Most of us know at least one or two neighbors on our block either by name, or at the very least, by appearance. Usually neighborhood kids and pets are easy to recognize, as well. But what if someone new moved in a block away and started routinely walking around the neighborhood. Would you notice? What about random cars parked on the street? Are they random, or do they belong to a friend or family member of one of your neighbors? How well do you know your neighborhood?
It may seem like a silly question, but it’s one that should be pondered. It may be in your best interest to know who your neighbors are, what cars they drive, how many kids and pets they have, etc. The reason for this is because it will make it easier to determine if there is a suspicious vehicle or person that suddenly appears on your block. Knowing your neighbors and details about your neighborhood will help you to assess if there are any red flags you need to be aware of.
Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Who are your neighbors? Do you know them by name? How many live in a household and how many/what cars do they drive?
- Does anyone park a work vehicle at home or somewhere on the block? Do they use various trucks/vans/vehicles for work that may be parked on the street?
- Do any neighbors have frequent friend/family visitors over? Would you recognize them and their vehicles?
- Is there a neighborhood watch system in place that allows neighbors to communicate any suspicious activity to each other? If not, consider starting one!
Being well informed about what goes on in your neighborhood doesn’t mean you need to be nosey or intrude in your neighbor’s business. It just means that you’d like to be aware of what’s going on around you so that you can keep your loved ones safe.
The next time you head out, take a few extra minutes to look around and really look at what you see. Take it in, make a mental note, and compare it to what you see every other day. Make an effort to be mindful and aware of your surroundings.
