CNN has an interesting interactive graphic about house safety:

When the economy goes down, crime often rises, says Al Lenhardt, CEO and president of the National Crime Prevention Council.

Lenhardt sums it up:

They reduce crime and they reduce the fear of crime …. It’s the golden rule — watching out for others.

Although it’s not well known, Lowndes County, Georgia does have a neighborhood watch program (see picture of a sign), as do some of the cities in it, including I think Valdosta and Hahira.