OPD Suggests Nextdoor App to Help Protect Against Would-be Thieves this Christmas

By Alyssa Schnugg
News Editor
alyssa.schnugg@hottytoddy.com

Nextdoor is a new social media site that can help neighbors connect. It’s compatible with desktops, laptops and cell phones.
Photo provided by Nextdoor.

In today’s social media world, people are finding love or jobs. They’re learning how to fix their sink on YouTube and keeping up with friend and family on Facebook while following celebrities on Twitter.

Now with Nextdoor.com, neighbors can get to know each other and communicate in their own private online “neighborhood.”

While it’s not as yummy as bringing over a baked apple pie to new people in the neighborhood, Nextdoor.com can help promote safe neighborhoods, says Oxford Police Department Police Chief Joey East.

Nextdoor is a free, private social network that allows members to communicate with verified residents within their own communities and neighborhoods. The Oxford Police Department intends to leverage the Nextdoor platform this holiday season as a tool for forming new and improved connections within the community.

Since members are organized by geographical location, Nextdoor has become a kind of Neighborhood Watch for the 21st Century. Nextdoor provides an opportunity for neighbors to share ideas, collaborate, and discuss issues that are important to them, including public safety.

Already about 20 neighborhoods and more than 1,200 residents of Oxford have made Nextdoor accounts. Neighborhoods establish and self-manage their own Nextdoor accounts and the police department will not be able to access residents’ accounts, contact information or content.

Alderman Rick Addy said he signed up to give his constituents another avenue to contact him with questions or concerns.

“It is also a good avenue for information delivery to large groups (in one neighborhood),” he said.

Some have used the app to find lost dogs or ask for landscape service advice.

Unlike Facebook and Twitter, membership to this social network requires verification of the individual’s home address, ensuring that your Nextdoor neighbors are your real neighbors.

To ensure information reaches members of the Oxford Police Department, citizens are urged to select the Crime & Safety category when sending messages to their individual neighborhoods. The OPD Detective Unit will be monitoring Nextdoor for any tips that could help you and your neighbors.

“We want the citizens and students to know that this holiday season we are cracking down on package thefts and vehicle or homes burglaries that are vacant for extended periods,” East said. “We want to partner with the people of Oxford to make this holiday season joyful and Grinch free.”

Visit www.nextdoor.com to create a free account, or to learn more information about the website and phone app.