A neighborhood watch or neighbourhood watch (see spelling differences), also called a crime watch or neighbourhood crime watch, is an organized group of citizens devoted to crime and vandalism prevention within a neighborhood. In other words, neighbourhood watch is a crime prevention scheme under which members of a given community agree together to keep an eye on one another’s properties, patrolling the street – and reporting suspicious incidents to the police.
The aim of neighbourhood watch includes educating residents of a community on security and safety and achieving safe and secure neighbourhoods. However, when a criminal activity is suspected, members are encouraged to report to authorities, and not to intervene.