You Can Take a Stand Against Crime

Take a stand.

That’s what local law enforcement officers want the community to do every day, and on Tuesday, August 2, thousands of communities throughout the country will do just that.

Several neighborhoods — including three in Newark — will participate in the 28th annual National Night Out, an event meant to promote prevention of crimes and drugs.

“This is an opportunity for neighbors to get outside, to get an opportunity to meet their neighbors, so that they can look out after each other,” said Commander Robert Douglas of the Newark Police Department.

While reported crime was down by 15 percent in 2010 locally, compared to 2009, Douglas said upward crime trends are being experienced nationwide.

In 2011, Newark has had , five shootings and numerous home and business and robberies.

Drive-by shootings with no injuries have also been in , including the after a drive-by shooting of a home on Bettencourt Street.

“It’s a national global phenomenon, not just something associated with Newark. It’s [crime] been like that for the 30 years I’ve been here. It’s been the way it’s been,” Douglas said.

Still, he said, residents should participate and take back the night through National Night Out, which is sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch.

The goals of the event are to increase crime and drug prevention awareness, build support and participation in local anti-crime efforts, strengthen neighborhood and police community relations and send a message to criminals that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back, according to a press release issued by the Newark Police Department.

“Let the criminals know we are united as one. You have to get involved. A lot of people don’t want to get involved. You need that kind of support to resolve issues and make arrests,” Douglas said.

The three Newark neighborhoods that will host a National Night Out rally are Campanula Court by Birch Grove Park, Beech Place near Lincoln Elementary School, and Newark Lake (near the Lakeshore Boathouse parking lot off Chelsea Drive).

Block parties, cookouts, dessert socials, youth activities and local law enforcement are expected throughout the night of Aug. 2. Most events will begin around 6 p.m.

Newark police, Alameda County Department firefighters and volunteers from the Newark Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) are all scheduled to attend the block parties, pending emergencies.

Anyone interested in hosting a National Night Out event or who would like more information may contact Deborah Cabness, Community Service Officer at 510-578-4857.