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Want to know some
simple steps you can take take to keep your home and car safe? One, don't leave anything of value in plain view in your car or home. That means no CD's stacked up on the passenger side seat or no computer in easy sight of somebody looking in one of your windows. Two, keep your car and your home locked. Even if you are only going to be gone for a few minutes, that's all it takes for somebody to open the door to your car or home and take what he or she can grab. Three, if you have a security system, use it. Four, leave your home porch light on through the night. Light is another deterrent to criminal activity. If you should find a street light out, either on the street in front or in the alley behind your home, get the tag identification information off the pole and call the
Knoxville Utilities Board at 524-2911. Working street and alley lights make for a safer neighborhood. A dog can also be a good deterrent to a break in. Doesn't mater the breed or size, or size of the bark.
Certainly, if you see criminal activity call 911. If it is of a non-emergency
nature, call 215-4010. Non-emergency would be to report a strange car that has been parked on your street, maybe even in front of your house.
Now, while those are things you can do yourself, there are other things you can do with your neighbors to keep you home and Old North Knoxville safe, and believe it or not, hosting or attending a porch party on Tuesday, August 3rd at 6:30 p.m. is where you can start to make a difference. The first Tuesday in August is National Neighbors Night Out. During this evening, neighbors across the U.S. and Canada get together, some to get acquainted and some to catch up. It is a time to tell the criminal to take the night off and tell your neighbors hello. Having a neighbor or two or three who will keep an eye on your home pays amazing security dividends and it doesn't cost you any money.
Last year, neighbors had gatherings on their porches throughout Old North. Some were simple affairs with snacks and lemonade. Others had cook outs, and still others had sit down dinners on their porches. Police stopped by to say hello.
Please plan to host one of these Neighbors Night Out porch parties for your block. Invite people you know and those you don't. Everybody can bring something to share. For details call Neighborhood Watch President
Stephen Henderson at 659-5057. And even if you can't attend, leave your porch light on. Tell the crooks to take the night off.
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