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Neighborhood Watch

Think Neighborhood Watch!
News ImageDo you want to become more involved in your community or protect yourself, family and property? If so, Neighborhood Watch is the program for you.
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When to call 9-1-1 or the Lakewood Sheriff’s Station
News ImageGetting assistance in a life threatening emergency by dialing 9-1-1 is a no-brainer, and should still be called in life threatening emergencies, such as fire, medical emergencies, and crimes in progress. This is especially true for "land line" phones.

Lakewood Neighborhood Watch professionals recommend programming the regular business phone number of your local law enforcement agency into your cell phone. The Lakewood Sheriff's Station is 562-623-3500.

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Snatch-and-grabs of personal electronics a concern
News ImageEngrossed text-messengers busily keying their cell phones are easy prey for snatch-and-grab robbers looking for personal electronics. Sheriff's deputies urge residents to be attentive to their surroundings..

CityTV's Community Digest news magazine looks at this robbery trend that snaps up cell phones, iPod's, and Sidekick's. Thieves typically target victims who are distracted while using their equipment and aren’t aware of a thief stealing up behind them.

Click for CityTV video

Protect your car with LAW program sticker
News ImageThe level of car theft is low in Lakewood, but the risk of theft persists, particularly if you’re among the Lakewood residents who leave a family car at the curb overnight because, well, the garage is full of other stuff.  That may make you feel secure about your rakes and lawn mower, but how well protected is your car?

The City of Lakewood offers reassuring help.  If you wish, we will mark your car with a distinctive Operation Lakewood Auto Watch (LAW) decal.
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Vacation security: Neighborhood Watch helps
News ImageYou can add to your vacation peace of mind by taking steps to ensure you and your home are secure when you are traveling. 

Lakewood's Neighborhood Watch team advises residents take advantage of the Lakewood Sheriff's Station "vacation check program." The program involves Lakewood Sheriff's Volunteers on Patrol (VOP’s) monitoring your house while you are away.
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Put ‘ICE’ into your cell phone for emergencies
News ImageOnce "getting help" is covered by 9-1-1 or the local Lakewood Station number, 562-623-3500, what's next? Consider labeling your important numbers with "ICE" (In case of emergency) before the names of the people you want to designate as next of kin.
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Prevent your GPS from being stolen
News ImageGlobal Positioning System (GPS) devices help drivers reach their destinations effortlessly. However, as the portable units become more popular, they also become a target of choice for thieves. Get tips from Lakewood’s crime prevention team. Click for related story on catalytic converter theft  Click for Public Safety main page
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Roadside radar displays encourage slowing down
News ImageFour automatic radar-equipped signs show motorists how fast they’re traveling on some of Lakewood’s busiest streets. The pole-mounted signs give drivers nearly instantaneous feedback--including a flashing strobe if they exceed legal speeds by 15 miles per hour. Data gathered by the units will help the city deploy sheriff’s traffic units.
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Video: Graffiti removal is a top priority
News ImageA combination of reports by vigilant residents and active city crews helps limit graffiti eyesores in the city. This webcast from CityTV Channel 31  gives insight into the teamwork that gets the job done.

Graffiti removal from fences and walls visible from the street is a free city service. Residents can even get it removed from private property if a permission waiver is on file at city hall for the specific property.
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Webcast: Lakewood Sheriff’s Station opens its doors to the community
News Image(First published 03/2008) At the end of a two-year project to expand and modernize the Lakewood Sheriff’s Station, Captain Dave Fender and his Team Lakewood deputies gave the community a tour of the scope of sheriff’s law enforcement in Lakewood. On Saturday, February 23 they held a celebratory open house at the station.

Sheriff’s K-9 units, county fire apparatus, and the department’s SWAT team and bomb squad were among the public safety units that were on display in station’s parking area off Civic Center Way. Visitors also toured the new updated facility. Click for to see a CityTV Community Digest segment on the event.

Neighborhood Watch in a Box!
News ImageNeighborhood Watch meetings don’t get any easier than this. The City of Lakewood has designed packets that include everything you will need to conduct a meeting. The packets come with a DVD on crime prevention topics ranging from identity theft to personal and home security.

All you have to do is invite your fellow neighbors over, play the informative DVD, and use the talking points provided to discuss the issues at hand. Don’t forget, you can make protecting your home and neighborhood fun. Have a potluck and invite friends to bring an appetizer, or host a pizza party at your house after the discussion.
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Home Address Curb Painting
News ImageThere have been a number of reports of individuals offering to repaint house numbers on curbs in Lakewood.  This is illegal!  We do not issue individual business licenses to do this kind of work.  

The City of Lakewood contracts to repaint curb numbers at no cost to residents a couple times a year based on available funding.  If the city schedules repainting in your area, a letter will be sent to your house by the contract painters mentioning the city and a contact number for any questions.  They should not ask for any money from you.  

If you see or hear about illegal curb painting in your neighborhood, please contact the City of Lakewood at 866-9771, extension 2140 or the Lakewood Sheriff’s Station at 623-3500.

Public Safety/Neighborhood Watch
Public safety and neighborhood watch related information.
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 Lakewood Community Safety Center Programs (160.5 KB)
 Lakewood Community Safety Center Simple Map (19.6 KB)
 LAND - Lakewood Apartments Nuisance Deterrant Program (66.4 KB)
 Operation LAW (371.8 KB)
 PAVE Beat Map (284.8 KB)
 West Nile Tips on Prevention and informational links (Large download) (709.7 KB)
Disaster Preparedness
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 2009 Ready Set Go Preparedness Guide (3.63 MB)
 Disaster Food: Suggested items, preparation tips (39.5 KB)
 Disaster Preparedness Kit: Suggested items (71 KB)
 Disaster: Water is vital to survival tip sheet (39.8 KB)
 Putting Down Roots in Earthquake Country: Your Handbook for Living in Southern California, earthquake science and preparedness (7.88 MB)