Apartment Watch

Neighborhood Watch for Apartment Communities

The Neighborhood Watch program is the cornerstone of all crime prevention programs. It enlists the active participation of citizens in cooperation with law enforcement to reduce burglaries and other neighborhood crimes. Its primary purpose is the protection of property -- yours and your neighbors.

Neighborhood Watch is a proven and effective means to substantially reduce not only the incidence of residential burglaries in a specified geographical area, but the incidence of other crimes.

Why establish an Apartment Watch in your community?

The Neighborhood Watch for Apartment Communities (Apartment Watch) is a program that will help deter crime in the apartment community you live in. The program encourages residents to be more active and aware of their surroundings; basically, an extra set of eyes and ears for the police. Residents involved in the Apartment Watch should be aware and alert of what is happening in and around their apartment community and should report any suspicious activity to the police at 480-644-2211. It is then the responsibility of the police to apprehend the criminals. This program also helps to build a strong sense of community through socializing and improved communication between residents, management, and law enforcement.

Apartment Watch can be an alternative program if you do not qualify for the Crime Free Multi-Housing program.

How the program works...

The only step involves a meeting with police, residents and management to discuss crime trends. At this meeting, interested residents will be provided with information on reporting suspicious activity, safety issues, auto theft reduction, vehicle burglary prevention and Operation Identification. The property manager will receive an Apartment Watch window sign and residents attending will receive an Apartment Watch window decal that shows participation.

That's it!  Attend one meeting, receive safety and prevention information,
and get a window deal!

Starting the Program

Property management, or a member of their staff, will work with a crime prevention office to schedule a date and time for their meeting.  The meeting can be held indoors or out, depending on the weather. Most meetings are held in the clubhouse or pool area. A representative from the Mesa Police Department will need to attend the meeting to introduce the program and provide the safety presentation. Please call at least three weeks in advance to schedule a meeting.

Property management can make the meeting successful...

• send out invitations or flyers at least two weeks in advance
• send out reminders, if possible, 48 hours prior to the meeting
• have a sign-in sheet for your records
• provide light refreshments
• ask local merchants to donate food, prizes, gift certificates or even money-saving coupons that will make great give-aways to those who attend
• have your staff available to answer questions
• have your security available to answer questions about activity on your property

Keep your Apartment Watch going...

Just because crime declines in your community, do not allow your Apartment Watch group to go dormant. Stay alert and aware, be neighborly, and continue to look for opportunities to enhance community safety and the quality of life.

Create a "Welcome to the Community" packet to provide to new residents as they move in. New residents are often unfamiliar with their new neighborhood and the various facilities such as schools, shopping, and restaurants. These welcome packets will ease the experience of moving into a new community and allow an opportunity for the property management and staff to introduce themselves and the Apartment Watch program.

The publication of a periodic newsletter is an excellent way to keep neighbors connected and maintain a high interest level in community issues.

The property management is responsible for arranging the start-up meeting. No more than two meetings per year will be allowed to provide Apartment Watch orientation for any new residents moving in.

Your property is welcome to have socials on its own. You can have pool parties, barbeques, potlucks, and holiday parties. You can even invite guest speakers from a variety of organizations who can speak on many different topics.

Property management is also the liaison between the police department and your residents. The police department sends newsletters and information to the property managers. They, in turn, can disseminate the information to their residents. If there are questions or concerns conveyed during an event, property management can contact the police department for clarification and answers.

Our Literature Available page has information on a variety of topics.

Program Benefits for Residents...

• increased sense of security
• formation of tight-knit community
• become more informed on community issues
• build strong and lasting friendships
• improved communication with management

Program Benefits for Management...

• create a more attractive community
• reduced unit turnover/repair costs
• reduced vacancies
• no program cost
• improved communication with residents and the police department