Pearsall residents launch new Neighborhood Watch program
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Pearsall’s Neighborhood Crime Watch program was kicked off last week as residents of Encino Drive on the northeast end of town gathered for a block party in an effort to promote safety among neighbors.
“I would encourage other neighborhoods in Pearsall to start this, as it has a marked impact on reducing crime,” Pearsall Mayor Ben Briscoe said of the program. “Neighbors on Encino had set up a block party and had the event at a neighbor’s house, that had plenty of shade and a pool. The pool was not necessary but added a nice touch.”
Neighbors on the street were invited to bring a covered dish; and hamburgers and hot dogs were provided.
Members of the Pearsall Police Department and the Frio County Sheriff’s Office were also in attendance as acting Police Chief Daniel Flores and Frio County Chief Deputy Peter Salinas visited with residents.
Officers were served a meal and introduced to neighbors. Sgt. Nathaniel Ximenez with the police department is the lead officer on the Neighborhood Crime Watch program and spoke to those at the gathering about the program and offered tips on how a neighborhood can help fight crime.
“It was a fun evening, there was lots good fellowship and plenty of food with over 60 neighbors showing up in the cool of the evening,” Mayor Briscoe said. “Some guests were new to the street so it was a great chance to get to meet the neighborhood.
“There was a lot of excitement just to get out and visit as these days we are all so busy, taking time for the neighbors was a good and positive thing. Now that we are established as a Crime Watch neighborhood, we will be posting signs on our street that inform those bent on evil to beware; we are watching.”
The mayor said that anyone wishing to start a Neighborhood Crime Watch program can reach out to Sgt. Ximenez at the Pearsall PD to get started.
“You can follow this protocol and help protect your community and assist law enforcement,” Briscoe said. “Helping law enforcement and looking out after one another, it’s what we do.”