What is Crime Watch of Stratford?
Crime Watch is a volunteer organization funded in part by the Town of Stratford. See the "About Us" page for a more in depth explanation of the group.
How can I join Crime Watch?
To join just fill out our online form on the Membership page. Follow the directions on the form and send it in. You will be contacted to discuss any questions you may have regarding the organization.
I don't have a lot of free time. How much time do I need to spend on Crime Watch activities?
A person can spend as much or as little time as needed. Usually a few hours a month is all that is necessary. This time would be attending the general business meeting held at the Stratford Police Department the first Wednesday of each month. More time can be added if desired for several of our yearly events such as National Night Out held in August.
Where can I find more information on the events you sponsor?
Go to our Calendar page to find upcoming events in the community.
How do we obtain a Neighborhood Watch Sign?
Crime Watch of Stratford maintains an inventory of signs. Signs are limited to 1 free sign per street that establish a Neighborhood Watch group of 5 or more of the homes, otherwise a fee of $25.00 will be charged per sign. A check made payable to Crime Watch of Stratford will be required if the number of homes are not signed up. Once the request is processed Crime Watch will submit a work order to the Traffic Division at the Stratford Police Department. The sign should be installed within 2 to 4 weeks by the Town of Stratford Highway Department time and manpower permitting. If a payment is necessary for a sign we suggest that a community collection is taken during your second meeting. This collection will also instill a sense of ownership within the community in the program.
To request a sign go to the Sign Request Form page.
Here are the guidelines established regarding sign placement:
1) Signs will be typically posted on right corner of the street facing oncoming traffic on its own pole. If there is a problem placing a sign at this location the back of an existing stop sign will be used. All signs will be posted on Town of Stratford property, usually the planting strip.
2) If the sign is posted adjacent to a property it will typically be located on the property line. Prior to the submittal of the "neighborhood watch sign request" form, the neighborhood block captain needs to make sure that the owner of the property is aware of the sign placement and agrees to the installation of the sign avoiding potential complaints and moving it after its installation.
3) The sign(s) will be placed at each entrance of the residential area coming from a major road; signs will not be installed throughout the neighborhood. An exception would be if the street where the neighborhood watch is located covers a very wide area signs may be installed in the middle of the block.
4) Signs will NOT be installed on PRIVATE STREETS or gated neighborhoods by Town of Stratford employees. The town will install signs on public streets only. Arrangements can be made to have the sign(s) picked up and installed by the neighborhood association if desired. Contact the Crime Watch business office for details.
Crime Watch of Stratford, Inc. will not be responsible for replacing damaged, vandalized or stolen signage. If a request is made to replace a sign that has been damaged, vandalized or stolen said sign will be replaced after a payment of $25.00 has been received.
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