The Thousand Oaks Police Department encourages residents to join the free, e-mail-based Thousand Oaks City Watch at TOCity.Watch@ventura.org.

It’s an informational e-mail program that includes crime information, crime trends, press releases, photographs or drawings of suspects, and other items.

Residents can also voice their concerns about crime, quality of life issues and traffic to peace officers who serve TOPD.

The City Watch program has been successful in altering citizens quickly and warning of trends and criminal actions affecting the community. It has also been beneficial in apprehending wanted criminals.

For residents interested in starting or re-starting a Neighborhood Watch program, call Jim DeSoto at (805) 371-8362 or email him at the City Watch address.

For more information about Thousand Oaks City Watch, go to www.toaks.org.