Local Neighborhood Using New Technology To Combat Crime

Augusta, GA -- Joanne, walked in on burglars in her home: “I happen to come home in the middle of the day, and when I walked into the house everything was locked and secured. But, as I walked into the house, I heard noise going on and I realized that someone was actually in my house when I entered it."

Joanne's story is one that many in the Summerville area have been experiencing over the past several months. So much so that association president, Joe Neal, Jr., decided to take action. They got block captains, put up more than 40 crime watch signs, and started an email list.

Joe Neal, Jr., Summerville Neighborhood Association (SNA) president: “It was really not as affective as it could be.”

That's when Neal decided to use some of the association member’s IT knowledge and go high tech.

Neal: “Our crime watch system is connected to our website. And it's run through Twitter technology to where we can send out an email blast. And it goes out to everybody who's a member of SNA, they will get that information immediately.”

But it doesn't stop there. Neal says they're developing alliances with bordering neighborhood associations, like Harrisburg.

Neal: “We're just getting vigilant with the crime. We're fed up with it, and we've got eyes everywhere. So the criminals that are coming through Summerville, you're going to get caught.”

While everyone's looking out for each other...Butch Holley, with Regent Security Vault, says you have to protect yourself first.

Butch Holley, Regent Security Vault sales manager: “Take a look at your physical surroundings around your home. Cut back your tall bushes, trim back your foliage. Light up your place at night, make sure that all of your light bulbs are replaced. Lock your house, that's one of the most simple things, you must lock your home.”

All things, that when added to this new twitter security, can help keep you and your neighbors safer...so that what happened to Joanne doesn't happen to you.

Joanne: “You don't want to feel like a victim because I was victimized, but I'm not going to make them make me a victim. But, it just makes me a lot more alert in the neighborhood and what's going on around you, and in your yard.”

Neal says the next plan in the works is to get a texting program. Like many college campuses use now, when there's an emergency, a text will go to all of the member’s phones. Anyone can get on the list of the new Twitter alerts. Just head to SummervilleAugusta.org to sign up.