Fight against crime from comfort of own neighborhood

Local sheriff's offices are once again calling on neighborhoods to show they care about their community by participating in the National Night Out Against Crime.

The 25th annual event helps raise awareness of crime prevention and brings neighbors and police together in the fight for safer streets.

On Aug. 5, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., law enforcement authorities will ask residents to lock their doors, turn on their porch lights and mingle outside with their neighbors. Police will also patrol neighborhoods and residents are asked to gather for block parties or marches.

The event, sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch and co-sponsored locally by Sheriff Greg Champagne, is designed to unify communities against crime.

The goals are to heighten crime and drug awareness, generate support and participation in local anti-crime efforts, strengthen neighborhood spirit and relations between police and the community, and send a message to criminals that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.

“It’s important for residents to register their events with the Sheriff’s Office so our deputies can make a stop at  each one,” Susie Gauthier, with the parish Sheriff’s Office, said. “We’ll have deputies on patrol on both the East and West Banks of the parish.”

National Night Out is an ideal opportunity for citizens and law enforcement officials to form partnerships in the fight for a safer America.

Patrolling deputies will be on hand to visit registered parties or events with crime-prevention pamphlets and to answer any questions residents may have. Children will also be given a first-hand look into the inside of a police cruiser.

“The main purpose of the event is to get people to meet their neighbors,” Gauthier said. “We encourage residents to exchange phone numbers and email addresses in an effort to open up the line of communication within the neighborhoods.”
If your neighborhood is interested in planning a block party or other special activity, call  Gauthier at 985-783-1355.