Crime Watch To Disband In Bella Vista

— Bella Vista Crime Watch will dissolve in less than two weeks, leaving behind a new program to keep watchful eyes on city streets.

The decision was made in August to disband the program that has existed in Bella Vista for more than 30 years. Acting president Harold Krantz cited low volunteer numbers as the reason the group could not go on.

A new Neighborhood Watch program will launch Jan. 1. A training session was held Wednesday for anyone interested in participating in the new watch. The most important thing to learn is to only observe and report, said Bella Vista police Capt. Tim Cook.

“We will have to tweak (the new program) as we go along,” Cook said. “It will be a big change moving away from (Crime Watch).”

Crime Watch’s recent concentration has been getting all assets squared away before year end, Krantz said. Any assets held by the organization must be distributed properly, according to state laws. Computers and radios will be returned to the Police Department, he said.

The Crime Watch organization used money to purchase metal Neighborhood Watch signs and magnetic vehicle decals, which were distributed at the November meeting to those members present. Signs and decals are still available through Cook, Krantz said.

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