Eastmark is a vibrant, growing community and that means new faces and activity enter our neck of the woods every day. So staying connected with neighbors and learning the rhythm and layout of the area are keys to spotting suspicious activity.

To aid in these efforts, Eastmark has officially joined the Mesa Neighborhood Watch program, which means residents can actively work in conjunction with Mesa law enforcement to help deter crime. The nationwide program has proven to lower crimes rates by increased surveillance, enhanced communication with local authorities, spreading awareness, and training residents for emergencies.

Neighborhood Watch encourages neighbors to gather socially a few times a year to meet and mingle, exchange contact info, and stay in the loop on what’s going on in the community. Residents aren’t “on patrol,” but instead are advised to stay alert and aware of their surroundings in order to recognize when something is not right.

Be sure to save this number in your phone: (480) 644-2211. This is the Mesa Police Department non-emergency line that you can call to report anything that looks suspicious. If it’s a crime that’s in progress, always call 9-1-1.

The goal is for each neighborhood to have a representative, or captain, to serve as the point of contact for their area. The captains will help communicate safety tips and trends, and will attend a couple neighborhood gatherings during the year. Interested in getting involved? Contact Eastmark resident Caitlin Watson at caitlinwatson526@yahoo.com for more details.

Mark your calendar! Eastmark’s Neighborhood Watch will participate in the Getting Arizona Involved in Neighborhoods (G.A.I.N.) event on Saturday, November 5 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. at The Eastmark Great Park. It’s an annual statewide event to encourage Neighborhood Watch programs and bring Mesa neighborhoods together for the common goal of keeping the community safe.

The weather should be ideal, so make plans to turn on your porch light and head to The Great Park for life-sized Jenga, cornhole, lawn Yahtzee, face painting, and balloon art. Plus, bring an appetite because LA Roots, Udder Delights, One True Love, and SuperFarm SuperTruck will serve up delish eats for purchase. We’ll see you at the park, and around the ‘hood!

Meet your neighbors for the G.A.I.N. event on November 5 at The Eastmark Great Park.