NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH

On Tuesday, June 27^th, 2006 concerned residents of Boyden met and decided to revive the City's Neighborhood Watch Program. Below are the tips which were given to us and things that we can all watch for to help keep our community safe. Click here for the Blue Star Program.

Sioux County Sheriff's Department

Non Emergency Phone Number: 712.737.3307        Emergency Phone Numbers: 911

If you see an incident please note and be able to describe:

• any vehicle involved including, but not limited to:

            •License Plate    •Make    •Model    •Year    •Body  Style (2-door / convertible, etc.)    •Color   

            •Identifying features: hub caps, wheels, dents, scratches, bumper stickers, decals, etc.

• the individuals involved, including but not limited to:

            • Sex    •Race    •Age    •Height     •Weight    •Hair Color (length, type, style, sideburns, etc.)    •Eye color   

            •Glasses (type)    •Facial Complexion (mustache/beard)   

            •Other distinguishing features: tattoos, amputation, scars/marks, speech/accent, limp, bag or backpack, etc.   

            •Clothes:  cap/hat, coat/jacket, shirt/tie or blouse, pants, skirt, dress, shoes, stockings, gloves, jewelry, purse and       WHAT COLOR IS VERY IMPORTANT!

            •Weapons, if any and type

            •Note the date and time.

Call law enforcement immediately, do not wait.  Waiting may mean the incident goes unpunished.

It is a good idea to keep a journal by your front window so that you can track suspicous activity and the individuals and vehicles involved.  A timeline and good information could be just the things law enforcement needs to keep our community safe.  Blank forms with the above information are available in the city office. involved.

Crime Prevention Tips:

1. Rapid Vandalism Repair, repairing immediately deters further vandalism

2. Know your neighbors - names, occupations, and how to get a hold of them in case emergency. Ask about their children and their hobbies. Watch their homes when they are gone.

3. Do not leave signs that no one is home. Have your neighbors pick up your mail, papers, garbage cans, etc.

4. Know where your children are at all times, educate them on the importance of you knowing where they are.

5. Supervise children in parks and public areas. Child predators watch areas like parks.

6. Encourage children to get involved with your community, let them see how they can help build and protect their community and keep kids busy with good clean activities (i.e. City’s summer rec programs).

8. Be aware of your surroundings. Walk in well lighted areas with friends. Watch homes with a lot of traffic at all hours of the day (possible drug house), copy down license plate #'s, suspect description, etc.

9. Valuables. Engrave them. Do not leave them unattended in your car. Copy down serial #'s

10. Lock your doors when your not home and at night, and do not let strangers in your home.

12. Check the back seat of your car if left unattended for a long period of time. ( i.e. night time at a shopping mall)                      

The residents of Boyden meet every other month in the Demco Community Center to discuss our program, express new concerns and receive updates on the community.