The Garner Community in Knott County has recently formed a Neighborhood Watch Committee to combat dangerous and illegal activity that contributes to an increase in crime in their back yard.
Although the committee has only been meeting for several months, they are already seeing a change in their community, said acting Chairperson Brenda Adams. Two Troopers from Kentucky State Police Post 13 in Hazard are assisting with the community initiative. Trooper Tony Watts of Leburn and Trooper Jody Sims of Garner have partnered with the program for both professional and personal reasons. “This is our home, too,” Tpr. Watts remarked. Tpr. Sims said of a successful neighborhood watch program, “It takes everyone in a community with a watchful eye and a willingness to help.”
One of the first things the committee learned is that they are not vigilantes. They are there to see and report, not confront individuals engaged in possible criminal activity and put themselves in danger.
Sheriff Dale Richardson was a guest speaker at Tuesday night’s committee meeting. He offered some suggestions of what could be done to deter thefts. One of the suggestions was to put several lights in your home on automatic timers so that it appears someone is there even if they are not home. Another suggestion was to not advertise your absence on Facebook or other social networks. Also, a very key point is be observant of your surroundings. If you are aware that a neighbor is out of town, keep an eye on their home/property.
The group concurred the primary reason for thefts and related criminal activity stems from the prevalence of substance abuse. “We try hard to hold our own, don’t know if we are winning the battle, but we are going to keep fighting the fight,” Sheriff Richardson assured them. He continued, “No one can do it alone . . . we can’t, UNITE can’t, KDAC…
See this week’s newspaper for more.
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