A cross-sectional survey of local Neighborhood Watch scheme participants concerning the risk of “stranger danger” to children on their way to and from school

Abstract

The objective of this study is to analyze the attitude of Neighborhood Watch scheme participants towards "stranger danger". The subjects consist of 140 participants in local Neighborhood Watch schemes. The data were obtained by anonymous hand-distributed questionnaires to scheme participants. In addition we carried out on-site surveys (inspections) of the Neighborhood Watch residences. Participants whose residences scored full marks on the scale of suitability as Neighborhood Watch houses had made a conscious decision to stay at home during the hours children travel to and from school. We concluded that the ability of children to avoid harm is connected with (a) scheme participants level of risk perception and (b) community awareness. Furthermore, improving residents sense of community may play an important role in protecting children from "stranger danger".