CELORON - "Neighbors watching neighbors" is how the co-captain of the new Celoron neighborhood watch sums up the organization.
George Lefebvre, Celoron neighborhood watch group co-captain, said the organization started forming about six months ago. The group has about eight members who meet one Thursday a month in the Celoron Community Center. Lefebvre said people are welcome to attend the meetings, with the date and time publicized on the community center's sign.
"We wanted to keep it small at the beginning to get organized," Lefebvre said. "The watch is for the whole village. If you have a problem, let us know. We feel even a cell phone in your hand is a tool to discourage people."
Article Photos
Neighborhood crime watch signs have been placed around the village of Celoron. Earlier this year, a new neighborhood watch program was started in the village. Signs are available at the village hall, 21 Boulevard Ave.
P-J photo by Dennis Phillips
Lefebvre said signs have been posted around the village indicating there is a neighborhood watch group. Also, people can go to village hall, 21 Boulevard Ave., to receive a sign they can place in the window of their home. The sign states: "This neighborhood is united against crime. Neighbors are watching and will report suspicious activity to the police."
"It is a great deterrent. People see it in the window and they will turn away," he said.
Lefebvre said an officer from the Ellicott Police Department is part of the neighborhood watch. Lefebvre said the police department is in favor of the group watching the village.
"The Ellicott police officer comes to the meetings and tells us stuff going on," Lefebvre said.
Lefebvre said one of the main ways neighbors can help each other is by watching houses. He said when he is working or isn't home, he has elderly neighbors who watch his home.
"We just want to help the community. With the help of elderly people, through their eyes, we see what we have to do. They don't want to confront people, so we do it," he said. "I grew up in Celoron and I really feel neighbors need to watch neighbors. When I'm walking around, I know what to look for."