Time for crime to take a night off

Sue Doyle

NEWPORT BEACH -- Tuesday will be the time for locals to learn who’s

a neighbor and who’s not when communities band together as part of a

national campaign against crime.

The awareness program, called “Night Out,” is sponsored by the

National Assn. of Town Watch.

Approximately 32 million people are expected to participate. Residents

are encouraged to lock their houses, step outside and get to know their

neighbors to strengthen community spirit. The purpose is to organize

communities, keep an eye on each other and prevent crime.

“You get to know the neighbors and this lets you know who should be

there --- then you realize at other times suspicious people who don’t

belong there,” said Annette Manley, crime prevention specialist for the

Costa Mesa Police Department.

Authorities notice how this process helps keep neighborhoods safe.

They receive many calls from concerned citizens about suspicious

activity, such as someone peering through the windows of a home or car.

Manley said some people turn their heads if they don’t know their

neighbors and don’t make the call to report suspicious activity.

“Neighborhood Watch programs empower them and lets us take the job

from there,” Manley said.

The event also sends a message to criminals, letting them know that

communities are organized and fighting back.

Although cities across the nation will take part in the event from 7

to 10 p.m., Newport Beach and Costa Mesa have scheduled the program to

fit their respective communities.

In Costa Mesa, the program runs from 7 to 10 p.m. The Costa Mesa

Police Department and City Council will visit Meyer Place, Fillmore Way

and Rutgers Drive throughout the night. Officials will throw a barbecue

and hold a raffle.

In Newport Beach, the program runs from 5 to 9 p.m. at Mariners Park.

Hot dogs and drinks will be served. There will be photo opportunities for

children and a K-9 demonstration.