A Neighbourhood Watch can be anywhere there are people who want to reduce and prevent crime. A street, a cul-de-sac, a block of apartments - there is room for all kinds of communities, big or small, in the program. You can help to start one in your neighbourhood, or if there is one already active, you can join anytime.
Neighbourhood Watch
Neighbourhood Watch is a community-based crime prevention program that brings residents together to create safer, more connected communities. Neighbourhood Watch participants work together to stay informed about local safety concerns and deter crime through building positive community relationships.
By participating in Neighbourhood Watch, you can help create a safer environment for everyone by working together, being alert, and reporting suspicious activity.
The City of St. John's Department of Community Services, in collaboration with the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC), manages and operates the Neighbourhood Watch program. The program aims to enhance public safety while fostering a stronger sense of community engagement and cooperation.
Participating in Neighbourhood Watch is safe. The program does not:
- require you to patrol your neighbourhood
- ask you to take on the role of the police or chase suspected criminals
- encourage vigilante behaviour
- involve being nosy or invasive or having your neighbours know all of your business
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are Neighbourhood Watches located?
How can I learn more about Neighbourhood Watch in my area?
Contact the City's Healthy Neighbourhoods and Inclusion staff by email at neighbourhoodservices@stjohns.ca or by calling 709-726-0180. They will connect you with an existing Neighbourhood Watch or come to your neighbourhood with our Royal Newfoundland Constabulary partners to host an information session. Virtual sessions are also an option.
What volunteer opportunities are available with Neighbourhood Watch?
There are great opportunities to help your neighbourhood become safer. You can volunteer as an Area Coordinator, Block Captain, or Neighbourhood Watch Member.
Area Coordinator
An Area Coordinator takes a leadership role in their community
- Block Captains of a neighbourhood report to the Area Coordinator with any major concerns, major crime reports, and general questions.
- Liaisons with the Neighbourhood Watch office for meeting needs, questions, extra materials, etc.
- Time commitment is typically less than a couple of hours a month once the Neighbourhood Watch has been established.
Block Captain
A Block Captain connects with their Area Coordinator for information and materials
- Responsible for a small “block” of homes in the bigger Neighbourhood Watch
- Relays information from the Area Coordinator to Neighbourhood Watch members in their "block" of houses
- Keeps up-to-date information on members in their “block”, and invites new neighbours to join the Neighbourhood Watch
Neighbourhood Watch Member
Neighbourhood Watch Members are the main body of the Watch
- They are alert to neighbourhood activity and will call the police when necessary and alert their Block Captain.
Who should I contact to report a crime or suspicious activity?
Reporting cannot be done through this page. If it is an emergency and you need a police officer, please call 911 immediately.
Non-emergency reports can be made by phone or in person to the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary at a detachment office.
- Telephone: 1-709-729-8000
- Deaf / Hard of Hearing TTY: 1-800-363-4334
Certain incidents may be reported online using the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary’s Online Reporting Form.
- Lost property
- Theft under $5,000
- Theft from a motor vehicle
- Property damage
- Damage to a vehicle
- Motor vehicle accidents
You can also report to Crime Stoppers: 1-800-222-8477
Let's connect and protect!
Reach out to us for more information:
Call: 709-726-0180
Email: neighbourhoodservices@stjohns.ca
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