National Night Out Against Crime

On Tuesday, Aug. 1, neighborhoods throughout St. Charles Parish are invited by the St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office to join forces with thousands of communities nationwide for the 23rd Annual Night Out Against Crime/Drug prevention event.

National Night Out is sponsored by National Association of Town Watch and co-sponsored locally by Sheriff Greg Champagne and the St. Charles Parish Sheriff's Office.

“So far, we have two parties registered with the sheriff’s office,” said Susie Breaux Gauthier of the St. Charles Parish Sheriff’s Office. “The people registered have parties every year.  They don’t even wait for the event to be announced, they know when to begin planning their parties,” Gauthier added.

“Neighbors are encouraged to get together and share time and good food together.  It is important to register your party so that a deputy can come out and visit with you and bring some handouts,” continued Gauthier.

National Night Out Against Crime is designed to 1) Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness 2) Generate support and participation in local anti-crime efforts 3) Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community relations; and 4) Send a message to criminals letting them know neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.

This year's theme is "Giving Crime & Drugs a Going Away Party", from 6-9 p.m. on Aug. 1.  Homeowners, apartment dwellers and business owners are asked to lock their doors, turn on outside lights for security and spend the evening with their neighbors and police outdoors demonstrating solidarity against crime.

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

If your neighborhood is planning a Night Out Party, please call Susie Breaux Gauthier at 783-1355 to register.