Above / According to McGruff, the Crime Dog, keeping the community safe is everybody’s responsibility. (PN File Photo)
2016 National Night Out takes place Tuesday, August 2; event registration is due by July 15.
Neighborhoods throughout Naperville are invited to join communities nationwide and participate in National Night Out from 6 to 9PM on Tuesday, August 2, 2016. Online registration is now available by visiting www.naperville.il.us/nno.
Commonly called “America’s Night Out Against Crime,” National Night Out is a nationwide event designed to heighten drug prevention and crime awareness, generate support and participation in local anti-crime efforts and strengthen neighborhood spirit and police/community partnerships.
In 2015, more than 35 Naperville neighborhoods participated by hosting block parties, potlucks, parades, ice cream socials and more.
Neighborhoods are asked to register their 2016 National Night Out events with the City of Naperville by Friday, July 15. Registration is free and easier than ever.
Visit www.naperville.il.us/nno to access an online registration form or to find additional information about National Night Out activities, which include a community kick-off event at Centennial Beach on August 1, neighborhood events on August 2, and a public Emergency Vehicle Show on August 7.
On the night of the neighborhood events, residents throughout Naperville and across the nation are asked to turn on their porch lights, lock their doors and spend the evening outside with their neighbors, police officers, firefighters and other city personnel. Events such as cookouts, block parties and neighborhood walks will all occur simultaneously throughout Naperville and nationwide. Members of the Naperville Police, Fire, Public Works, Animal Control, Electric and Water Utility departments along with the Naperville Park District Police will visit many of the registered events.
“One of the things that makes Naperville such a safe community is the participation of our residents and neighborhoods in crime prevention and awareness,” said Mayor Steve Chirico. “National Night Out fosters police/community partnerships as well as a feeling of community that brings everyone together for a common good – the safety of everyone in our city.”
Donation Drive for Little Friends
This year, the City of Naperville has partnered with Little Friends, which is a private 501(c)3 organization providing services to children and adults with autism and other developmental disabilities.
Founded in 1965, Little Friends operates three schools, vocational training programs, community-based residential services and the Little Friends Center for Autism.
Donations are needed to sustain these programs. The City encourages residents hosting National Night Out neighborhood block party events on August 2 to have a donation drive and collect back to school classroom supplies in support of Little Friends. A printable flyer containing more information about Little Friends and a list of requested school supplies is available at www.naperville.il.us/nno.
Lock It or Lose It
Each year, the City of Naperville selects an issue affecting our community to be highlighted on National Night Out with continued focus throughout the year. “Lock It or Lose It” is intended to remind those who live, work and visit Naperville that many property crimes can be prevented simply by locking home doors, garage doors, windows and vehicle doors. In 2015, nearly 90% of reported motor vehicle burglaries involved unlocked vehicles. The Naperville Police Department is advising residents to “Lock It or Lose It.”
For more information on National Night Out, visit www.naperville.il.us/nno.
