A Night Out Against Crime

Livermore residents, police and firefighters gathered Tuesday evening for National Night Out.

More than 37 million people in more than 15,000 communities were expected to participate in America's night out against crime.

Livermore Patch visited a celebration on Scott Street, between Portola Avenue and First Street, where a neighborhood potluck and barbecue was hosted by Jerry and Cindy Wheeler.

The couple started hosting the neighborhood gatherings in the summer of 2007, a year after their home was broken into.

"It has been getting bigger every year," Jerry Wheeler said of his neighborhood's National Night Out celebrations. "What started off from something negative has led to many people getting together."

The Scott Street neighborhood now hold annual events together around the holidays. Neighbors help keep a watchful eye on children during Halloween. They also come together for Christmas to light up a neighborhood tree.

But the most important thing National Night Out has done for Scott Street residents?

"We all know each other now," Jerry said. "It really is just a great thing."

National Night Out is a crime and drug prevention event sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch and co-sponsored by the .

National Night Out is designed to: (1) Heighten crime and drug awareness, (2) Generate support for, and participation in, local anticrime programs, (3) Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police community partnerships, and (4) Send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.

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