Registered Block Watch captains were recently surveyed by the City of Richmond to determine current participation and engagement levels.
The results showed just 35 per cent of the captains returned survey forms, according to a report to city council from Ed Warzel, manager of RCMP Administration.
Despite the low response rate, Warzel stated that the Block Watch program is growing and presently there are 415 neighbourhood groups and 9,730 registered participants, including 543 captains and co-captains.
The report outlined results of the survey, which are intended to serve as information for an ongoing review of the program.
Councillors had asked for a review following a spike in property crime in 2014 and concerns from residents that the Block Watch program lacked leadership and direction.
Warzel notes the program is, in fact, run by the city with help from the Richmond RCMP. There are two municipal Block Watch positions.
However, both of them are being staffed by re-assigned and temporary city workers. Warzel said the city will be hiring a permanent coordinator and assistant coordinator.
He maintained the city is looking at how it can strengthen participation in the program.
Nearly all Block Watch respondents are home owners and most are married with children living in detached homes.
Two-thirds of them indicated they’d like to see more communication from the city and police.
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