COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The Old Oaks neighborhood on the short east side of Columbus is old on history. It was one of the first street car suburbs in Columbus.
Over the years, the community has moved forward, some of the homes have been boarded up, while others continue to flourish. But for the community members working hard to keep things alive and vibrant, they worry crime is creeping in.
Clarence Wicks Jr. is an active participant in making the neighborhood better, but he's also been a victim.
"First, (while) moving in, someone came in not once but twice, ripped off alarm, I went to work, they came back," Wicks says.
Bryan Boatright in the President of the Old Oaks Civic Association has also been a victim. Now, the group is pushing hard to make a block watch program work.
Boatright says they knew they had the desire to make it work. They just needed the outlet.
First, they tried social networking.
Boatright says, "What sparked it was the introduction of Twitter and Facebook and texting. We do that on a regular basis."
Then they looked for gaps in what they are currently doing, and found that if they spread their focus they could get more coverage.
He says, "They have two separate groups so one can focus on the block watch."
You can do it too. All it takes is organization and a willingness to be and stay involved. You need to find out if one is happening in your area. You can call neighborhood associations, or police liaisons in your area.
Old Oaks is currently looking for block watch leaders and members.
Those interested in contacting the Old Oaks Civic Association can go to www.oldoaks.us, email oldoakscivic@gmail.com, call 614-499-2304. Interested residents can also contact the group on Facebook here or Twitter here.
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