Story originally printed in the La Crosse Tribune or online at www.lacrossetribune.com

Published - Friday, May 16, 2008

Neighborhood Watch groups on the rise

By DAN SPRINGER | La Crosse Tribune

Whether it’s concern about crime or just an idea whose time has come, the La Crosse County Sheriff’s Department expects the number of suburban Neighborhood Watch groups to double this year.

In 2005, the sheriff’s department helped organize its first Neighborhood Watch group and in the past three years has helped oversee the start of others. But, to date, the number of groups leveled off at three, said Deputy John Siegel, who coordinates the program.

Over the winter and early spring, Siegel and other members of the sheriff’s department have taken inquiries about starting groups.

“We’re working with people now and hope to start anywhere from three to five groups before the end of the summer,” Siegel said. “We’re not certain what prompted the interest, but it’s out there.”

The first new groups will become active today when residents from about 20 homes on Abnet and Hauser Road in the town of Onalaska meet Saturday with Siegel.

For more on this story, see Saturday's Tribune or check back at www.lacrossetribune.com.