Pubdate: Wed, 03 Aug 2005
Source: News-Press (FL)
Copyright: 2005 The News-Press
Contact:  http://www.news-press.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1133
Author: Harles Runnells

CAPE NEIGHBORS ON THE WATCH FOR CRIME

Residents See The Light On Deterring Criminals

They fought crime, savored ice cream and got to know their neighbors -- all 
in the same night.

It was all part of National Night Out, where Cape Coral residents flipped 
on their porch lights Tuesday and took to their streets and yards in a show 
of unity against bad guys.

The same thing happened throughout Southwest Florida and across the country 
Tuesday. Organizers expected 34 million people from more than 10,000 
communities to participate.

At Pat Foote's house, the numbers were more modest. About 20 people 
gathered in her lanai by 8:45 p.m., and more were coming.

As a lure, Foote opened tubs of ice cream donated by Publix, and neighbors 
could enter their names in a contest to win flashlight key chains and boxes 
of light bulbs. A porch light is the symbol of National Night Out, because 
it keeps criminals from sneaking around.

"We have people coming from all over tonight," said Foote, 62, of Southeast 
36th Street. "This lets criminals know that we're here, and we're watching."

The National Association of Town Watch developed National Night Out in 1984 
to heighten awareness about drug and crime prevention.

Throughout Southwest Florida, Neighborhood Watch groups marked the event 
with block parties, parades and even free rides at Charlotte County's 
Kidstar Park.

In Cape Coral, at least nine neighborhoods officially registered for 
National Night Out, but dozens more likely had their own, low-key events, 
Cape Neighborhood Watch President Sarah Penna said.

Neighbors at Foote's house ate vanilla, vanilla fudge and Neapolitan ice 
cream as they looked at crime awareness brochures.

Liz and Fred Demski liked the idea of neighbors looking out for neighbors. 
But really, they said, they came to meet people. The couple just moved in 
the neighborhood a few months ago.

"We're just trying to get to know everybody," said Liz Demski, 47.

Virginia Gladick said Watch groups help keep neighborhoods the way they 
were decades ago, when cities were smaller and everyone knew everyone.

"Neighbors look out for each other," she said. "They know who should be 
there in the neighborhood, and who shouldn't."

Officer Eric Christensen mingled with the neighbors and dispensed 
crime-prevention brochures.

He said he hopes neighbors go home and give the tips to other people they know.

"They pass it on, and the idea spreads," Christensen said.
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MAP posted-by: Beth