North Kildonan residents turning to digital neighbourhood watch

People in North Kildonan are watching out for one another by logging onto a Facebook page devoted to their area and sharing crime tips about their neighbourhood. (File Image)

North Kildonan residents are using Facebook and text messages to help fight crime in the community.

People in North Kildonan are watching out for one another by logging onto a Facebook page devoted to their area and receiving crime tips about their neighbourhood.

Neighbourhood watch member Trevor Siwak said there are about 750 members in the Facebook group.

“It’s only a guess, but about a third of those are from outside the area,” Siwak said.

He said people who have grandparents in the area or work in the community are also interested in keeping up with news.

The North Kildonan Community Watch shares crime statistics, prevention tips and reports of suspicious activity.

“People will drive around the area and notice a whole block where people don’t have any lights on. It doesn’t cost much to put on a light.”

Siwak said group members can also receive text notifications about crime. Information comes in as messages and emails. Page administrators edit the messages and send them out as text notifications to peoples’ phones.

“The notification is a more immediate thing. You can post someone about a break-in on the 200 block, and people on their back deck can keep an eye out,” Siwak said.

Siwak added while the old school Neighbourhood Watch keeps people informed about their own street and crime close by, the notification system gives people a more global view of crime in their community.