NATCHEZ — Watchful eyes from neighborhoods across Natchez will gather Thursday at St. Mary Basilica for a community-wide Neighborhood Watch meeting.

The Natchez Police Department is hosting the meeting, which Detective Jerry Ford said is aimed at bringing together residents from different neighborhoods to exchange ideas and strategies they are using to curb crime in their areas.

Natchez police officers, code enforcement officers, Police Chief Danny White, Mayor Butch Brown and Natchez aldermen will also be at the meeting to address any issues residents have about their neighborhoods.

“Now is that time to go out and vent any concerns you’re having,” Ford said.

Representatives from Miss-Lou Crime Stoppers will also be on hand to inform residents on how to submit tips to the Crime Stoppers and receive rewards for helping law enforcement catch criminals.

NPD Director of Records and Co-Coordinator of Crime Stoppers and Neighborhood Watch Catherine Latham said the meeting is also an opportunity for residents to meet their neighbors.

“It’s always good to get to know your neighbors,” she said.

Ford said he hopes the meeting, which is expected to happen quarterly, opens a dialogue about neighborhood issues beyond crime while bringing neighbors closer.

“It’s important because it brings everyone on the same accord and lets people know who they need to be on the lookout for, so it makes their neighborhoods safer,” he said.

Neighborhood Watch groups from the Duncan Park, Montebello, Roselawn, West Stiers Lane and Woodlawn areas are expected to participate.

The meeting will be at 6 p.m. at St. Theresa Hall in the basilica. Refreshments will be served.