By Ariel Lumbard

 

Local law enforcement officials are extending an invitation to Lakeway residents to participate in this year’s National Night Out event Oct. 7.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the national crime prevention event that Lakeway has participated in since 2004.

Lakeway residents made a good turnout at last year’s National Night Out, with about 12 groups and more than 200 people participating, according to the Lakeway Police Department’s Crime Prevention Officer, Det. Mary Proctor.

The department plans on following the same format as it did last year — sending officers out to visit with local neighborhood groups.

“They have little picnic type gatherings in their driveway or in their cul de sacs,” Proctor said.

Officers are able to talk about any concerns the citizens may have, which sometimes leads to important new information being shared with the police.

“Sometimes we don’t know about things that may be going on in the community,” Proctor said.

The event also offers officers the chance to make residents aware of crimes that could be potentially spiking.

There are some standard crime prevention topics the officers typically do cover with residents, such as how to maintain home security and preventing identity theft.

“Generally we talk about preventing car burglaries,” Proctor said.

The gatherings give residents the opportunity to meet both their neighbors and their local law officials in an informal setting.

“It does build a positive relationship between the community and the police department,” Proctor said.

Countless law enforcement agencies, civic groups, businesses, local officials, neighborhood groups and citizens took part in last year’s national event, which had over 35 million participants.

National Night Out was designed to heighten crime awareness and prevention efforts, as well as gather support for local anticrime efforts.

The event also aims to bolster neighborhood spirits and community relationships with the police, while sending a message to criminals that neighborhoods are doing their part to fight back against crime.

“It also gives us the opportunity to send the message out to criminals that crime will not be tolerated in Lakeway,” Proctor said.

Proctor asked that anyone interested in organizing a group to participate in this year’s Lakeway National Night Out contact her as soon as possible at 314-7578 or by email at maryproctor@cityoflakeway.com.

Interested groups will be placed on the department’s list for sending officers out to go by and visit the group’s event.