TROY, Ala. (TROJANVISION) — After concerns were raised by a group of neighbors, the Pike County Sheriff’s Office is helping them form a group meant to protect their communities.

Wednesday night, people from all over the northeastern part of Pike County gathered for a neighborhood watch meeting to discuss ways to increase safety in their communities.

“I appreciate those communities turning out like they did,” said Pike County Sheriff Russell Thomas. “We had way over hundred people here from Josie, Enon, Monticello and Shiloh communities. They really care about their communities and that showed tonight.”

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The neighborhood watch meeting came after a member of the Josie community noticed an abandon house in her neighborhood had some of their property stolen.

“Next door to me a gentleman had died, and the wife was in the nursing home and people were stealing what people had left them and I just felt concerned,” said Marvis Pittman a member of the Josie community.

According to Sheriff Thomas, the most important thing residents can do is to be proactive instead of reactive.

“People at their residents and businesses need to install cameras,” Thomas said. “You can it relatively cheap a lot of different devices out there you just have to choose what’s right for you.”

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Church security programs are provided by the Pike County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies will come and evaluate the church and the type of security needed to keep everyone safe.

The Pike County Sheriff’s Office offers firearm training to those interested in owning a firearm. Right now, two sections are available one in October and another in November.