Ackley Neighborhood Watch

05/21/2024

🚨 Important Announcement: 🚨
Due to flooding affecting our committee members and other attendees, tonight's neighborhood watch meeting is canceled. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. We will reschedule the meeting as soon as possible. Please stay tuned to our page for updates on the new date.

05/20/2024

Please remember that we will have an open meeting tomorrow, May 21, 7pm at St. Mary's parish hall, for anyone who would like to volunteer their time for the neighborhood watch. We hope to see you there!

05/08/2024

Leaving your porch light on at night could scare away potential burglars. Here's some tips:

1) Some burglars are opportunistic and random. They will strike at any given time without much thought to circumstances. Others are methodical and calculated, watching neighborhoods for days in order to learn your habits and decide on easy targets. Avoid turning your outside lights on only when you leave home. Make use of timers, automatic dusk-to-dawn outside lighting, and motion sensing lights.

2) Outside lights not only help to deter crime, they make things safer for you. You can see obstacles, light up stairs, and they help you find your keys quicker instead of standing in the dark fumbling around trying to find them. Porch lights might deter criminals from following you to your door because their presence becomes more visible to neighbors and home security cameras.

3) When paired with cameras, lights will improve visibility and enhance the camera's effectiveness. Plus, the cameras will be more visible to the criminals. Research shows that criminals are three times more likely to walk away from a property if they spot a camera.

4) If a neighbor looks out their window, outside lights can help illuminate anyone on the property. This makes it more likely for intruders to be spotted if they attempt to break in or steal a car. This added visibility not only deters criminals but also increases the chances of swift intervention by law enforcement.

5) The cost of leaving a porch light on all night depends on factors such as the type of light bulb, wattage, and energy cost in your area. To save money, switch out your old incandescent, halogen, or CFL bulbs with LED bulbs. LED lights use up to 90% less energy and last up to 25 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs.

Brought to you by the Ackley Neighborhood Watch.

05/03/2024

A concerned citizen contacted the neighborhood watch page in regard to problems with a neighbor. We recommend that any citizen should document important matters or suspicious activity and report it to the police department.

Ackley Police Department
(641) 847-2222
Hardin County Sheriff's Office non-emergency
(641) 939-8189

Please remember that the neighborhood watch page is not intended for you to report police matters to. You should contact law enforcement for assistance. If you're interested in volunteering for the neighborhood watch, please attend a meeting. We need active volunteers. Our next meeting is scheduled for May 21, 7pm, at St Mary's parish hall.

04/16/2024

We appreciate you all!

04/13/2024

(Please read to the end to find out how you can help!)

A neighborhood watch group is a community-based organization comprised of residents who work together to enhance the safety and security of their neighborhood. It's important to recognize that neighborhood watch volunteers are ordinary citizens who sacrifice their own time, resources, and even personal expenses like gas to serve their community. Their commitment to the well-being of their neighbors reflects a deep sense of civic duty and community spirit. While they strive to be proactive and observant, it's essential to emphasize that they are NOT a replacement for law enforcement and do not act as vigilantes in their neighborhoods. The goal is to promote awareness and collaborate with local law enforcement.

Typically, there is a main group that oversees the neighborhood watch activities. We can call this the watch council, for lack of a better way to express it. Members of a neighborhood watch council engage in various tasks including organizing neighborhood monitors, encouraging communication among residents, and providing education and resources to residents. But it's crucial for all citizens to play an active role in the neighborhood watch by staying vigilant and aware of their surroundings. By being proactive and reporting any suspicious activity promptly, citizens will contribute to the overall security of their community. The "see something, say something" approach empowers residents to act as extra eyes and ears for law enforcement, helping to prevent crime and ensure a safer environment for everyone.

All citizens can make significant contributions to the goal of a community neighborhood watch by incorporating simple yet effective practices into their daily routines. Here are some ways individuals can actively participate:

Lock Doors and Vehicles:
Keeping doors and vehicles locked reduces the risk of unauthorized entry and theft. It's a basic yet essential step in safeguarding homes and belongings.

Use Porch Lights:
Leaving porch lights on at night deters potential intruders and enhances visibility around the property. Well lit areas are less attractive to criminals, making it harder for them to operate unnoticed.

Install Motion-Sensing Lights:
Motion-sensing lights automatically illuminate when motion is detected, alerting homeowners to activity around their property. These lights act as a deterrent and can help identify potential threats.

Utilize Security Cameras:
Installing security cameras provides additional surveillance and evidence in case of suspicious activity or incidents. Modern technology allows for affordable and easy-to-use camera systems that enhance home security.

Be Observant:
Being aware of one's surroundings and paying attention to unusual or suspicious behavior is crucial. Citizens can contribute to neighborhood safety by simply looking out their windows and keeping an eye on their surroundings. Being aware of what goes on in the neighborhood enables residents to recognize patterns or trends in criminal activity.

Report Suspicious Activity:
Reporting suspicious activity promptly to the police is one of the most effective ways citizens can contribute to neighborhood safety. Law enforcement relies on tips and information from residents to prevent crime and apprehend perpetrators.

The success of our neighborhood watch program hinges entirely on the dedication and commitment of community members. We rely on individuals like you who are willing to step up and make a difference. At this time we are actively seeking volunteers who live in Ackley and are willing to serve as regular neighborhood monitors. Whether you prefer driving or walking, your presence makes a significant impact in deterring crime and maintaining the peace in our neighborhood. If you're interested in becoming a neighborhood monitor, or would like more information about meetings or volunteer opportunities, please don't hesitate to reach out to us. Your commitment to serving our community is greatly appreciated, and together we can make a positive difference. Thank you for considering this important role in our neighborhood watch program.

Brought to you by the Ackley Neighborhood Watch.

04/11/2024

It's 911 Education Month in Iowa! 📲

If you or a child dial 911 by mistake, do not hang up – that could make 911 officials think that an emergency exists, and possibly send responders to your location. Instead, simply explain to the call-taker what happened.

Ready.iowa.gov/know-your-911

03/18/2024

Are you familiar with the City of Ackley ordinance regarding curfew for minors? In part, the code states "It is unlawful for any minor to be or remain upon any of the alleys, streets or public places or to be in places of business and amusement in the City between the hours of 10:30 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. of the following day on days commencing on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and between the hours of 12:00 midnight and 5:00 a.m. on Friday and Saturday." A "minor” means any unemancipated person under the age of 18 years.

There are some exceptions. You can read the entire Code of Ordinance regarding curfew in chapter 46.01 athttps://www.ackleyiowa.net/_files/ugd/be371b_da1bcd450ffb4d2da3b2c9955f95324a.pdf

Anyone can report curfew violations by calling (641) 847-2222 or the Hardin County Sheriff's Office non-emergency number at (641) 939-8189.

03/15/2024

Are your kids on Spring Break and looking for something to do? We can help.

Learn how to build an emergency supply kit and keep your family safe: Ready.iowa.gov/build-a-kit

When they knock that out, check out these preparedness games: Ready.gov/kids/games

02/28/2024

02/21/2024

You may notice some new signs around town. Thanks to the City of Ackley for approving them! We are planning some great activities for the future, and we'll be starting a community newsletter soon. If you're interested in volunteering as a block captain or helping out with events please reach out and let us know.

02/04/2024

Disasters can happen anywhere, any time.

Signing up for Alert Iowa can be your first step to preparedness by receiving local & weather alerts for your whole household. Protect the ones you love & sign up today.

Alert.iowa.gov