Elmhurst Residents Planning to Organize Community Watch Program in Response to Burglaries

A Dec. 1 article on Elmhurst Patch about has sparked an online conversation and a desire to take action. The article was widely distributed on Facebook and via Twitter.

As a result, several residents are planning to meet at 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4, at , 108 W. North Ave.

According to comments on the Dec. 1 story, the purpose of the meeting is to brainstorm ideas for a community watch program and create a "deeper sense of community," commenter Jim Court wrote.

Some of the ideas being proposed include video surveillance at the entry points in town, placing "Neighborhood Watch" signs in various neighborhoods, petitioning for a citywide ban on solicitors, encouraging vigilance, requiring scrap collectors to be registered with the city and publicizing in multiple ways that a community watch program has been established in Elmhurst.

"If it were well-publicized, it would be a strong deterrent to crime," Court wrote.

Looking at other towns' community watch programs could be effective, as well, commenter Dave Noble wrote.

"I've seen numerous neighborhoods in other towns that have people with 'We Call Police' and 'Neighborhood Watch' signs in their windows," he said.

Commenters also mentioned their own experiences with crime in town. One reader said her son's front doorknob was turned while the family was home and the house was dimly lit. Another commenter mentioned a family that had their front door kicked in during daylight hours.

"I'm big on the community watch idea," commenter "Holly" said Friday.

For more information, contact Court by email at idealist2@aol.com.