Submitted by Melanie Jerman - On Tuesday, August 7 neighborhoods throughout Wake Forest are invited to join the Wake Forest Police Department, Target, and thousands of communities across the United States for the 24th Annual National Night Out.
National Night Out (NNO) teams law enforcement agencies with citizens, community leaders, civic groups, and local businesses to promote safe, healthy neighborhoods. NNO is designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness; generate support for, and participation in, local anticrime programs; strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships; and send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.
The Wake Forest Police Department and Target, the national sponsor for NNO, are marking the occasion by hosting a “National Night Out Parking Lot Party” from 5 p.m. to
10 p.m. at the Wake Forest Target Superstore, 12000 Retail Drive.
The event promises something for everyone including a child ID area where parents can have their children photographed and fingerprinted. Safe Kids child safety seat technicians will also be on hand to demonstrate the proper installation of child safety seats and community crime prevention officers will distribute information on topics such as vehicle security, home security, and personal safety.
The police department will also offer a K-9 demonstration and D.A.R.E. presentation, share information on upcoming Community Watch initiatives and provide rosters designed to help new neighborhoods develop their own Community Watch programs.
Also from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., police will increase foot and area patrols in a majority of subdivisions within the Wake Forest community. Citizens in these areas are encouraged to lock their doors, turn on outside lights, and spend the evening with police officers and neighbors discussing local concerns.
If your neighborhood or homeowner’s association is interested in scheduling a NNO event in your neighborhood or subdivision or if you want more information on the NNO Parking Lot Party, contact Sgt. J. Graham at (919) 554-6170.