Gloucester Township Strives for Bigger, Better National Night Out

In 2011, Gloucester Township was rated the best of New Jersey's participating communities with 49,999 to 99,999 residents.

It finished 26th overall nationally.

It wants to do better this year.

It wants to make its National Night Out anti-crime celebration even bigger.

With that in mind, officials are going to get the community-involved planning underway a full two months in advance of the National Association of Town Watch-sponsored Aug. 7 event.

Gloucester Township Police Department's Community Relations Bureau invites the public to attend the 2012 National Night Out kick-off meeting on Wednesday, June 6. The meeting will be held in the Senior Center at the Chews Landing Road municipal complex, and is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m.

"Neighbors, family and friends will be gathering at their homes, on their streets, and at their local community centers in recognition of their support of the community," the Community Relations Bureau said in a press release announcing the June 6 meeting. "National Night Out helps strengthen community support and our police partnership with you and your neighbors.

"Residents and communities that participate in National Night Out send a message that they are organized and not willing to stand for criminal activity occurring in their neighborhood."

Police note that National Night Out events can consist of just two neighbors meeting on their front lawns or an entire block coming together to send the anti-crime message.

If you have any questions regarding the June 6 kick-off meeting or Aug. 7 National Night Out events, call the Community Relations Bureau at 856-228-4011 or send an email to communityrelations@gtpolice.com.