The Woodlands Township Neighborhood Services has ideas, tips for National Night Out

THE WOODLANDS, TX – While this year’s National Night Out is scheduled for this upcoming Tuesday, October 7, The Woodlands is celebrating early this Sunday, October 5, with local communities and police departments across The Township and Montgomery County hosting events to promote safety and foster stronger police-community relationships. Several neighborhoods are hosting block parties or organizing events to meet with law enforcement, share concerns, and build community spirit.

The Woodlands Township Neighborhood Services Department, managed by Megan Meaux, helps build strong, connected neighborhoods through education, engagement, and public safety programs. From crime prevention and emergency preparedness to community outreach and resident support, the department provides tools and resources that empower residents to stay informed, involved and safe.

For National Night Out, the department is encouraging residents to become a Woodlands Watch Member to help add to the safety, security, and comfort levels of the community.

“For over 40 years, The Woodlands Township Neighborhood Watch has provided award-winning crime prevention programming to all neighborhoods in The Woodlands,” said representatives of the department. “You and your neighbors play an important role in Community Policing efforts. Participating is easy and gives your neighborhood the opportunity to contribute to a safe community through organization, education, and celebration.”

As a Woodlands Watch Member, you can learn vital information about public safety, including local law enforcement, emergency contacts, solicitor guidelines, crime prevention tips, and more. Whether you live in a neighborhood, apartment, senior complex, or have a business in The Woodlands, you can help ensure a safer community. Learn more and sign up at thewoodlandstownship-yx.gov/woodlandswatch.

Beyond the Neighborhood Watch by Watch Members, Neighborhood Services programs include:

• Dog Walker Watch – combine walking your pet with keeping an eye out for suspicious activity
• Vacation Watch – when you sign up for this service, local law enforcement will keep an eye on your home with extra patrols while you’re away for extended periods
• Bike Registration – register your bike with the department and they can assist with identification and recovery in case it’s ever lost or stolen
• Paint Kits – free paint kits are available to paint your house number on the curb so that you can make sure your home is easily identifiable for emergency services
• Key Tag Program – this service provides with a helpful solution if their keys are ever lost, with a key tag that has an identification number linked to the department
• Emergency Preparedness – prepare for the unexpected and learn how to prepare for emergencies with tips and resources for hurricane preparedness, flood safely, and more

Learn more about the Neighborhood Services Department at thewoodlandstownship-tx.gov/neighborhoodservices.

The Department stresses the importance of understanding crime. “There are three elements of the Crime Triangle that must be present for a crime to be committed: desire of a criminal to commit a crime; ability to commit the crime; opportunity for the crime to be committed. Fortunately, you have control over one of the elements in the triangle: opportunity. Burglary of a motor vehicle is one of the most preventable crimes, according to law enforcement.”

Tips to protect your car include:

• Remove all valuables from your vehicle
• Park your vehicle in a locked garage
• Lock your vehicle if left in the driveway or street
• Install motion sensor lighting where you park your cars
• Don’t leave items in plain view in your vehicle
• Hide valuables in packages in your trunk before you park
• Park in well-lighted areas and avoid parking in remote areas
• Activate your vehicle alarm system

The department has also partnered with Interfaith of The Woodlands for a National Night Out Food Drive, benefiting Interfaith’s food pantry, running October 6 - 10 at 4242 Interfaith Way. Of particular need are canned goods, dry goods, snack foods, and personal hygiene products.