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Reading Volunteer Crime Watch Program Information

PATROL GUIDELINES

1. Patrol in pairs whenever possible. Carry a cellular phone if available to call 610-655-6116 or 911 in emergencies.

2. Patrol your area at safe/moderate speed, looking for suspicious activity or person/s in distress. Also checking for smoke and/or fire and fresh damage caused by vandals or burglars.

3. Report disorderly groups and/or persons. Remember that a group of kids on a corner is NOT normally a disorderly group.

4. Patrol known trouble spots heavily. Watch for vehicles cruising the area aimlessly and continuously. Watch for persons loitering around and being secretive, evasive, or suspicious.

5. Report street lights and security lights that are not working.

6. Watch for merchandise or household good being loaded into vehicles or carried by individuals.

7. Patrol ALL paved alleys and parking lots.

8. Get CORRECT license numbers and accurate descriptions and locations.

9. Procedure for "Crime in Progress" Situations

* Report the incident and location.

* Keep situation under observation and report all activity at the scene.

* Remain at a safe distance and location.

* Stay out of the way of the police.

* If someone is being physically injured, sound your car horn to warn the criminal that he/she has been spotted, this should prompt him/her to flee and stop.

* Log all possible information. Time, description, subjects and/or vehicles, activities of each subject, direction of travel if subject/vehicle leaves scene.

* Immediately write up an accurate, coherent and complete report.

10. Members are encouraged to contact police in the area to establish a good rapport. Remember, we are after the team approach to Crime Prevention.

11. Upon completion of the patrol session, make certain the patrol log shows all necessary data.

12. If a citizen asks you, do not hesitate to identify yourself as a member of Reading Volunteer Crime Watch. A friendly approach should be maintained at all times.