Nearly every Natchez resident has a crime prevention tool on his or her person at all times, and it doesn’t even have to be loaded to work.

The magic tool isn’t a weapon at all; it’s just a good set of eyes.

Criminals aren’t invisible. And sooner or later they’ll do something to be seen.

So keeping your eyes peeled and your brain on target can be the missing link to crime prevention.

Downtown Natchez has been without a Neighborhood Watch program for years and years. The residents of our quaint, garden district streets got complacent, felt safe and let things drop.

But a string of recent home invasion break-ins has changed things, and one enterprising citizen is taking note and making change.

Sissy Blackwood, a downtown resident, is working with homeowners and police to resurrect the defunct Neighborhood Watch program.

The organized group of eyes can be a major help to a budget-strapped, understaffed police force.

But Police Chief Mike Mullins has already put out a warning — don’t let the fervor die.

The latest crime spree is likely the work of one or even just a handful of criminals. Once they are caught, things may become quaint once again.

But the Neighborhood Watch needs to stick around to prevent the next set of thieves from finding a foothold.

Our eyes may be our best defense; let’s put them to work.