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Community Corner

Neighborhood Watch Unites

Neighborhood Watch volunteers from all over Greenbelt get together to learn and grow.

Following right behind the crime blotter we posted this morning, we want to let you know about a volunteer group in our city that’s serious about crime prevention—Neighborhood Watch. Last Saturday, they held a city-wide meeting, where attendees learned about safety measures.

Take a peek inside their meeting to get a taste of what Neighborhood Watch is all about.

The Greenbelt Police Department and the Public Safety Advisory Committee hosted a Neighborhood Watch meeting and training in the Greenbriar Community Center on Saturday, Aug. 20, which had around 20 attendees.

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“If you see something that doesn’t feel right, call” Officer Kelly Lawson encouraged, “There’s a reason you feel that way. If you get that feeling, act on it.”

Lawson stressed a message of constantly being prepared.

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“The majority of crime, especially in the Greenbelt area, is opportunistic… If you take away the opportunity, there will be less crime,” she said.

Laura Kressler, chair of the Public Safety Advisory Committee, took the opportunity to announce the committee’s first Greenbelt Safety Expo. On September 17, several community organizations will come together in the Greenbelt Community Center, including the Greenbelt police and fire department, animal control, parking enforcement and more—to give Greenbelters the opportunity to ask questions and find out how to become involved.

After the meeting, Lawson held a Neighborhood Watch training session, teaching attendees how to be prepared. She stressed a “no confrontation” policy. She also went through an assortment of methods to practice safety, such as being constantly alert, eliminating distractions while walking, locking the doors upon entering a car and always having your keys in hand.

Training attendees will receive a Neighborhood Watch training completion certificate.

The Public Safety Advisory Committee meets the first Tuesday of every month and is open to the public. The Greenbelt Police Department can be reached either on its non-emergency line: (301) 474-7200 or its emergency number: (301) 474-5454.

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