National Night Out Against Crime is Oct. 16 in St. Bernard; Call Sheriff’s Office at (504) 278-7628 to register a neighborhood event and have a deputy come out to discuss anti-crime tips

St. Bernard Parish will celebrate National Night Out Against Crime on Tuesday, Oct. 16, after seeing an uptick in participation in 2011 after the event was moved to October from its usual August night to escape the heat, Sheriff James Pohlmann said.

Other near-by parishes including Jefferson will also celebrate National Night Out on Oct. 16.

Sheriff Pohlmann said St. Bernard residents can call Capt. Charles Borchers at (504) 278-7628 to register a neighborhood Night Out event and have a sheriff’s deputy come out to give crime prevention tips and answer questions.

“It was so much nicer weather in October last year than it had been on previous August nights,’’ Sheriff Pohlmann said. “You could see people were more inclined to be outside holding a get-together with others and it seemed to help participation in the events.’’

“We have usually had good cooperation with residents,’’ the sheriff said. Some 40 group events were held in St. Bernard last year, some at churches and public places as well at private homes.

“We encourage getting together as a way to show that people have taken a stand against crime and intend to watch out for each other’s property,’’ Sheriff Pohlmann also said, “It sends a message you care about your neighborhood.’’

“I feel we are winning the fight against crime’’ in St. Bernard, he said, evidenced by extremely low numbers of violent incidents – especially random incidents involving people who don’t know one another.

This year marks the 29th annual celebration of National Night Out Against Crime.

Anyone who sees something suspicious happening in their area should quickly call the Sheriff’s Office at (504) 271-2501 and try to give a description of people and vehicles involved. Narcotics activity can be reported either to the same number or the sheriff’s drug hotline at 271-DOPE.

Capt. Borchers also heads the Reserve Officers Division, Neighborhood Watch programs and coordinates the free classes held for Citizens Police Academy and the free Refuse to be a Victim program. Call Borchers at 278-7628 if interested in participating in any of these programs or if you are a parish resident and would like to become a reserve deputy.

“St. Bernard needs everyone to pull together to remain a safe place to raise a family,” Borchers said. He said taking part in a neighborhood gathering is a great way to resolve to keep your eyes open for anything suspicious in your neighborhood.

National Night Out Against Crime is sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch (NATW) and was introduced in 1984 to strengthen participation in local anti-crime efforts.

Last year’s National Night Out campaign involved more than 30 million nationally, including residents, law enforcement agencies, civic groups, businesses and at military bases.