A long time ago, it seems homes were built with the neighborhood in mind. There used to be the big front porches and yards where families could gather and even converse with their neighbors. People used to look out for each other. Nowadays homes are built with privacy in mind. High fences for backyards where most gatherings take place have replaced the openness of days of yore.

Even with the evolution of the more private lifestyles people have adopted we can still look out for our neighbors. A Neighborhood Watch program starts with just being a concerned neighbor. If you are going to be out of town or even gone for a few hours, ask your neighbor to look out for you and offer the same in return.

Neighbors who pay attention have often been dubbed “nosey”, but instead, think of them as caring. If something happens in your neighborhood, good, bad or indifferent, you know that person will know what took place. Let those people know they are appreciated. You never know when that person could be the link in solving a crime.

Maybe you aren’t the victim of a crime, but someone you know has been. Crime affects everyone, not just those who have been a victim. And just like crime affecting all, so does paying attention to what happens in your neighborhood. Being the voice of those who can’t speak or are afraid to, we can stand up to crime and those who don’t have regard for people or property. Be your brother’s (and sister’s) keeper and watch out for one another.

To start a Neighborhood Watch program in your area, call the Artesia Police Department at 746-5000 and ask to speak to a Community Policing Officer. They will have all of the tools and information needed to start this worthwhile program.

(Editor’s Note: Detective Angela Phillips helped Kasey write this column about the Neighborhood Watch Program)

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