LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va –
At any given moment, criminals are looking to take advantage of unsuspecting citizens, their homes and belongings. The threat of burglary, vandalism and vehicle theft linger in the background, waiting for the right opportunity to exploit vulnerabilities.
For residents of the Landings at Langley, the time to fight back is now.
The Landings at Langley Neighborhood Watch Group is seeking volunteers to band together and cast watchful eyes on the neighborhood, using training, vigilance and teamwork to combat crime.
The group is joining forces with the York-Poquoson Sheriff's Department for rigorous training, arming its' volunteers with skills to recognize crime and protect their neighborhoods. In addition, the 633d Security Forces Squadron is joining the fight, stepping up patrols and working alongside volunteers to keep bad guys at bay.
Master Sgt. Donnie LaDuke, 633 SFS Police Services noncommissioned officer in charge, said the responsibility to protect the community ultimately lies in the hands of its residents.
"The biggest thing we ask residents to do is make themselves hard targets," he said. "Criminals are opportunistic and tend to take advantage of vulnerabilities when they see them."
In 2009, domestic disputes and disturbances were the most prominent crimes committed in the Landings at Langley neighborhood, Sergeant LaDuke said. Training from the YPSD includes rape prevention and self-defense tactics, empowering residents to defend themselves and loved ones.
Damage and theft of personal property came in right behind domestic calls as the most reported crime in the area in 2009. Situational awareness and observation skills help them identify unusual and suspicious activity before it turns into a crime, keeping property safe and secure.
In addition to preventing conventional crimes, the group is also targeting speeders in the neighborhood. 633 SFS Airmen will assist YPSD patrols by establishing speed traps along busy routes, including the area surrounding Bethel Manor Elementary School.
Heather Boyer, Landings at Langley Neighborhood Watch coordinator, stressed the importance of an informed community with dedicated citizens focused on deterring criminal activity within the housing area.
"The most important way to combat crime is awareness," she said. "By forming a network of proactive residents who pay attention to what's going on in and around their community, we provide a safer place to live for everyone."
Most important to the success of the program is a corps of dedicated volunteers, she added.
"Right now we need people who care about the community and the safety of our families to step up and help out," she said. "Even with the police patrolling around the clock, it's important for citizens to be aware of what's going on in their neighborhood. A block full of people paying attention should deter criminals."
Want to step up and fend off felons? Call Boyer at 727-3939. In addition, all residents that need to report suspicious activity should contact the York-Poquoson Sheriff's Department at 890-3621, 890-3622 or 890-3630, and always dial 911 in case of emergency.