Published: July 06, 2009 09:41 pm      

Roselawn neighborhood watch group looking to combat crime everywhere

More than 100 people arrived at the Neighborhood Watch meeting Monday evening at the McDonald Memorial Baptist Church in West Orange.

Roselawn Neighborhood Watch group organizer Connie Jackson said most of the attendees were “first timers.”

One of the purposes of the meeting was to help people from other neighborhoods form a watch group of their own.

“I think this meeting was very successful,” Jackson said.

Before introducing the guests in attendance, Mike Jackson, Roselawn Neighborhood Watch group organizer, read a statement. Part of it read, “We are here tonight in an attempt to forge a working relationship, a partnership with local officials to rid our neighborhoods of the criminal element,” he said.

Pinehurst Mayor T.W. Permenter told the people in the audience the city of Pinehurst will do all they can to help the citizens.

Mayor Roy McDonald of West Orange also addressed the group.

“I do support neighborhood watch groups in our communities,” he said. “Our police department is always ready to respond when needed.”

McDonald added the city of West Orange has an agreement with surrounding entities to assist when needed.

Orange Police Chief Sam Kittrell told the group, “I am very proud of the efforts you are making.”

He added he hopes to see a decrease in the number of calls.

Kittrell also thanked all the local entities for their assistance.

“We do all work together,” Kittrell said.

Kittrell encouraged people in the community to become involved in their own neighborhoods.

“One or two people can’t do it alone,” he added.

Orange Mayor Brown Claybar praised the joint efforts of the local police departments. One group in particular was the Homicide Investigation Team which is made up of officers from local entities who join together to solve crimes.

“That’s just smart police work,” Claybar said.

Claybar also said council members were eager as well to assist the citizens of Orange.

However, he pointed out it will take a joint effort of the citizens as well to work together to form an effective watch group.

“The bottom line is, how can I make my neighbor be responsible?” he asked people to ponder.

The Roselawn Watch group intends to place four signs in their area to inform criminals they are being watched. They are also taking donations to fund other signs.

Claybar said other areas would be eligible for signs as well if the areas have a “viable neighborhood watch group” so they may act as a partnership with the city to combat crime.

In addition, Connie Jackson said the group has plans for the future of forming a partnership with city officials and police departments to protect the city.

“We are here to direct people on how to form their own neighborhood watch group,” she said.

Additional information is available at nbrhdwatch@hotmail.com



Debby Schamber is a reporter for the Orange Leader. She can be reached at 409-883-3571 ext. 2603 or at dschamber@orangeleader.com.