Neighborhood watch

Illustration of a woman and child on a walking path.

Neighborhood watch is a joint initiative of Reykjavík City, the capital area police, and local residents, centered on neighbors working together to prevent crime.

Neighborhood watch has long proven to be an effective tool in reducing home and vehicle break-ins as well as general property theft. In areas with an active neighborhood watch, vandalism has also declined.

Goals of neighborhood watch

The primary goal of neighborhood watch is to deter crime on your street or in your neighborhood while bringing residents together to create a safer, more enjoyable community.

Stickers coming soon

Neighborhood watch signs posted years ago can still be found throughout Reykjavík's neighborhoods.

 

New neighborhood watch stickers are now being produced for residents to place on windows near front or balcony doors.

 

The stickers will soon be available at select Reykjavík City service locations.

Neighborhood watch sign.

Good neighbors — safe city

In a neighborhood watch, residents serve as the "eyes and ears" of their street or neighborhood. Connect with neighbors on your street to discuss neighborhood watch and how to carry it out.

Our goal is to build a friendly, trustworthy, and resilient community in Reykjavík. Keep the following guidance in mind when participating in neighborhood watch.

What neighborhood watch involves:

  • Keeping an eye out for suspicious vehicle and pedestrian activity around nearby homes
  • Ensuring mail does not pile up in a neighbor's mailbox
  • Putting trash in a neighbor's trash can when they are away for an extended period
  • Parking your car in a neighbor's driveway
  • Walking up to a neighbor's home occasionally when snow is on the ground to make the house appear occupied

 

Aerial view of the area and surroundings

Helpful tips

Most break-ins occur at night while neighbors are asleep, or during the day when residents are at work or school

  • Always keep front and back doors locked — even when someone is home
  • Avoid leaving valuables in plain sight where passersby can easily see them from outside
  • Thieves have occasionally slipped into building entryways to steal wallets, phones, or car keys left in plain sight
  • Having a neighbor hold a spare key
  • Installing good outdoor lighting connected to motion sensors
Major busy roads in Reykjavík

Travel

  • Never leave valuables in vehicles
  • Ask a neighbor to keep an eye on your home
  • Let them know who is likely to be seen around the house, providing a description and license plate number if possible
  • Do not post on social media that you are traveling on a trip
Neighborhood watch is a joint initiative of Reykjavík City, the capital area police, and local residents, centered on neighbors working together to prevent crime.

The right response

  • The burglar may still be on the premises. Use caution — do not enter the home if you think someone may still be inside
  • Call the police immediately at 112 and report the break-in. If you return home to find your home broken into, do not touch anything until the police arrive.
  • If you notice an unfamiliar car parked outside, record the license plate number — for example, by photographing the vehicle.
  • A community where neighbors come together to build safer, stronger, and more connected neighborhoods.