Pubdate: Wed, 17 Jan 2007 Source: Lake Cowichan Gazette, The (CN BC) Copyright: 2007 Lake Cowichan Gazette Contact: http://www.lakecowichangazette.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4076 Author: Doug Marner A BAY BLOCK WATCH AGAINST CRIME Marian Bates has lived in Honeymoon Bay for decades and loves what the small community on Cowichan Lake has to offer. It's peaceful, quiet and has a relatively low crime rate compared to bigger communities. But with a potential increase in crime as the Cowichan Lake area grows, including serious drugs such as crystal meth, Bates wants to be proactive in preserving the great lifestyle of the community. That's why she became involved in establishing a Block Watch program. "That was certainly my main interest, that Block Watch might stop someone from considering starting a crystal meth lab or a grow op in our community, for example," she said. "Maybe we'll be a little too nosy for the criminals' liking and they'll go somewhere else -- and I don't mean nosy in a negative way. If this helps prevent crime, that's the best option rather than waiting until the problems happen and then respond after, when it might be too late." Bates said the Block Watch program, which has been in the works in Honeymoon Bay for more than a year, is not about people spying on their neighbours, but rather neighbours helping neighbours. "We have to stick together," she said. Her goal is to get 75 percent of the community registered in the Block Watch program to get it up and running by the end of January. She said she still needs help registering people on Park Drive, Fifth Street and the duplexes, as well as finishing registrations on Wall Street. She estimates it takes about two days to get everyone on a block registered. "One of the big benefits to having a Block Watch program is on your house insurance," said Bates. "Block Watch is recognized by the insurance industry and can mean lower premiums." She noted that some people have told her they already keep an eye on their neighbourhood and don't think they have to join Block Watch. Her answer to that is that it's better to formalize it through this program. Anyone who wants to become a Block Watch volunteer can call Bates at 749-3734 or she is in Honeymoon Bay Hall on Tuesday afternoons. A criminal search must be done on potential volunteers and they would be given a photo ID card. - --- MAP posted-by: Elaine