Is it just me, or does the world seem like it has shrunk? “It’s a Small World After All” turned out to be the most prophetic Disney tune ever! The internet gives us the ability to connect with people and communities all over the world, yet we don’t always know the people who live right across the street.
When I think about community, I think about a sense of belonging and a sense of connection. We can definitely find that on the internet, but it’s that connection to others in our physical community that builds us all a safety net. In today’s crazy messed up world, we need a group of people we can count on to watch out for us more than we ever have.
My theory is that crime prevention in our communities needs to be a team effort, and it needs to be as easy as possible. So here are some super simple ways that really do help prevent crime in our communities:
- If you are going to be away from home, let your neighbors know. They can keep an eye out for any problems and let you know about anything that needs immediate attention.
- If you’re going to be gone for more than just a couple of days, as them if they would collect your mail for you. Offer to do the same things for them.
- If you see a strange vehicle near a neighbor’s house, shoot them a text to let them know (yes-you should have your neighbors’ cell phone number).
- We can all ask to set aside time at HOA meetings to share information about crime concerns in our neighborhood. If you don’t have an HOA, then…
- Join or start a Facebook page for your neighborhood to keep everyone in the loop (I know some of you hate Facebook. That’s fair. But if it can be used for good, let’s do it!).
- We need to especially watch out for elderly people in our neighborhoods. We can help them keep bushes trimmed so their neighbors can see them – and any suspicious people lurking around. (You probably already know this, but ask first. I don’t need people telling me I told their neighbor to cut back their prize winning rose bush.)
- Introduce yourself to new neighbors so they know who to call if they need a safety net! (No excuses, introverts. I’m not asking you to go on vacation with them.)
The pandemic certainly forced us apart, and I think it’s time we made time to reconnect and remind each other that we are all in this life together. As always, Scripture has great insight into this issue:
“Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.” Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 NLT
Let’s gather two, then three, then all of our neighbors into a group who cares about keeping ourselves and our communities safer through this type of mindset. We were made to be better together!
Listen to this episode of The Unlovely Truth to hear an encouraging story of how teamwork solved a series of related crimes, helping several communities feel safer in their homes.
You can also learn about personal safety devices in this blog post.
If anyone you know is experiencing stalking, you can learn some tips to share with them here.