National Night Out Against Crime to be held Tuesday, Oct. 13; Call 278-7628 to register a party and a sheriff’s deputy will come out to give crime prevention tips and answer questions

Sheriff James Pohlmann said he believes people getting together over food and drink to discuss their neighborhood and hear crime prevention tips from a sheriff’s deputy is still the best way to protect a neighborhood and celebrate National Night Out Against Crime.

On Tuesday, Oct. 13 the 32nd annual National Night Out Against Crime will be held across the country and it is still a fixture in St. Bernard Parish.

The sheriff urges parish residents to call Capt. Charles Borchers at (504) 278-7628 to register any gathering of people being held that night and a sheriff’s deputy will be sent to provide crime prevention tips.

“Its still a good way for people to show they want to fight crime in their neighborhood and have their questions answered by a sheriff’s deputy who knows the parish,’’ Sheriff Pohlmann said.

“We have also seen a good response to our decision four years to move National Night Out from its past dates in early August to mid-October,’’ the sheriff said. “The weather is so much more pleasant and fun for families to be outside with others.”

Sheriff Pohlmann added, “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.’’

Some 30 group events were held in St. Bernard last year, some at churches and public places as well at private homes.

The sheriff said St. Bernard is doing well in the fight against crime, evidenced by extremely low numbers of violent incidents – especially random incidents involving people who don’t know one another.

The sheriff reminds everyone that if you see something suspicious happening in their area they 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 anonymously to the sheriff’s drug hotline at 271-DOPE, which is 271-3673. All calls will be acted upon.

Capt. Borchers, who also heads the Reserve Officers Division, Neighborhood Watch programs and coordinates the free classes held for Citizens Police Academy, said Night Out Against Crime remains a good way to get to know neighbors.

“St. Bernard needs everyone to pull together to remain a safe place to raise a family,” Borchers said.

Borchers can also be called at 278-7628 to organize a Neighborhood Watch group or sign up for the next free session he holds on “Refuse to be a Victim,’’ which gives personal safety tips for parish residents.

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.