Neighbors Watching Out For Neighbors

One late summer night last year, watchful Glendora residents spotted two men carrying television sets, a popcorn machine, a stereo and other electronics from the home of a neighbor who was on vacation.

The neighbors quickly notified police and the two men were later arrested for residential burglary.

It was a would-be crime thwarted by proactive neighbors, said Sgt. James DeMond at the time.

It was also a scenario that had DeMond urging more residents to join Neighborhood Watch programs.

Over 15 Neighborhood Watch groups are organized throughout the city, said Community Service Officer Nita Ulloa.  For a community of just under 50,000 residents, there can always be more groups watching out for their neighbors, said Glendora Police.

“Community involvement helps the police department protect their neighborhoods by teaching them to be watchful of what is going on around them.,” said Ulloa. “It is more critical than ever due to personnel reductions and the State Public Safety Realignment releasing prisoners to our communities.”

A block captain is typically selected and he or she will determine how many streets will be included in the group. Each group shares contact information with each other, as well as when a resident may be on vacation.

Ulloa said Glendora Police will also notify each group of crimes that have occurred in or near the neighborhood.

Setting up a Neighborhood Watch group in the neighborhood is quite easy, said Ulloa. A Glendora resident can call her at 626-914-8268 to set up a Neighborhood Watch meeting.  Ulloa and another officer facilitate the hour-long meetings, which are typically held on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday night at 7 p.m.

“While some may argue that community relations programs, such as Neighborhood Watch, are a luxury, we disagree and believe they are more important than ever due to rising crime and the need for public support and their help.,” said Ulloa.

Ulloa pointed out other volunteer programs that allow residents to take an active role in public safety. The Citizens Academy educates the public on the  many tasks of the Glendora Police Department, while The Auxiliary program takes on graduates of the Citizen’s Academy and trains them to take on tasks that the police department could not otherwise offer -- such as child fingerprinting, vacation house checks and many other duties. 

“These are just a few ways that people can get involved and help keep Glendora safe,” said Ulloa.