Crime depends on three components:

• Desire
• Ability
• Opportunity

If you remove any one of these components, you reduce the chance of crime. While desire may be difficult to influence, opportunity and ability can be greatly reduced through the adoption of Neighborhood Watch practices.

1. Communication
   Open and ongoing communication between police and the community, including training and crime awareness.

2. Target Hardening
   Using proven security hardware and techniques to secure doors, windows, and personal property.

3. Operation Identification
   Recording serial numbers and marking property for identification.

4. Being a Block Watcher
   Reporting crime, suspicious activity, vehicles, and individuals to police promptly.

1. Gauge Community Interest – Poll neighbors to confirm majority support.

2. Identify Organizers – Select residents to lead the program.

3. Appoint Block Captains – One per 12–15 homes or units.

4. Hold an Informal Planning Meeting – Define geographic boundaries and program structure.

5. Schedule a Formal Meeting – Contact the Gaithersburg Police Department Office of Community Services at 301-258-6168 to arrange a community-wide meeting. Crime statistics and program details will be shared.

The Gaithersburg Police Department offers the following tools and resources:

• "What is Suspicious?" Flyer – Helps identify suspicious activities to report.

• Neighborhood Watch Signs – Installed at key entry points to serve as a deterrent.

• Educational Brochures – Cover a range of crime prevention topics.

• Follow-Up Assistance – Available upon request to support and sustain your watch group.

Neighborhood Watch is intended to be a long-term commitment. The program relies on the continued support and involvement of community members. As neighborhoods evolve, Organizers, Block Captains, and Block Watchers should be replaced as needed. With consistent participation and leadership, your community can remain a safer, more connected place to live.