Do you know 15 neighbours?

Use your neighbourhood OR lose it to crime

Just Say Hi!

The 2010 Neighbourhood Watch Month Campaign this May is “Just Say Hi!”. We want residents to “Just Say Hi!” to their neighbours. Maybe it’s someone you have lived beside for years or maybe it’s a new neighbour 2 doors down or someone you see walking their dog in your back alley… They are your neighbours and we would encourage you to make that small effort, that neighbourly gesture and “Just Say Hi!” We created this program from a concept used by the Waterloo Region Crime Prevention Council. They ran a successful program called “Say Hi” and we thought the timing was good for Red Deerians to have their own program to “Just Say Hi!” to their neighbours! Neighbourhood Watch has promoted the idea that we create safer communities when we know who our neighbours are. By participating with our program, residents will get to know 15 neighbours - on average. Last year we encouraged all residents to “Use it OR Lose it” - Use your neighbourhood, the green spaces, bike paths, parks and common areas and that when we find legitimate uses for those spaces – we decrease the opportunity for illegitimate uses providing less opportunities for crime, vandalism, graffiti and mischief. Our statement has always been that “If you are not watching your neighbourhood… then who is?” Having more police officers does not necessarily make our neighbourhoods safer. Looking out for one another and reporting odd, suspicious or criminal activity makes our neighbourhoods safer! In 2010 you can find us at the Home Show, a variety of Community Events and the Market on Saturday mornings. We will be handing out “Just Say Hi!” stickers and hope that residents wear them to spark conversation with their neighbours and others as they travel about throughout their day!