Neighborhood Watch Can Discourage Crime

Re “A Lonely Fight Against Lawlessness,” April 25: Bravo to Patrick McCullough for standing up to the street punks trying to take control of his Oakland neighborhood. It’s an unfortunate reality that drugs, guns, graffiti and trash are becoming an American way of life in many urban communities.

Although some of McCullough’s methods may have required great courage, there are other options available to the rest of us.

One of the easiest, and safest, is for homeowners to actively participate in Neighborhood Watch programs and immediately call the police when they see any illegal or suspicious activity taking place in front of their homes.

The police can’t be everywhere, and often must rely on residents to keep them informed of events requiring their attention. The simplest way to discourage unwanted activity in your community is by being observant and picking up the phone.

Stephen Rose

North Hollywood