When you get down to the basic tenets of what Neighborhood Watch is – and what it stands for- you realize it’s all just a matter of using your common sense.

It makes sense to help your neighbors and to have your neighbors help you. Where would you be if you couldn’t ask for help when in need? And to share with neighbors what you each know about safety and security.

It makes sense to watch out for anything suspicious that may be going on in your neighborhood: strange cars cruising, cars parked that do not belong, suspicious activity such as cars near and around houses that are temporarily vacant, suspicious persons rummaging though through trash containers, suspicious persons going door to door and the like.

It makes sense to keep lights on all night (a dusk-to-dawn sensor is easily installed.) Remember burglars like the dark – it protects their privacy! It’s just pennies a week for the added safety!

It makes sense to make sure your street numbers are easy to read. If they are large enough – and in contrasting colors- the emergency vehicles will have no problem getting to you easily. If you have a light over the numbers, make sure you keep it on at all times.

It makes sense to let your neighbors know when you are away. They can pick up flyers, advertising pamphlets, weekly newspapers so your house will not look vacant. If you want the RSVP to check the front and back of your house if you are away for 5-30 days, check your doors, pick up papers, etc., they will need the name, address and phone number of a neighbor with a key. This is a wonderful volunteer service, and you can get a 6-day random check if you apply at their office at the Storefront – 2^nd floor Library. Call 538-8146 for more information.

It makes sense to put out your trash ON THE DAY OF PICKUP. I’m aware that the SD Municipal Code says that you can put out trash as early as 6 p.m. the night before, but this is crazy. All it takes is one minute in the night for a thief to pluck a plastic bag out of your trash receptacle and steal your identity. I know I’m always preaching about using shredders, but there is a very large chance that you missed shredding something with your name and some numbers on it. The Municipal Code was no doubt written before identity theft was so prevalent. How hard is it, anyway, to put it out in the morning? They don’t come at the crack of dawn, after all.

It makes sense to keep your garage door closed at all times. There have been many thefts at night through open garage doors. It is evident to me, because I’ve been guilty of it, that people often forget that their door is open. And remember, most times the door to the house is unlocked as well. Scary.

It makes sense to keep your car locked at all times, even when you are going somewhere "just for a minute." Thieves are on the watch for this. Don’t tempt them.