Watch CBS News

Jersey Town Brings Back Block Watches

LITTLE FERRY, N.J. (WCBS 880) -- Due to the poor economy and a shrinking police force, one New Jersey town is resorting to a different way to protect themselves.

Police in Little Ferry are teaching residents what to spot and how to respond to certain incidents, WCBS 880's Sean Adams reports.

Podcast

LISTEN: WCBS 880's Sean Adams reports

Several burglaries on the north side of the borough have pushed Police Lt. Frank Novack to recruit the public.

"We need the public to help us. With the economy being as bad as it is, police are the first ones to realize that everyone's hurting. And, a part of this hurting also spreads to the police department. We're working with less and less people," Novack said.

In the end, not only can neighborhoods be safer, but residents can actually get to know the community members, Novack said.

"You don't just see somebody taking out the garbage cans twice a week. You now know their first name and you know who they are," Novack said.

There hasn't been a block watch program in Little Ferry in over a decade, but Novack hopes it catches on across Bergen County.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.