Crime Stoppers and My Virtual Neighbor Partner to Protect Citizens

HOUSTON, Feb. 8, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- My Virtual Neighbor (MVN), the first social network service focused on reducing crime by connecting people where they work and live, today announced a partnership with Crime Stoppers of Houston. Their union will allow MVN members to join a city-wide Crime Stoppers network online, and report crimes and share tips and techniques to help fellow Houstonians stay safe.

"This partnership will provide a unique opportunity for Crime Stoppers to engage its audience in two-way communication," MVN founder Amit Mehta said. "Until now they have relied on receiving tips and taking action after the fact. MVN's online platform will allow them to maintain a dialogue with residents and hopefully prevent crimes before they happen."

Mehta launched MVN in July 2011, after experiencing a break-in at his Galleria-area apartment. "Several other units in my building were burglarized as well, yet we were at the mercy of building management to disseminate this information and propose a solution," Mehta said. "It was then that I realized how disconnected I was from my neighbors, and how valuable forming relationships with them would be."

In less than a year, MVN has built an online network of more than 1000 neighborhoods nationwide. Members are organized into communities based on where they live and work, and are able to securely communicate, share ideas, organize events, and perhaps most importantly, post real-time updates about what's happening in and around the neighborhood.

"MVN will allow us to realize the 21st Century version of our motto, 'If you see something, say something'," said Ryan Sullivan, Director of Communications with Crime Stoppers Houston. "Residents will be able to upload photos, post comments, and maintain an ongoing dialogue with us and with each other, which is the key to crime prevention."

About My Virtual Neighbor

My Virtual Neighbor (MVN) is a social network service that allows individuals to meet and communicate with people who live and work nearby. It provides a secure platform for establishing relationships, forming friendships, and increasing safety in neighborhoods nationwide. For more information please visit http://www.myvirtualneighbor.com/index.php.

About Crime Stoppers of Houston

Crime Stoppers of Houston's mission is to solve and prevent serious crime in the Greater Houston area in partnership with citizens, media and the criminal justice system.  Through their telephone tip line, 713-222-TIPS, information about criminal activity is received and transferred to law enforcement for immediate action.  Callers are promised anonymity and cash rewards of up to $5,000 in exchange for their accurate crime tips. For more information please visit http://www.crime-stoppers.org/index.html.

SOURCE My Virtual Neighbor