A new study from Roskilde University, conducted for the Crime Prevention Council and the neighborhood watch alliance, Bo Trygt, shows that every second citizen engages in agreements with their neighbors to prevent burglaries. The study reveals that many participate in neighborhood communities aimed at increasing security, such as Neighborhood Watch. Julie Kofoed, communication consultant at the Crime Prevention Council, emphasizes that burglars fear getting caught, which makes them avoid areas with high activity. In other words, active neighborhood watch can prevent up to a quarter of burglaries by making the environment appear inhabited. An example of this is when neighbors park their car in your empty carport while you are on vacation.
The summer months, especially July, see an increase in the number of burglaries. Therefore, it is important to make agreements for “vacation help” with neighbors, explains Kofoed. Neighborhood watch involves mutual vigilance, where one responds to suspicious activity and helps make the house look inhabited. This could be, for example, throwing garbage in the trash can outside or taking a round around the house to check that everything is in order.
The study also suggests that burglary prevention communities not only increase security but also enhance a sense of safety and quality of life more than alarms and surveillance cameras can offer. Simple actions such as informing neighbors that everything is okay can create a sense of security. Julie Kofoed also highlights that neighbors can support each other by sharing information about burglaries or attempted burglaries so they can prevent future incidents together. This neighborhood network can help restore trust in those who have experienced burglaries and feel unsafe.
According to Kofoed, burglars are particularly attracted to homes that appear dark, abandoned, and easy to break into. Therefore, neighborhood watch is an effective method to keep thieves away and create a safe local environment.