On Lookout for Crime in Dana Point

Scotty Smith formed Dana Point’s first Neighborhood Watch program 16 years ago after a home in his Capistrano Beach district was burglarized.

His efforts have blossomed into what authorities praise as a community that has truly come together to fight crime. Today, more than two dozen residents, including the 82-year-old Smith, help patrol the city--some on bikes or in a van.

They are on the lookout for abandoned cars and shopping carts, and are quick to report any suspicious activities to the Sheriff’s Department. Smith alone has logged more than 3,000 volunteer hours.

“He is the program,” said Lt. Paul Ratchford. “He does the work of a full-time paid code enforcement officer.”

Smith is responsible for the citywide Neighborhood Watch and Volunteers in Police Service, in which senior citizens help the Sheriff’s Department with low-level public safety duties such as registering bicycles. They also look for expired license plate tabs, parking violators, graffiti and building code violations.

The 25-year Dana Point resident regularly holds Neighborhood Watch meetings, works with the city’s 125 block captains and writes the Neighborhood Watch newsletter.

“He has been very instrumental in making and keeping the program a success; every city should be so lucky,” said Ron Kennedy, a sheriff’s deputy working with the city.

For Smith, his community service has become a full-time job. He spends hours each day in Dana Point’s police services office. He does it all for free, and has no regrets.

He said he loves working with deputies and fellow residents to keep his city safe. The “team spirit” of Neighborhood Watch excites him.

“There is strength in numbers, and our goal is to cover every street in Dana Point,” said Smith, whose wife, Martha, is also involved in community policing efforts.

Smith worked for the Northrop aircraft company for 33 years, from 1940 to 1973. After that, he was a car salesman for five years in Capistrano Beach.

“I really like working with people,” he said.

For details about the programs, call (949) 248-3517.