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Kennewick Police Department Community Program Information NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH Neighborhood Watch is one of the most effective and least costly answers to crime. Neighborhood Watch groups not only prevent crime, they are often a catalyst for bringing better services and restoring pride to a neighborhood. Any resident can join an existing Neighborhood Watch or help in forming a new program. You or your neighbors can serve as a sponsor for a meeting. Kennewick Police Crime Prevention Unit will provide training on how to form your Neighborhood Watch to help reduce the chance of burglary and other crimes. Neighborhood watch helps bring neighbors together to reduce the likelihood of being the criminal target. This is accomplished by marking valuables as part of Operation Identification, home security inspections and working with neighbors. For more information on forming your Neighborhood Watch, contact the Crime Prevention Unit at (509) 582-1373 or email [EMAIL REDACTED] OPERATION IDENTIFICATION Operation Identification is a citizens' property protection program for use in the home and the office. Operation Identification involves marking personal property with your Washington State Driver's License number or Washington State Tax Identification number for business property, as a means of discouraging burglary and theft. It is also recommended you photograph your property to assist in insurance recovery in the event of a theft or fire. Some items can't be marked and good photos can assist law enforcement in identifying property if it is taken. Engravers are available from Kennewick Police Department. When you are finished marking property you will be given Operation ID stickers to put on your doors and windows to let people know your property is marked. CONSUMER FRAUD Not sure if the phone call you got is from a real business or someone trying to take advantage of you and your generous nature? The Crime Prevention Unit maintains a file on current scams and frauds in the Tri-Cities area. As a general rule, you should never provide a caller with any personal information or credit information unless you are making the call. Remember, if it looks like it is too good to be true, it probably is. Contact the Crime Prevention Unit at (509) 582-1333 or email [EMAIL REDACTED] for more information.