The " Annual National Night Out" (N.N.O.), a unique national crime and drug abuse prevention event. This annual national event is sponsored by the "National Association of Town Watch" and is designed to:

* Heighten Crime and Drug prevention awareness

* Generate support for, and participation in, local anti-crime programs

* Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships

* Send a message to criminals letting them know that your neighborhood is organized and pro-active against crime.

Participation in "National Night Out" traditionally consists of residents in the community leaving all their exterior lights on during the evening hours of the first Tuesday in August, which falls on August 3rd this year. However, many of our participating neighborhoods are holding block parties, cookouts, flashlight walks, and other shows of support for this event.

Some of our participating areas include Constitution Walk, Pleasantville Mobil Estates, The Reserves, Tremont and Oakland, and West Atlantic City.

"Community Crime Watch" groups in Egg Harbor Township will be participating in "National Night Out." You do not have to be affiliated with a crime watch group to participate. Light up your homes, and show the criminal element that your neighborhood will not be an easy target! If you would like more information on how to participate in "National Night Out," or how to start or join a "Community Crime Watch" in your neighborhood, contact DSgt. Tom Chambers in the Egg Harbor Township Juvenile & Community Services Unit at 926-4097 or e-mail her at TChambers@ehtpd.com.