But people do not need the police department to engage in neighborhood watches, Lightner said.
“They can still get together to identify problem areas in their neighborhood … It’s all about looking out for each other.”
Felicia Hill, one of five residents who volunteered to act as a watch captain, said, “It’s about being being proactive and creating an environment where our neighborhoods feel safe.”
Lightner said having more eyes and ears in the neighborhood could help improve quality of life and prevent thefts, break-ins, and other problems that residents would like to see reduced.
And the chief said the role of residents in the effort can be as simple as looking out the window before heading to bed at night.
“Look at your neighbors’ houses. Did they shut their garage door? Did they leave the window down on their car? You never know what you might see,” Lightner said.
Huber Heights police already have residents to thank for tips that have led to arrests. As recently as Aug. 12, the department posted on Facebook saying that a watchful neighbor called in about a burglar. According to the post, crews showed up in time to catch the thief in the act.
Lightner said he won’t expand the program until Huber Heights residents vote on the Nov. 4 tax renewal. The election will determine whether he will assign the extra duties required of a public affairs officer.
While Hill hopes the initiative will pass, she said she is determined to engage in crime prevention with or without an official to spearhead the effort.
“Even if we don’t have a liaison, we can still inform police about what’s happening,” she said.
Those interested in becoming a neighborhood watch captain can contact Lightner at 937-237-3608 or mlightner@hhoh.org.
About the Author