LFP Neighbors Assemble to Observe National Night Out

About 50 affable neighbors gathered for their fifth annual National Night Out potluck in the 2700 block of N.E. 184th Place Lake Forest Park on Tuesday evening with the desire to strengthen neighborhood bonds and raise crime awareness.

The National Night Out event strived not only to increase support of crime-prevention programs, but send a message of unity to criminals in hopes of keeping them away. It continues to serve as a symbol of the strong relationship between local police and the community as well.

At present, the neighborhood’s most witnessed crime has been car robberies. Aaron Hoard, the organizer of the potluck notes, “The police have been very responsive to robberies, and usually up their patrols.”

In addition to the neighborhood’s social gathering, residents took the time to update their contact information, as they maintain a block watch via email. “We let people know if we sight anything suspicious so we can keep an eye out for one another,” said Hoard.

In 2010, 37 million people participated in the National Night Out event all across the United States and Canada. “It’s a great way to get to know each other, and encourages friendliness and cooperation among neighbors,” remarked Linda Feathers. “I feel comfortable knowing that if there’s a security issue, people will be responsive.”

For more information on how to organize National Night Out in your neighborhood for 2012, visit http://www.nationalnightout.org/nno/about.html.