A look over the crime blotter on any given day or a glance at the evening news, and it should be fairly agreed that the days of sleepy Mayberry communities are largely extinct.

With the economy’s current state and the rise in crime that often follows in these types of downturns, everyone must do his or her part to keep our communities safe.

Several solid and civic-minded citizens have already taken a step with the formation of neighborhood watch programs. Their efforts should not only be lauded, but they should also spur others to do their part as well.

Local law enforcement officials have recently made an effort to encourage other communities to form their own watch groups.

The Choiceville neighborhood, located off Mitchell Street, was one of the first to organize locally. Recently, the Carrington Woods neighborhood became the latest to organize a group. Another group is trying to organize in the Milledgeville County Club area.

Organizers in the Carrington Woods area hope the watch program can not only aid in the fight against crime, but also to address other community concerns as well when and if the need arises. So far, they seem to be ready and willing.

An initial meeting of the Carrington Woods Neighborhood Watch drew a standing-room-only audience that overflowed into council chambers at City Hall.

That kind of turnout demonstrates local residents’ vested interest in keeping our communities safe. And, with only minimal costs, other neighborhoods can join the initiative as well.

There are no set time commitments, only regular meetings set by the watch organization. The majority of the expenses are shouldered by the police department for signage and administrative efforts.

The minimal costs of starting a watch program simply do not compare to the valuable resource they provide local communities in helping to not only reduce crime but also aid in the improvement of the overall moral of a community as neighbors work together and get to know each other.

Neighbors helping neighbors in any form bears an invaluable price tag to us all.