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SSM’s Neighbourhood Watch Program Re-established

Sault Ste Marie’s Neighbourhood Watch Program was first established in 1981. The program was initiated to encourage homeowners to work through mutual aid neighbours watching out for neighbours. This program is run by the community for the community.

In 2006-to-date, the community of Sault Ste Marie has experienced an increase in property related crimes throughout the city. Of particular note are break and enters to both residential and commercial properties.

Break and enters are one of the most prevalent crimes facing our Police Service. It is one crime; however; that can be effectively reduced by citizens working together and with police in the reporting of suspicious activity and crimes within their neighbourhood.

Neighbourhood Watch programs are most certainly an effective tool in targeting and combating criminal activity. Citizens know their own neighbourhoods. They know what is out of place or what activities appear suspicious. Reporting this activity to police and looking out for their neighbours will have a positive impact in the prevention of crime.

In October 2006, a new Neighbourhood Watch Program was re-established and the program, which is volunteer based, held its first meeting and selected a Board of Directors. The incoming Board of Directors are Chairperson-Sonny Spina, Vice Chairperson-Sandra Turco, Treasurer-Angela Koppens, Secretary-Carolyn Armstrong and Public Relations Coordinator- Lou Turco. The Police Liaison Officer for the program is Constable Louise Oliver.

The Neighbourhood Watch Program is currently recruiting volunteers to act as ward leaders for Wards 1 through 6. A Ward leader is a member of the Board of Directors for the Neighbourhood Watch Program in the City of Sault Ste Marie. The Ward Leader maintains contact between the persons who live in the ward and the Neighbourhood Watch Program. Requirements for these positions include: must be 18 years of age or over, a resident of Sault Ste Marie, possess a clean criminal records check, and have a keen interest in preventing crime. Interested persons should contact the Neighbourhood Watch Program at 949-6300, ext. 363 and leave a message. The next meeting will be held on December 12^th at 7:00 pm at the Police Services Building. If you have any questions about the program you can contact Cst. Louise Oliver at 949-6300, ext 201.