Crime Watch in Beaufort, Chief of Police urges residents to start

In a recent statement to the Beaufort Tribune, Chief of Police Matthew Clayton urges residents to start crime watch groups in their communities. This recommendation came about after resident Alton Aimar complained to the chief about rising crime in downtown Beaufort.
 

Although Chief Clayton believes there has been no substantial increase in criminal activity here in the past year, he admits that there is no immunity for criminality, only preventive measures. In many cases, a crime watch group is encouraged and implemented in the face of insufficient manpower on the police force. Since Chief Clayton has announced that the percentages in crime rate have not increased from last year, his recommendation is likely a means to educate residents on what steps you can take if you have concerns about criminal activities in your community.
 

According to Beaufort resident Alton Aimar in a recent interview with Holly Bounds of WSAV News 3, theft and burglary have gotten out of control. Mr. Airmar had his boat and car broken into twice in less than 6 months and insists this is a growing trend. Mr. Airmar feels so strongly about the increase in crime sprees downtown near the waterfront that he met with the chief of police Chief Matthew Clancy to urge him to ramp up on police patrolmen during the night in the downtown area. In his opinion, the chief did not acknowledge a need for more patrol cars.
 

Chief Clancy expressed his empathy towards Mr. Aimar with the Beaufort Tribune on Thursday, reporting during this time, that the department ensures there is sufficient security all over the city. The chief reports that this can be confirmed in comparing the percentage of crimes last year to that of this year and see no higher numbers. An interesting fact however, comes from the many responses in reference to Mr. Aimar's concerns. Many not only agree, but seem to have been victims or somehow closely affected by what appears to be an increase in crime as well. Many of whom are longtime residents of Beaufort and can definitively say that there is a substantial increase in crime. Read more and see Mr. Aimars interview here The Digitel Beaufort. You may also read Chief Clancy's full response here Police Chief Matthew Clancy Responds.

No matter which side is right, it's definitely a good idea to start a crime watch group in your community or find out if one already exists. In today's society many have come so far from the neighborly actions and community closeness of earlier years when southern hospitality started first in the home, then the community. Many people don't even know their neighbors first name, much less their last or what they do. That is the basics of feeling more secure in your home and surroundings. Being acquainted at least allows a person to be more aware and alert when unfamiliar cars and faces show up. If nothing else, being able to give a good description if something does occur. This type of activity also deters potential criminals because they know some one's watching.
 

Here are a few tips to get you started if you would like to start a crime watch group.
 

1. Select a team leader and make fliers to distribute throughout the neighborhood. You want to first heighten awareness of the new group.
 

2. Next, contact the local police department. There is an investigator, usually dedicated to this effort who will schedule to be at the meetings and educate all members on crime, preventive measures, and how to implement and manage the crime watch group effectively and safely.
 

3. For residential neighborhoods it is best to hold meetings at a member’s house since this is the area you will be protecting. It should be at a time and place when most willing participants can make it. For example, a meeting each month on the third Friday evening. Likewise, business groups should meet locally in the business community.
 

4. Establish a team and responsibilities i.e. watch schedules and teams, minute’s keeper, admin for emails and phone calls, and so on.
 

The Police department will be supportive in assisting the organization of the group’s goals and overall mission. Visit Beaufort County Sheriff's Department: Crime Prevention page for more tips and contacts to get your group going. There are also other informative links such as sex offender registry, citizen’s police academy, and more.
 

I wish you success in your efforts. Thank you for reading, for more related topics please subscribe to these page. It's free and simple, just enter an email address and you will receive alerts when related topics are added. Until next time, remember:
           

                ~Courage is what preserves our liberty, safety, life, and our homes and parents, our country                 children.Courage comprises all things. ~
                                                   - Plautus