Neighborhood Watch is a community crime prevention program, which enlists the active participation of citizens in cooperation with the Dearborn Police Department. Its purpose is to reduce crime, create an alert neighborhood, and facilitate the reporting of suspicious activity.

The City of Dearborn and the Dearborn Police Department understand that active participation of neighborhood residents is a critical element of community safety. Participation consists of a willingness to look out for suspicious activity in neighborhoods and reporting it to law enforcement. The police department has implemented a Neighborhood Watch Line to assist participation.

It is important to distinguish between activities that are considered EMERGENCIES and those that are considered suspicious. An EMERGENCY is any event that requires immediate POLICE, FIRE or MEDICAL response. In the event of an EMERGENCY CALL 911 immediately.

The City of Dearborn’s Neighborhood Watch telephone line should be called to report any suspicious activity that is occurring or has occurred. Citizens are requested to contact 313-943-3030 when a suspicious occurrence is observed, any time of day.

Residents should remain alert to anything that seems slightly “out of place” or is occurring at an unusual time of day. Residents should contact police immediately and not worry about being embarrassed if your suspicions are determined as unfounded. Please remember, DO NOT ATTEMPT TO APPREHEND A PERSON COMMITTING A CRIME OR INVESTIGATE A SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY.

The following MAY indicate possible suspicious/criminal activity:

• Open or broken windows at a closed business or unoccupied residence.
• Unusual noises or dogs barking continuously.
• The sound of breaking glass.
• Persons running, especially if carrying something of value at an unusual hour or not appropriately dressed for exercise.
• Heavy traffic to and from a home occurring on a daily basis.
• Loitering around or peering into cars either parked in the driveway, on the street or in a parking lot.
• Slow moving vehicles, with or without lights activated with no obvious destination.
• Parked vehicles, either unoccupied or occupied by one or more persons, especially at an unusual hour.
• Persons detaching mechanical parts or accessories from a vehicle.

The Crime Prevention Unit has prepared a Neighborhood Watch citizen starter kit. The kit includes phone stickers, magnet, pen, notepad, window sticker and a pamphlet which explains the program. Residents may obtain a kit by contacting a Crime Prevention Officer.

Neighborhood Watch Program
313-943-2213

Non-Emergency TIP Line
313-943-3030