After numerous robberies were recently reported in the Hollywood area, neighbors have organized to take action. With help from the Homewood Police Department, Hollywood is now the newest community to boast an active neighborhood watch.
Not only will the watch program unite neighbors to protect members of their community, but it will also allow residents to become familiar with one another. The Mathews family held the first Hollywood watch meeting at their home in August with Police Chief Jim Roberson present, and inquiries have come in since then.
“It’s not about being nosey, but caring whether a certain car in your neighbor’s driveway is there for a good reason,” said Hollywood resident Beth Sanfratel.
The new watch program is currently recruiting residents on every main thoroughfare to serve as captains and keep a look out for strange activity, odd cars and suspicious persons.
Sanfratel said she felt strongly about forming a neighborhood watch program after her neighbor’s home was broken into.
“Had I had the educational information we received after meeting with the HPD, I would have called 911 when I heard the suspicious sound that evening,” she said. “Later that night when the police knocked on our door to tell us about the break in, I was so upset. I heard it, and maybe could have stopped it.”
Detective Juan Rodriquez heads up the watch programs in Homewood and said he has found them very successful. He believes no call is a waste. Any suspicious noise or occurrence is reason to call the HPD, he said.
If you would like to be a part of Hollywood Neighborhood Watch, email or contact Detective Juan Rodriguez at 332-6204 or Beth Sanfratel at elisabethat136@gmail.com or 678-463-0520.
