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By continuing the now-established tradition of National Night Out, neighborhoods all over Victoria recently gave the bad guys a healthy dose of both.
Last week, more Victoria residents than ever — in 24 separate neighborhoods — got together for some fellowship, some barbecue, and some safety.
Police Lt. Lillian Alex told Advocate reporter Leslie Wilber she was excited by a record turnout this year, which was the 25th anniversary of the event begun by the National Association of Town Watch.
“I think more people generally are interested in making sure their property is protected,” the lieutenant said. “We’ve really been getting the message out.”
So what was the idea behind National Night Out?
According to the Town Watch organization’s Web site, it is desinged 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 neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.
And so, every year, neighbors get together for block parties and to get to know each other, all in the interest of a safer neighborhood for themselves and their kids.
And police say it works. Where neighbors watch neighbors, crime goes down.
We salute National Night Out, and all its participants, who are “taking back the night” from those who would steal their security from them.
By turning on the lights, firing up the barbecue pits, and getting together across neighborhood fences, they are becoming, in a very real sense, guardians of each other’s lives and property.
This editorial reflects the views of the Victoria Advocate’s editorial board.