Residents and Police Join Together for National Night Out

Area police and neighborhoods are teaming up to prevent crime and increase neighborhood watch programs on Aug. 2. 

The event is part of National Night Out, a celebration to strengthen communities and prevent crime and drug use. Local St. Louis County Police officers have participated in Lemay, Mehlville and Oakville for more than 10 years. 

"You meet your neighbor and see who's in your neighborhood," said Sgt. Dave Ryan with the South County Precinct. "You can talk about crimes you can work on, neighborhood watch programs and meet the police."

Any neighborhood can join and set up block parties and cookouts. Police will visit every group that participates with police cars, a helicopter, the K-9 unit, and information about neighborhood watch and D.A.R.E. 

Ryan said that four neighborhoods had signed up for the event, including Occasions Party Place, England Town subdivision and Kingston Place. 

To sign up, call the South County Precinct at 314-892-1510 and ask for Sgt. Dave Ryan or Officer Mike Schira. 

National Night Out, celebrated in 15,000 communities across all 50 states, is in its 28th year and sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch.