Neighborhood Watch: Vigilant Together Against Suspicious Situations via WhatsApp

Residents form networks to report suspicious activities and inform each other through a secure WhatsApp group.

A group of neighbors attentively looking at a smartphone displaying a WhatsApp conversation, on a Flemish street.
AI

A group of neighbors attentively looking at a smartphone displaying a WhatsApp conversation, on a Flemish street.

Residents of Houthalen-Helchteren can join neighborhood watch networks to collectively stay alert for suspicious situations and report them via a secure WhatsApp group.

A neighborhood watch network comprises volunteer residents who collectively remain vigilant for suspicious events and inform each other about them. A dedicated coordinator from the neighborhood manages the communication group and adds interested residents.
When you notice something unusual, such as a potential burglary, theft, or vandalism, you can report it within the WhatsApp group. It is crucial to follow the SAAR principle: S ignal the suspicious situation, A larm the police first by calling 101, then A pp the report to the group mentioning that the police have been notified, and R espond if possible with a simple action, like turning on lights or looking outside.
Interested individuals wishing to join an existing neighborhood watch network or start a new one can find all the necessary information and specific conditions on the official municipal website of Houthalen-Helchteren.
Based on information from the official source: Gemeente Houthalen-Helchteren (09/10/2026)