Old Town Neighborhood Watch

Residents of Walkersville’s Old Town met with one of Walkersville’s resident troopers, Senior Trooper Matthew Crouse, Wednesday evening at Town Hall. The residents represent an initial effort to form a neighborhood watch. They asked Trooper Crouse to meet with them to discuss concerns and give some direction in their efforts.

The meeting provided residents with a lot of information. They asked questions about drug crimes and statistics for the town. Trooper Crouse explained how various crimes are handled and why some calls do not see an immediate, visible response.

For example, Trooper Crouse may be told of suspected drug exchanges taking place at a certain home, but lack any other evidence. In those cases, resident troopers will increase patrols of an area, and inform the Maryland State Police’s Criminal Investigation Division. Often, the suspect may be under investigation by state and federal authorities. In those cases, troopers will not interfere.

Residents were concerned about certain properties and asked what they can do. They were asked to take notes of suspicious activity with descriptions of the people and vehicles involved. Trooper Crouse invited them to e-mail him or organize their notes to present to him. He told them the information could help crimes across the area.

Trooper Crouse told residents that the drug problems in Walkersville pale in comparison to those in other Frederick County municipalities like Thurmont, Emmitsburg, and Brunswick. He told them they were doing the right thing working together to show a community effort against crime and drugs.

The residents agreed to continue building their neighborhood watch by including more neighbors. They also discussed meeting with local elected officials and seeking funds to place neighborhood watch signs around town.