’s a system
whereby the Captain or Co-Captain (or desig-
l Descriptions of suspects active in residen- nated block members) call or email block par-
tial break and enters or in vehicle thefts can be ticipants to relay the information.
communicated.

l Captains and Co-Captains must keep track

of those participants who do not have an email
account, and deliver a hard copy or contact
them by phone.

12 Safer Communities, Block by Block

Dwellings Other than Houses
Block Watch works particularly well in apartments, townhouses and mobile home complexes. In these dwell-
ings, it is organized in a manner similar to how residential streets are set up. However, a few adjustments
are required:
Usually, a Complex Coordinator or Area Coordinator is responsible for the organization and implemen-
tation of the Block Watch Program for the entire development. The Coordinator works with all the Cap-
tains, but is usually the person that acts as the liaison with the Block Watch Office.
An overall map of the development is usually used with the development being broken into “blocks” of
a convenient size for the Captain to manage.
Examples of this are: one Captain per floor, one Captain per six units, or perhaps a committee similar to
your strata council.
The map of the development should be included along with the individual maps of the “blocks” to each
participant and the Block Watch Office. In lieu of maps, lists may be used if you feel this would be a more
appropriate method to keep in touch with your neighbours.

A Few Things to Consider

l Is there a resident manager who can be l Don’t hold the door or gate open for
part of the Block Watch system? strangers, or “buzz” them in if they ring your
l Are all entrances key controlled? unit. Have them ring the manager.
l Are the building and parking areas well lit at l Instruct your children on the correct proce-
night? dure for admitting people and calling 911.
l Do units have good deadbolt locks and peep l Lock your door even if you are leaving your
hole viewers? unit for only a few minutes.
l Do you feel safe when alone in parking l Report all burned out lights to the manager
areas, laundry rooms, etc.? and insist they be replaced immediately.
l Will the manager allow you to re-key the l Be sure to secure all doors and windows.
locks if they are not adequate? The same goes for those in the garage,
l Is there a security garage door or gate? whether they are attached or not. Remem-
ber, garages are a good hiding place for a
l Contact your landlord or manager and obtain
burglar.
his/her cooperation regarding the installation
of any new home security devices. l Make arrangements to provide access to
emergency response personnel when a 911
l Use “M. Smith”, not “Mary Smith”, on the
call is made.
intercom board or mailbox. This is so that
you don’t let strangers know you live alone. l If your intercom number is different than your
It also conceals your gender. suite number, remember to tell the operator
taking your call.
l Don’t leave notes on the door or buzzer
panel. l Remind residents to be sure the gate is
closed after they enter or exit underground
l Report all suspicious activity to the Police
parking.
first, then to the manager and all block
participants. Don’t forget to call the Block l Numbers on intercoms should be coded, so
Watch Office. they don’t match the suite number.

Safer Communities, Block by Block 13

 Property Identification - Home Security

Property Identification The facts are, that an overwhelming number of

break-ins are executed with little or no force, and
Burglars seldom steal things for their own per- CAN be prevented.
sonal use. They steal items that are portable,
The best way to prevent burglary is to eliminate
easily converted to cash - and most particularly,
opportunities. By making your home more se-
items that cannot be identified as to ownership.
cure, burglars must spend excessive time and
Property identification will discourage a burglar create more noise than they’re willing to risk.
from breaking into your home if all personal prop-
Outside Your Home - Home security starts where
erty is identified, as this creates a high risk for the
the burglar starts - on the OUTSIDE. Most burglars
thief. Here’s how it works:
are adept at seeking external “weak spots” which
Police agencies have immediate national and in- more often than not, reflect the overall quality of
ternational communications via computer. Within your home’s security.
seconds, Police everywhere will be given the de-
Shrubbery - Shrubbery offering concealment near
scription of properly identified property. Proper
entries or windows should be trimmed to elimi-
identification is essential however, and that is
nate hiding places. Basement windows are a
where you can work together with your Police.
common entry point, and often hidden by shrub-
1. Obtain an engraving pen for your block/neigh- bery. These windows should be replaced with un-
bourhood, and let the Block Captain keep track breakable lexan or plexiglass, or window security
of it. You may also want to purchase your own film. You could also install decorative security
engraver. bars. Be sure to provide an appropriate Fire Exit
if using bars.
2. Engrave all your valuables with your B.C. driv-
ers licence number. Lighting - Front and back porch lights should be
3. Photograph or video tape items you don’t kept lighted from dusk to dawn - well lit areas de-
or can’t mark, such as jewelry, art and delicate ter burglars. High, or caged vandal-proof lighting
glass. Include a ruler in the photo/video to visu- is preferable. Consider motion detector lighting
ally determine comparative size. for driveways, carports and walkways.

4. Consider using security tags. These “Securi- Tools and Ladders - Keep all tools and ladders
Tags” are self-sticking vinyl tags printed with securely locked and out of sight. Burglars could
your drivers licence number. They are available use these tools to break into your, or your neigh-
through most Block Watch Offices. Call 1-877- bour’s, home.
602-3358. House Numbers - Be sure your house number is
5. Use the Property Inventory chart provided (see clearly visible from the street, especially if you
page 18 & 19) to help record all items. have a long driveway. Be sure it can be seen at
night and that no plants grow over it.
6. After all items are marked, obtain Block Watch
stickers from your Block Captain. Emergency vehicles will be able to identify your
home easily and quickly in the event of an emer-
Home Security gency.
Burglars look for opportunities - points of entry Lane Access - Ensure that this area is also well
- to get into your home. They quickly take what lighted and secure. House numbers should also
they want, and leave. be easily visible from your lane.

14 Safer Communities, Block by Block

Home Security Tips - Doors & Locks

Exterior Doors 2. Replace the glass pane with a durable plastic

product, or treated glass. (Refer to the section on
On most homes, an exterior door often provides Glass Window Alternatives - pg 17).
easy access due to an inadequately secured door
3. Replace ALL exterior doors with solid core
frame, or a wood frame that is weakened due to
doors. Solid lumber or steel is recommended. Be
weather, ageing, etc. When such a door is kicked,
advised that some “solid core” doors are actu-
the frame usually gives way, allowing the burglar
ally constructed of particle board and are less
to enter.
durable.
Check the condition of wood frames. If worn,
Peephole
have a new frame made. Anchor the frame to the
wall studs by removing short screws used to se- Install a wide angle (180º) peephole in the en-
cure the strike plate and hinge plates, and replac- trance doors so that visitors can be viewed with-
ing them with 3”-4” screws. This should be done out opening the door. It should be placed at a
for all exterior doors. height convenient for all family members.
In terms of vulnerability, the following doors pose Also, consider installing an intercom system so
the greatest concern because they allow easy you may communicate with callers without open-
access to locks and knobs. ing the door.
Hollow Core Doors Night Chains
Comprised of a wooden frame with two thin Do not rely on night chains. They can usually be
sheets of plywood glued to either side, and usu- broken with little effort. Consider an alternative,
ally filled with corrugated cardboard. Access can such as the wedge-stop, ensuring that both your
be gained by punching through, or easily cutting door and the stop are of solid construction.
a hole in the door.
Panel Doors Locks
Basically solid in the main construction. Howev- Key-In-The-Knob Locks
er, some panels may be thin and easily punched
or kicked in. This is a very common lock with a keyed mecha-
nism built into the knob. It is easily defeated by
Doors with Upper Glass Panels

X
breaking, or by wrenching off the knob.
The upper half of these doors contain a thin pane
of glass which can easily be broken, and entry
gained.
Doors with “Side lights”
SOLUTIONS:
1. Reinforce existing doors. You can do this by
measuring the outside dimension of the door. Al-
low for knobs, locks, etc.. Purchase a 1” thick
sheet of marine grade plywood and attach to the
outside of door with glue or screws. DO NOT USE THIS KIND OF LOCK ON EXTERIOR DOORS.

Safer Communities, Block by Block 15

 Home Security Tips - Doors & Windows

Deadbolt Locks Sliding glass doors and windows are similarly

constructed and share common security prob-
A deadbolt lock should have a 1” to 11/2” throw (see lems, although windows are by far the weakest
illustration), and be affixed securely to the door link in the security chain. Both often have inad-
with hardened steel screws. They are available equate locking mechanisms that can be easily
as Single Cylinder with a thumb turn on the inside forced open.
and a key lock on the outside. Install on all solid
or reinforced doors Determine whether your door or window slides
where access to 1” Throw on an inside track or an outside track.
locks and knobs Inside Track
cannot be gained
by breaking adja- If an inside track, install a snug fitting wooden or
cent glass. Check to metal dowel into the bottom track, or purchase a
ascertain the depth “charlie bar”.
the “throw” extends Commissioner’s Warning Screws in Top Track
into the striker plate/
frame. Ensure striker Locked doors must Screw
plates are installed allow unrestricted
using 2 ” screws,
1/2
exiting from a build- Nail in Drilled Hole
extending into the ing. Doors with dou-
framing, not just the ble cylinder locks Slide Dowel
door trim. Bolt
(keyed both sides)
are not permitted.
Sliding Glass Outside Track

Doors and Windows If an outside track,

obtain one of the
Secure the door or window using pins or dowels. many commercial,
foot-operated lock-
First, inspect the point where the inner and outer
ing devices, or in-
frames overlap. If you can drill without breaking
stall a slide bolt.
the glass, drill a downward-angled hole complete-
ly through the inner frame and halfway through the
outer frame. Insert a sturdy pin or nail snugly into
the hole. Be sure that it is long enough to remove
and re-insert if necessary). This method will pre- Shims
vent the door or window from sliding. (Anti-lifting devices)
If your sliding door or window can be lifted out of
the track, this means there is more vertical space
This standard than necessary. To prevent this from happening,
latch is NOT use large-head sheet metal screws in the top
a lock
track at both ends and in the
middle. Adjust screws to fill
Double-hung windows the space and allow the door
have two sections with
a latch between.
to freely slide. Commercial
shims are also available.

16 Safer Communities, Block by Block

Home Security Tips - Windows & Checklist

Window Security l
l
Which entrances are hidden or out of view?
If locked out of my house, where could I get
Double-Hung Windows in without much difficulty?

These usually have a All those you identify should be secured. Your goal
top half that can be is to make entry more difficult for the burglar by
lowered, and a bottom forcing them to take more time and make more
half that can be raised. noise!i
A latch is situated in
the centre where both 4 DO NOT compromise fire safety for security 3
halves overlap. Bur-
You should have fire escape routes in your home;
glars gain entry by prying the latch and lifting the
you and your family should have “fire drills” to
window. Or, they break the glass, reach in and undo
ensure your safety, particularly if you have young
the latch.
children at home.
Keyed latch secures
Casement Windows casement windows

These windows swing open A Final Checklist

and are hinged at the top, side
or bottom. q Are all your exterior doors strong enough
to withstand excessive force?
As with double-hung win-
dows, entry is usually gained q Are all exterior doors secured with a dead
by breaking a small piece bolt lock that has a minimum 2cm (1”) throw?
of glass near the latch and q Are all strike plates and frames for exterior
reaching through to undo the doors anchored to the home’s main frame-
latch. work?
Screw prevents casement
Security Solutions latch from opening q Do all exterior doors fit snugly and are free
of warping, cracks, and other signs of wear?
If the window is not being used as an emergency q Is there a wide-angle peephole/viewer on
escape or ventilation, permanently seal the window the main entrance?
with nails or screws. Replace the latch with a keyed q Are sliding glass doors and windows secure
latch or pin the windows with a nail or pin. against force or being lifted out of the frame?
Glass Window Alternatives q Are high-risk windows (hidden, garage,
basement, etc.) secured sufficiently?
Plastic, treated glass, and security film are effective
alternatives. Durable security film can also be ap- q Are double hung windows secured with
plied on the existing windows. Consult a glazier for pins or extra locks?
professional advice. q Do all windows have adequate locks in
good condition?
Remember: Security improvements are no guaran-
tee to prevention of burglary. They “slow the burglar
q Are trees and shrubs trimmed to allow clear
visibility around the perimeter of your home?
down.” Vigilance and working together as a watch-
ful community will always be the best solution to q Do you have timers to activate interior/
crime. exterior lights in your absence?
q Are all entrances to your home well lighted
Before you begin to improve your home security, at night?
identify entry points most likely to be used by a bur-
glar. Do this by answering the following questions:
q Do you ALWAYS use your security devices?

Safer Communities, Block by Block 17

 !
How Much Would You Lose?
A complete household inventory, record of insurance policies and credit cards will be of value to po-
lice and insurance adjusters if you suffer a burglary or other loss. Please take the time to conduct an
inventory TODAY!
Note: you may use the greyed suggestions below or overprint your own - KEEP IN A SECURE PLACE

LIVING ROOM FAMILY / REC ROOM MASTER BEDROOM 3RD BEDROOM / DEN
Sofa(s) Chair(s) Bed(s) Bed(s)

Chair(s) Curtains Chair(s) Chair(s)

Lamp(s) Lamp(s) Bedding Bedding

Table(s) Table(s) Night Table(s) Night Table(s)

Stereo Stereo Dresser Desk

TV TV Bench TV / Stereo

VCR VCR Bureau VCR / DVD

DVD DVD Mirror Computer

Rug / Carpet Rug / Carpet Lamp(s) Monitor

Art Art Rug / Carpet Printer

Curtains Desk Other Other

Piano Other TOTAL TOTAL

Other TOTAL 2ND BEDROOM YARD / GARAGE / STORAGE

TOTAL KITCHEN Bed(s) Tools

DINING ROOM Table Chair(s) Vehicle(s)

Table / Chair Dinette Bedding Sports Equipment

Cabinet Stove Night Table(s) Lawn Mower

Buffet Fridge Dresser Ornaments

Rug / Carpet Dishes Bench Art

Drapes Cutlery Bureau Antiques

Appliances Utensils Mirror Other

Silverware Pots / Pans Lamp(s) Other

China Elec. Appl. Rug / Carpet Other

Other Other Other Other

TOTAL TOTAL TOTAL TOTAL

18 Safer Communities, Block by Block

!
How Much Would You Lose?

CREDIT CARDS AND BANK CARDS (Keep this section in a safety deposit box or other high security location)

Card Type Card Number Expiry Date Credit Limit

OTHER VALUABLE PROPERTY

Item Description Make / Model / Type Serial # / Identifying Mark Value

INSURANCE POLICIES

Company Policy # Amount Expiry Date

Safer Communities, Block by Block 19

 Suspect Identification Form
Keep a pen and this form handy to make an accurate record of events, should you be a witness to a
crime in your neighbourhood. Fill in all blanks, and keep in a safe place until requested by police for
their reports. This information could be instrumental in the apprehension, or conviction of criminals in
a court case. Keep the original, as copies are inadmissible in court!
NEVER intervene or attempt to apprehend a criminal.
NEVER put yourself at risk to obtain information.
When should I call Police?
For a CRIME IN PROGRESS: Call 911 immediately.
For SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY: Call your local police non-emergency line.

General Suspect Appearance Suspect’s Face

SEX WEIGHT Hair Style Skin & Hair
Colour
Hair Texture
AGE RACE
Shape of
Eyebrows
HEIGHT HAT
Ear Size Eye Colour,
& Shape Size & Shape
HAIR COAT
Wrinkles
Cheeks (Full
or Sunken)
EYES SHIRT Mouth & Lips

COMPLEXION PANTS Neck Facial Hair

(Adams Apple)

JEWELRY SHOES* ANY SPECIFIC FACIAL DETAILS

SCARS OTHER DID THE SUSPECT SAY ANYTHING?

TATTOOS / IDENTIFYING MARKS TOOL / WEAPON CARRIED BY SUSPECT

Vehicle Description Witness Information

LICENCE # WITNESS NAME

COLOUR MAKE MODEL WITNESS ADDRESS

BODY STYLE DAMAGE / RUST PHONE #

ANTENNA BUMPER STICKER WHEEL COVERS DATE / TIME

DIRECTION OF TRAVEL (INCLUDING STREET AND COMPASS HEADING IF KNOWN) WEATHER

* Running shoes have distinct logos, i.e. the Nike “swoosh”, Adidas “3 stripes”, Converse “star”. Police can use this
specific description for a positive identification.
20 Safer Communities, Block by Block
Participant List

We the undersigned, wish to participate in the Block Watch Program. Permission is hereby given
to provide the Block Watch Office with my Name, Address and Phone number. Unlisted phone
numbers may be withheld if desired. The Block Watch Program does not disseminate, share or
distribute this information to anyone and will remove the information at my request.
Street / Complex Name Address City

HOUSE / UNIT # STREET NAME SURNAME & GIVEN NAME (LISTED) HOME PHONE # SIGNATURE

Safer Communities, Block by Block 21

Notes
 VISIT US AT
www.blockwatch.com
1-877-602-3358

Ministry of Public Safety

and Solicitor General

Printed at Blok Printing Ltd. 604.420.1231 www.blokprinting.com 06/2012