GALLIPOLIS — Neighborhood watch signs will soon be going up all over Gallipolis to raise awareness of the program and help discourage crime within the city limits.

The signs were purchased through funding received by the Gallipolis Neighborhood Watch earlier this year. According to Gallipolis Neighborhood Watch Board President and resident neighborhood watchman Tony Gallagher, the Gallipolis City Commission contributed $2,500 in funding for the use by his organization for the purchase of the signage, as well as neighborhood watch T-shirts and other uniform materials.

Gallagher stated that there will be four signs posted at the four entrances to the city as well as six signs posted throughout town.

“We are trying to get the word out that we actually exist,” Gallagher commented and pointed to the recent crime rates and local illegal drug use as reasoning for the formation of the group. “The signs are going to be a big help.”

The Gallipolis Neighborhood Watch works closely with the Gallipolis Police Department as a “look out” for suspicious activity within the city limits. The organization has been established for three years and Gallagher hopes that the neighborhood watch organization continues to grow.

“We want to get the whole city involved,” Gallagher said. “We want the people to know that there are people watching the city.”

Gallagher also cited the support of the city commission and the Gallipolis Police Department and its chief, Clinton Patterson, as a foundation for their success thus far.

Gallagher further stated that he, as well as the other members of the neighborhood watch board, invite young, as well as older adults to their monthly meetings. Membership in the organization is free.

The Gallipolis Neighborhood Watch meets on the first Monday of every month at the Gallipolis Municipal Building, 518 Second Ave. in Gallipolis. For information about the neighborhood watch call 441-0845.