Advertisements from local merchants may also be a source of revenue to cover production costs. Printers may be willing to provide some in-kind services as well. Once the newsletter is produced, consider wide distribution including members, law enforcement, neighborhood merchants and businesses, elected officials, libraries and the press. The newsletter is a good vehicle to spotlight your working relationship with the police and other judicial agencies as well as any other supporters. Marches, vigils and rallies may be techniques or strategies for the watch group to generate press attention about a community problem or drug activity.
Candlelight vigils are very dramatic.
In most cases, unfavorable attention, embarrassment, loss of business, increased police presence and poor community relations will be sufficient to force the business owner or landlords to take steps to discourage criminal activity on or near their properties. Remember that the watch group should seek police advice and cooperation before undertaking any of these activities. In this information age, neighborhood watch groups are encouraged to think high-tech and develop a web page . This initiative could be a creative project which engages the youth of the community. The website can provide a map of the community, crime prevention tips, news alerts and information about special events.