What is it?
National Night Out (NNO) is a community event sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch, designed to create crime prevention and drug awareness. NNO is celebrated nation wide (involving over 34 million participants across 10,000 communities), providing information for the following organizations: Town Watch (an organization similar to Neighborhood Watch), Crimestoppers (offers a cash reward of up to $1,000 to any anonymous persons that assist them with information leading to the arrest of criminals) and Text-A-Tip (anonymous tipsters can alert the authorities of any suspicious activity via text messaging). Claymont’s Woodshaven-Kruse Park will host NNO for the fourth consecutive year, on Aug. 3 from 5 p.m. through 8 p.m.
What’s happening?
The event is free and will feature activities (including a moon bounce for children), games, refreshments, giveaways and more. NNO is an opportunity for members in the community to meet one another, develop relationships and bond with local law enforcement, local businesses, industry leaders and elected officials. Adults and children will receive educational advice from professionals on how to better protect themselves and their neighborhoods from crime. Organizers say crowd attendance will send a message to criminals that neighborhoods are fighting back.
What they're saying
"Our goal is to make residents aware of their surroundings and unusual activities in their neighborhoods. We also want them to call 911 when they see a crime taking place. Anything suspicious should be reported to the non-emergency number.”
-Dee Whildin, president of the Northern District Advisory Council.
"National Night Out is a great community event and it was made to heighten awareness of crime prevention and drug awareness, local anti-crime efforts and to strengthen neighborhood and police partnerships. The event we have brings in people from the entire district. We brought in 600 people last year and we have a very wide reach. [NNO] has done a really good job to bring people into the district and allow them to have a good time.
-Sr. Cpl. Amy Kevis, NCCo Police
