Neighborhoods Join Together to Fight Crime

Newark residents locked their doors Tuesday, turned on outside lights and spent the evening outside with neighbors and public safety officers as part of an effort to raise crime prevention awareness.

From 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., six Newark neighborhoods participated in the 28th annual National Night Out.

National Night Out encourages communities to come together in order to :

• Increase awareness of crime and drug prevention
• Generate support for local anti-crime efforts
• Strengthen neighborhood spirit
• Improve relationships with police and fire personnel
• And let criminals know neighborhoods are organized and will fight back

Lakeshore Park celebrated National Night Out with a third annual Ice Cream Social. Dreyer's Ice Cream donated more than 48 gallons of ice cream for the event. according to LARA (Lake Area Rosemont Area) Board Member Mary Shambaugh.

Members of Newark CERT as well as Boy Scout Troop 102 were on hand to help run the event at Lakeshore Park. 

Residents of Campanula Court held a block party in celebration of National Night Out. Residents came together to barbeque and mingle with neighbors.

"It's a great way to get to know your neighbors and build community," said one resident. 

Another block party was held at Beech Place, where Alameda County Fire Department firefighters and members of the Newark Police Department stopped by.

The atmosphere was festive and welcoming as residents shared stories and enjoyed a potluck. Everyone who attended was greeted with a warm welcome and an empty plate to be filled with delicious food.

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