Police

Crime Prevention

Home Departments Police Crime Prevention

Community Watch Program:
Community Watch is a crime prevention program, which enlists the active participation of citizens in cooperation with law enforcement to reduce crime in their communities.

It involves:
Neighbors getting to know each other and working together in programs of mutual assistance to prevent crime; and citizens being trained to recognize and report suspicious activities in their neighborhoods.

You may hear it called Neighborhood Watch, Home Alert, Citizens Crime Watch or Block Watch. The names differ, but the idea is the same: Neighbors looking out for each other.

Email Chief Monroe Wagoner or call (336) 258-8910 if your community or street may be interested in forming a watch program.

Personal Protection

How can I protect myself?
You don’t necessarily need physical strength, agility, or speed. You do need to be alert, cautious, and self-confident.

The Elkin Police Department offers a 24/7 prescription medicine drop. The box is located in the lobby of the Police Department.

When Driving

Keep Door locked and windows up for safety
Put purse and valuables out of sight
If harassed at intersection, don't respond and drive away
Never pick up hitchhikers

When Parking
Park as close as possible to your destination
Choose a well-lighted area to park
Lock valuables in trunk

Returning to your car

Watch for anybody hiding behind nearby cars
Before entering check back seat and floor to ensure nobody is hiding in your car

If your car breaks down

Raise hood and stay inside with doors locked
If someone stops ask them to call the police

At home

Install deadbolt locks
Keeps doors and windows locked
Choose locks that you can easily use
Don’t attach ID tags to your keys
Keep curtains closed at night
Install a peep hole on all exterior doors

Report to the police

Any crime, attempted crime, or suspicious activity
Give details: Special physical features, clothing, vehicle, license number, and any other witnesses

Identity Theft
An identity theft occurs when a thief obtains some piece of your personal information and uses it without your knowledge to commit fraud or theft. Here is a video from the Federal Trade Commission to prevent you from becoming a victim or to assist if you become a victim of identity theft.

Reporting a Crime
Sound Easy? It is. Unfortunately only half of all crimes are ever reported. Too bad, because law enforcement cannot do anything if they do not know what happened. They say information from people like you is the key to solving many crimes.

Even an anonymous tip is better than no report at all. So do not hesitate! Follow this rule: If you see a crime, suspect a crime, or a threatening situation call law enforcement – fast – so that they can act – fast. The longer you wait, the harder it is to catch the criminal.

When reporting a crime be sure to give the following information:
Your name (optional)
Your location (optional)
What crime is being committed
Where the crime is occurring
Who is involved
What do they look like
What kind of vehicle

Here is a guide to reporting suspicious activities from the Department of Homeland Security.

It pays to prosecute
Three fourths of criminals that are prosecuted are found guilty
Being a witness in court is not as much trouble as you think
Our community has special programs to help victims and witnesses with transportation, daycare services and scheduling their cases.

Crime Victim Financial Service

Innocent victims of a crime may be eligible for financial assistance:

Medical bills
Funeral expenses
Lost wages

Any victim assistance questions should be directed to:
NC Crime Control and Public Safety
Division of Victim and Justice Services
PO Box 29588
Raleigh, NC 27626-0588
1-800-826-6200
or NC Crime Control and Public Safety

State of North Carolina
17B Prosecutorial District
PO Box 1063
Dobson, NC 27017
Victim Witness Assistant
336-386-8178