Tuesday, August 3rd is America’s 21st annual "Night out Against Crime." It’s a National happening. All over the United States, concerned citizens are gathering to organize their neighborhoods to combat crime.

If you’re hosting a get-together on Tuesday night, August 3, for National Night Out Against Crime, the Neighborhood Watch office will be glad to custom-make your flyers for you and copy them for you to give out. We also will supply you with Information Sheets, crime stats, important emergency phone numbers, ID theft information and much more. Call the office at 538-8148.

In Rancho Bernardo, Neighbors are getting together in many different ways for the event. Dessert and coffee, ice cream socials, BBQs, potluck suppers, even progressive parties from one house to another.

Your block captain will be there to talk about the latest information from the Police Storefront, the crime stats from the Neighborhood Watch staff, to pass out new Information Sheets to make sure they are up to date and to deliver the August eNEWS.

Don’t have a block captain? Consider organizing your neighborhood. Call (858) 538-8148 for details.

In times of emergency, it is a good thing for neighbors to know about the needs of others, particularly the elderly and disabled who may need supplies and medicines. Also, all emergency contacts outside of the San Diego area are vitally important.

What makes this "lights on" night, this symbol, so special is that we know lighting helps to deter crime. And no one can refuse to spend the extra pennies to protect himself and his home. The police have proof that this is one of the biggest deterrents against robbery. Criminals don’t like to visit neighborhoods that have lights on. They want dark areas; remember they carry flashlights. Also, check out the street lighting in your area; don’t forget to report all street lights that need new bulbs or are hidden by tree limbs. Call Gaye at the RB Community Service Center, 538-8070 and ask that a Deficiency Report be sent to the City.

Citizen involvement is essential to combat crime; there can’t be a law enforcement officer on every corner, particularly with the new budget cuts. Neighbors should learn crime prevention strategies such as home security, personal safety, and operation identification: learn the many community, city, and state resources available.

Neighborhood Watch is undoubtedly one of the oldest and most well known crime prevention concepts in history. While the modern day concept of Neighborhood Watch came into prominence in the late 1960’s in response to an increasing burglary rate, its roots in America can actually be traced all the way back to the days of Colonial settlements when night watchmen patrolled the streets.

Right now, Rancho Bernardo has far too many car burglaries. We need to learn about preventative measures and to be on guard for suspicious activity before crimes are committed. Organizing a neighborhood for this purpose will do the job. Call NHW – we can help. We have the information for you - and the commitment to RB.