Getting to know your neighbours is the key to enhancing safety on your street.
That message will be delivered against a backdrop of family friendly fun at a block party open to all Esquimalt residents on Saturday (Sept. 10).
A small but passionate group of Constance Street residents, who are members of Block Watch, a volunteer crime prevention program, are hosting their inaugural Community Safety Awareness Day.
"The main thing about Block Watch is get to know your neighbours, have a fun and safe community and keep an eye on each other a bit," said Constance Avenue resident and Block Watch member Bruce Cuthbert, adding that the event coincides with other community safety awareness initiatives being held throughout the province.
Stronger relations among neighbours help facilitate the flow of information so more people can be alerted about crimes and help prevent them from reoccurring, Cuthbert said.
"The more you know a few of your neighbours, they can cover for you when you're on vacations, and just make it look safer," he said.
The block party will feature prizes, music and food vendors. Police officers and firefighters will be on hand, and there will be information on emergency preparedness and the Block Watch program.
The safety awareness day happens from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the 400-block of Constance Ave. For details, please email 400ConstanceAvenue@gmail.com.
