A recent study on Mississauga’s Neighbourhood Watch Program estimates almost $1.7 million in property crime prevention, while saving taxpayers more than three times their initial investment and operating costs over a four-year period.
Safe City Mississauga, a not-for-profit charitable organization mandated to deliver crime prevention services and initiatives, recently released its return-on-investment (ROI) study. Completed by Social Impact Squared, the study shows that between 2010 and 2014 initial investment and operating costs for the Neighbourhood Watch Program were $475,000, while the program saved taxpayers $1,680,000 through the prevention of property crimes.
“This study highlights Safe City Mississauga’s strong commitment to crime prevention, while using tax dollars wisely,” said Ashley Lyons, executive director of Safe City Mississauga. “We’re proud to be able to share that our city’s Neighbourhood Watch Program is a sound investment and effective in reducing property crime for our homeowners and residents.”
Safe City Mississauga’s Neighbourhood Watch Program uses the concepts of crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED), social development, and information sharing to increase awareness among residents. For more information – or to request a copy of the ROI study – please contact Alex Papatchidis, Neighbourhood Watch Program Coordinator and Staff Criminologist, at neighbourhoodwatch@safecitymississauga.on.ca.
