Beach Park starts three more Neighborhood Watch programs

BEACH PARK -- Three new Neighborhood Watch programs have begun in the village, paving the way for a climate where neighbors watch out for each other.

Tewes Court, California and Garnett -- known as the "Hollywood Subdivision" -- and Edgewood and Charleston are the three newest areas to have Neighborhood Watch. There are now six programs in Beach Park.

Maureen Kinyon, Lake County sheriff's deputy and crime prevention officer, is the liaison for Beach Park Neighborhood Watch, as well as areas including Wadsworth and Warren Township.

"We've seen it work," Kinyon said. "Our No. 1 one goal is people should feel comfortable in their own homes.

"We've had so many drug houses turned in by Neighborhood Watch programs because people see things that are out of place," she said. "We've gotten rid of nuisance people, we've gotten sex offenders identified. So many things come from Neighborhood Watch programs, and it all comes from them (residents) helping us."

Officials have reported a recent rash of break-ins in town. Kinyon said those crimes were likely spurred by the downturn in the economy and the large number of vacant and foreclosed homes.

"We are having more crimes of desperation," the deputy said. "The economy is driving the crime rate up.

Without Neighborhood Watch, residents and their homes would be vulnerable, said Mayor Milt Jensen. "It's important to see neighbors' habits, when they come and when they go. It's like having the eyes and ears of so many officers on the street."

"As a police officer, we wouldn't know if a vehicle driving through the neighborhood is suspicious or not, but the residents there would," Kinyon said. "It's about a good working relationship with the sheriff's office and knowing when to call 9-1-1, and when not to call 9-1-1."

Trustee Larry Wells, coordinator of the programs, said some crimes are preventable and happen simply out of neglect. People may not lock their car doors or they may leave items lying around in their yards.

Wells said the majority of people who have been involved in Neighborhood Watch know it's a good idea.

"Linking neighbors with neighbors is the best way to help," Wells said. "Not only are we concerned about the neighborhood that we live in, but we want to feel safe and secure in the area we live in."