National Night Out Cancelled This Year

Question: I am a resident of Grafton and look forward to the annual National Night Out Block Party held each year around this time. I have not seen anything advertized about the event. Will there be a block party this year?

Answer: I have recently received several inquiries as to our National Night Out Block Party held annually on the first Tuesday of August.  Unfortunately, due to the construction at the high school, including the complete closing of the parking lot and adjacent areas, it is with deep regret that I must announce we will not be hosting a block party this year.

Since 2005, the residents of Grafton have been invited to join forces with thousands of communities nationwide for the annual National Night Out crime and drug prevention event. 

National Night Out, which is sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch and co-sponsored locally by the , involves more than 15,000 communities from all 50 states and the U.S. territories. 

National Night Out is designed to do four things.

Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness.

Generate support for, and participation in, local anti-crime efforts.

Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships.

Send a message to criminals letting them know neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.

National Night Out is an extraordinary way to build neighborhood unity and strengthen police-community partnerships. Neighbors meet neighbors and citizens and local law enforcement have the opportunity to enhance their relationships. 

Thousands of residents have attended Grafton’s National Night Out Block Parties and I hope that this unfortunate interruption does not deter anyone from attending in the future.

We are already planning for the 2012 National Night Out Block Party with the anticipation of an even bigger and better event.

Anyone with questions for the Chief’s Column may submit them by mail to the Grafton Police Department, 28 Providence Road, Grafton, MA 01519. You may also email your questions or comments to chief@graftonpolice.com. Please include an appropriate subject line, as I do not open suspicious email for obvious reasons. 

Normand A. Crepeau, Jr. is Grafton's Chief of Police.