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(Richmond) - On Wednesday May 26, 1999 Richmond REALTORS will undergo special training with the local RCMP before launching their Realty Watch program next month. The training session will take place from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Rich-mond Cultural Centre located at 100-7700 Minoru Gate where REALTORS will learn how to spot suspicious activity, describe suspects and report crimes.

"The Realty Watch program is an excellent initiative," says Constable Annette Martin of the Richmond RCMP. "With the increase in home invasions and strains on police re-sources, we welcome the extra help."

The nature of REALTORS' work makes them ideal candidates for this project. They are highly mobile, equipped with cellular phones, and active in residential areas when break-ins are at their peak (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.).

REALTOR volunteers who participate in the program must undergo training and regis-ter with Realty Watch. Once registered, they'll be better able to help police combat crime and ensure that their community remains a safe and secure place to live.

RealtyWatch participants will also provide a good network through which the RCMP's crime prevention unit can quickly fax out information on stolen vehicles or missing persons. These Realtors plan to meet on a regular basis to examine reported events and share safety information as well.

The Richmond division of the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) comprises 927 REALTORS from 51 offices. Through their membership in the REBGV, they volunteer their time and energy to improve the well-being of their communities.