Neighborhood Watch and Safety

The Sage Lake Neighborhood Watch program was established in 2012 to report suspicious activity, reduce crime, and increase community safety. The initial funding for the program came from a $2,500 grant from Hill Township and generous donations from our Sage Lake Association members. The program, now called Neighborhood Watch and Safety, relies on volunteers for patrolling, along with education and training from law enforcement.

While having a neighborhood watch and safety program does not guarantee crime reduction, studies show neighborhoods with watch programs experience a 16% average reduction in crime based on its protection. Other benefits include:
    - Greater unity within neighborhoods.
    - Improved relations with law enforcement. We are the eyes and ears of the community.
    - It establishes a zone where criminals fear the risk of being caught is too high.
    - Provides training to residents to better secure their assets.
    - Established method to communicate suspicious or emergency activity to watch group (either email or phone tree) and/or law enforcement.
    - Regular communication with the Sage Lake Association members (newsletters, meetings, email).
    - It establishes a visual presence with the use of branded road signs and magnetic vehicle signs.
    - Gives the community a greater sense of security.

In addition, many of the Neighborhood Watch and Safety volunteers provide road safety during Sage Lake Association special events including the Firecracker 5K and Kids’ Fun Day, and the committee sponsors the boating safety class each summer.

At a May 2022 Neighborhood Watch and Safety committee meeting, Ogemaw County Sheriff Brian Gilbert said placing neighborhood watch signs in the community helps deter criminals. Any member who wants to post a sign on their property can send an email to sagelakeassociation@gmail.com. These signs are free to SLA members.

If you’re interested in joining the Neighborhood Watch and Safety team or learning more about it, please contact Patti Rogers at sagelakeassociation@gmail.com or call/text (586)899-8739.