Block Watch Programs Help Curb Crime

The Yakima Police Department says block watch programs are making a big impact on neighborhood crime.

Yakima Police Department Community Services Officer Nichole Sandino says statistics show a 50 to 85 percent reduction in burglaries once neighbors start a block watch.

When you know what's going on in your neighborhood, you know what shouldn't be going on in your neighborhood.

Police and community members say block watches have proven effective in reducing property crimes as well as other illegal activities, such as gang violence and drug dealing.

Yakima police are also encouraging business owners to be a part of business watch. The idea is similar to neighborhood block watches, except business neighbors keep an eye on each other's property.

For more information call Sandino at 575-6197.