Neighborhood Watch
What does it mean?
Neighborhood watch (grannsamverkan) is organized cooperation between neighbors in a residential area to prevent crime and create safety. The concept is often coordinated by Samverkan mot brott (Cooperation Against Crime) and supported by the police. Participating neighborhoods receive signs, materials, and training on how to be alert and report suspicious activity.
Neighborhood watch is not about being a guard but about being an attentive neighbor who recognizes who lives in the area. It includes reporting suspicious activity to the police, keeping an eye on each other's homes during travel, and creating good contact between neighbors. Studies show that neighborhood watch reduces residential burglaries by up to 25 percent in participating areas.
Key Points
- Organized crime prevention cooperation between neighbors
- Often coordinated by Samverkan mot brott with police support
- Reduces residential burglaries by up to 25% according to studies
- About attentiveness and neighbor contact, not guard duty
- Participating areas receive signs and training materials
Practical Tip
Ask your landlord or residents' association if there is a neighborhood watch in your area. If not, you can start one yourself — contact Samverkan mot brott for materials and support. It strengthens both safety and neighbor relations.
Based on content from Bofrid's Knowledge Bank