The more we know about the crimes being committed in Rancho Bernardo, the more we’ll be able to help prevent them. This is one of the main reasons for the Neighborhood Watch "National Night Out Against Crime." Tuesday, August 3 will be the 21^st year of this ‘happening.’ Let’s make it be the best!

A big topic for discussion will be the recent increase of car prowls and auto burglaries in RB and how neighborhood groups can help prevent them and report suspicious activities to the police. The numbers are staggering: 76 incidents in the month of June! Let’s all get together to wipe out these preventable crimes.

This special evening is also a fun one. Neighbors get to greet each other and meet the new arrivals, sharing experiences and camaraderie over coffee and dessert, potluck, wine and cheese.

Block coordinators will have plenty of materials to share with their neighbors regarding emergency preparedness, mail fraud, telemarketing scams, and special doorknob hangers with emergency and other important telephone numbers. Be sure to pick them up – to place on knobs near your phones.

One of the most important items of business will be to update your Information Sheets from last year. In this way, neighbors will know how to locate your emergency contacts, if necessary.

RB needs more Block Coordinators. Neighborhood Watch is a vital part of Homeland Security. Law enforcement officers cannot be in every place at once; but we can be their eyes and ears. We can report suspicious activity in our own neighborhoods; we should be aware of the comings and goings of our residents, the cars they drive and how to get in touch with them if an emergency arises when they are out of town.

What is suspicious? Suspicious persons can be going door-to-door in residential areas, could be even going into a back or side yard. Even more suspicious: if another person remains in front; possible "casing" for burglary, burglary in progress, soliciting violation, or trespass.

Suspicious persons can be waiting in front of a house. Particularly suspicious if the owner is absent. Look out for a burglary in progress inside. Always suspicious: forcing entry to or tampering with a residence or vehicle.

A person running is suspicious under most all circumstances if something of value (particularly if unwrapped) is being carried. Could be fleeing the scene of a crime. The significance of a person exhibiting mental or physical symptoms could mean: possibly injured, under the influence of drugs, or needing medical assistance.

Suspicious activities should be noted in houses where there is much human traffic going in and out. If it occurs on a daily or regular basis, especially during late or unusual hours, it could be a vice or narcotic activity or a possible "fencing" operation.

Always suspicious: a person tampering with mail boxes. Never place your outgoing mail in your mailbox with the red flag up. Take it to the post office.

Much important safety and security information will be given to you on Tuesday, August 3^rd. It is up to you to help prevent crime in your neighborhood.