The mission of the crime prevention unit is to join in partnership with the residents of Hall County to create safe communities and reduce the opportunity for crime through enhanced cooperation between the Hall County Sheriff's Office and the county's citizens, businesses, and non-profit civic organizations.

The Sheriff's Office recognizes the fact that the public's participation in preventing crime is essential. The dilemma of law enforcement is that we can't be in all places at all times, so the more "eyes & ears" that are looking out for and reporting crime or suspicious activity, the better off we all are.

Additionally, knowledge is a key to prevention. With this in mind, the Sheriff's Office makes an effort to educate citizens about issues that affect their safety and security. Quite often, a simple bit of information can make the difference between recognizing and preventing a crime or becoming a victim.

The crime prevention unit offers programs and services such as Neighborhood Watch, Church Watch, and Business Watch. Educational programs are conducted on topics such as personal safety awareness, identity theft & fraud prevention, and property crime prevention. Home and business security surveys are also offered at no cost.

For information on these or any other crime prevention topics, please feel free to contact us at the number or email address below.

Overview
The Sheriff's Office recognizes that successful crime prevention relies heavily on a partnership between law enforcement agencies and the citizens they serve. The dilemma of law enforcement is that we can't be in all places at all times, so we count on concerned citizens to be our "eyes and ears." Neighborhood Watch emphasizes solid communication methods, observation skills, diligence, and a lasting partnership with the Hall County Sheriff's Office.

Structure
Neighborhood Watch is not complicated, and doesn't require a great deal of logistics. Primary and secondary coordinators oversee the general functions and communications, block captains keep up with a small number of homes in their immediate vicinity, and everyone keeps the lines of communication open.

Function
Neighborhood Watch operations are based on the simple concepts of organization, communication, and observation & reporting. It's an easy-to-maintain, user-friendly system that encourages participation through keeping citizens informed and empowering them as the key elements in the program.

Getting Started
Once you and your neighbors decide to start a Neighborhood Watch, contact the Hall County Sheriff's Office Crime Prevention Unit at 770-533-7674 for more information and to start discussing a scheduled meeting and program presentation.

As a service to the citizens of Hall County, the Sheriff's Office offers the vacation home check program. If you are scheduled to be away from home for two nights or longer, you may submit a request for Deputies to conduct security checks of your home during your absence. Please understand that due to manpower restrictions and variations in the volume and nature of calls that the patrol shift is handling, vacation home checks are conducted on an "as available" basis. The Sheriff's Office cannot guarantee that a residence will be checked at specific times of the day or a minimum number of times while a homeowner is away.

Note that this service is available only to residents in the service area of the Hall County Sheriff's Office. If you live in the city limits of Gainesville, Oakwood, Flowery Branch, or Braselton please contact those agencies to inquire about similar services.

To request this service, please click here and provide the required information. Please try to make requests three to five days in advance.

What is Identity Theft?
Identity theft occurs when someone uses your personally identifying information (name, SSN, credit information, etc.) without your permission to commit fraud or other crimes. It costs individuals and businesses- which ultimately costs all consumers - a great deal of time and money. It can effectively ruin a good person's name and may take many months to correct.

How does it happen?
Some of the more common methods identity thieves may employ to get your information are:

• Going through your trash or "dumpster diving"
• Stealing your wallet or purse
• Stealing your mail or submitting a change of address form for your mail
• Using "phishing" or fake emails to get you to provide personal information

What can you do?
DETER
Deter identity thieves by safeguarding your information

DETECT
Detect suspicious activity by routinely monitoring your financial accounts and billing statements

DEFEND
Defend against identity theft as soon as you suspect a problem

If you suspect that you have become the victim of identity theft, contact law enforcement for a report as soon as possible, and begin taking steps immediately to protect yourself from further fraudulent activity. The quicker you act, the more you minimize your risk.

Contact the Hall County Sheriff's Office Crime Prevention Unit for more information, and click HERE to visit the U.S. Federal Trade Commission's comprehensive site on identity theft prevention.

Crime Prevention Contact
Sergeant Stephen Wilbanks Crime Prevention Officer  770.533.7674  Email	610 Main Street SW Gainesville, GA 30501-4420 Driving Map