that's right neighborly

Get to know your neighbors on each side of your home and the three directly across the street. Invite them into your home, communicate often, and establish trust. Ask them to watch out for your home when you are away and to report suspicious activity. Ask them to pick up your mail, newspapers, handbills, and to periodically inspect the outside or inside of your home to see that all is well. You might also invite them to occasionally park in your driveway to give the appearance of occupancy while you are away. Give your neighbor a key instead of hiding one outside. Experienced burglars know to look for hidden keys in planter boxes, under doormats and above the door ledge. This is a Neighborhood Watch technique called “territoriality,” which means that your neighbors will take ownership and responsibility for what occurs in your mini-neighborhood, deterring burglaries and other crimes. But for it to work, you must be willing to reciprocate.