Byline: Compiled by Susie Steckner.
In the 'hood: Wanna take a bite out of crime? Try doing it with a barbecue or an ice cream
sundae.
It's almost time for National Night Out, an annual event planned Aug. 6 that brings together neighborhood groups in the name of fighting crime. That means Block Watch parties, ice cream socials, progressive dinners, barbecues in the park -- even hayrides -- to raise awareness about crime and crime prevention.
''There are lots of really creative, different things people are doing,'' said Richard Fox, president of the Phoenix Block Watch Advisory Board. ''It can be a cul-de-sac with three houses and you can pull a barbecue out in the middle. It doesn't have to be anything fancy.''
Want to organize your neighbors? First, send in your registration forms ASAP to the Police Department, Fourth Floor Patrol Administration, 620 W. Washington St., Phoenix, 85003 or fax them in to 495-0819. To receive a form, call Officer at 495-0597. Once you've registered, the police may be able to send out a patrol car, crime prevention officer, bomb squad member or drug-sniffing dog for your neighborhood party.
Residents also may request a free newsletter from the city's Neighborhood Services Department that is devoted to crime prevention. Call 534-4444 to order as many as needed for your National Night Out party.
Type of story: BRIEF