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In any community in the early morning hours, you will most likely see that there is a pattern that exists. A predicable neighborhood rhythm. The lights are on in the garage and I know that my neighbor has left to take her child to daycare, before she jumps on the bus to go to work in the city. Another garage door opens and another car leaves home at its usual time. It is I that one would see, picking up my newspaper just before sunrise each day.

Of course it is better if you do not see the neighbor kissing your dentist good bye especially since he has a different address.

We take for granted our assumed trust that builds over the years. If you have lived in the same neighborhood for a long time. Simple greetings and exchanges become important when taking our daily jogs,and bike rides. On the other hand, there is the sharing of sniffs and smiles with others, as we take our dogs for their walk. We see the school bus stop with its usual assembly of parents; they fill the same corner everyday. All of this is the woven fabric of our neighborhoods.

Just because you can see the same mother with her tattered P.J.'s on, does not mean your neighborhood has gone to pot.

But how do you keep your neighborhood safe?

*If there is any unusual activity at children's bus stop or strangers lingering by. Inquire in a friendly way who they are visiting etc. Contact authorities with any serious concerns.

If little Jimmy seems happy he probably is, as he is climbing all over his uncle, remember some people do have funny uncles that you never met.

*Be alert if you find your dog barking in an unusual way.

He may be trying to tell you that you forgot to feed him today.

*Do not become careless in the security of your home keep doors locked.

Using duck tape to secure a loose knob will not do.

*View who is at your door before opening it. Open your door only to a company with which you have expected a house call.

Yeah, this goes even if he is good looking!

*Ask for ID on an unexpected service call person.

Your right, have you ever read a real ID badge ? They just pin a name on their shirts, they could even say "Jack the Riper" and we would never know.

*If you are going on vacation or a business trip alert a close neighbor who can keep an eye on your home.

Make sure you know this neighbor well.

*Cancel newspapers and mail delivery or have a neighbor collect them for you.

Even if they forget they will certainly pick them up before you come home.

*Avoid leaving out garbage cans or papers that tell strangers that your house is empty.

Leave trash bags instead and hope that the animals do not open them and that your personal garbage doesn't wind up all over the street.

*Consider automatic light switches to provide interior and outdoor lighting when you are away.

How boring we are lights on at 7:00 off at 12:00 night after night, how dumb does a burglar have to be?

*If you see something suspicious going on in your neighborhood notify your local police.

Only hope they don't say "its her again the same one that calls all the time."

Safe and welcoming neighborhoods have these things in common:

*Mutual respect for each other and each other's property, as well the privacy of individual lives.

*A willing to come to each other's rescue in an emergency.

*Neighborly relationships that in time have the potential to evolve into meaningful friendships.

*A shared and common interest in the maintenance of a safe and friendly environment.

*The welfare of all children and each other being the community's highest objective.

There is nothing funny about that!

Learn more about this author, Olivia Bredbenner.
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