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National Night Out a Big Success
in Charles Village
On August 3, Charles Villagers gathered on Maryland Avenue to mark the 27th annual National Night Out Against Crime. The program, sposored by the National Association of Town Watch, has recruited more than 36 million people to participate in the event, with an aim 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.
Sharon Guida, chair of the CVCA's safety committee, made two important points: "We need to take this opportunity to remind residents about Neighborhood Walkers on Patrol and how eyes and ears on the street can prevent crime. They need to pay attention to crime prevention efforts 24-7 and not just when an incident occurs. Residents can be of assistance by joining walker groups....
"We also need to remind residents that the Police have told us to be vigilant as we walk at night so that at we can avoid suspicious persons before they get too near to us to avoid. We have been told on numerous occasions not to talk on the cellphone as we walk and not to have earphones on listening to music. We should be ever aware of our surroundings and stop into one of the local establishments if we see suspicious persons following us. Criminals look for the most vulnerable to attack."
Governor O'Malley stopped by to take with Villagers and show his support. Spirits were high and turn-out was healthy. For a schedule of neighborhood walkers, click here.
