National Night Out Against Crime to be held Tuesday, Oct. 14; Call (504) 278-7628 to register a party and a deputy will come out to give crime prevention tips

Holding the National Night Out Against Crime in cooler weather, instead of in August as it was done for years will take place again this year in St. Bernard Parish, with the celebration to be held Tuesday night, Oct. 14, Sheriff James Pohlmann said.

This year marks the 31th annual celebration of National Night Out Against Crime.

St. Bernard residents should call Capt. Charles Borchers at (504) 278-7628 to register any gathering of residents that night and a sheriff’s deputy will be sent to give crime prevention tips and answer any questions, Sheriff Pohlmann said.

“We have seen a good response to our decision three 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.

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

The sheriff said 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 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 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 to organize a Neighborhood Watch group or sign up for the next free session he gives in December on “Refuse to be a Victim,’’ a lectures which gives personal safety tips and advice on the best types of locks and light timers for homes and businesses.

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 crime prevention 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.