Burke to Participate in National Night Out

Come Tuesday, many local Burke residents will take part in the 29th annual National Night Out, designed to help neighbors meet neighbors to better prevent crime. Residents are encouraged to lock their doors, turn on outside lights and spend the evening outside with neighbors and local police.

Sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch, National Night Out is an organized evening where community and civic organizations, local police and fire departments and residents take to the streets to build community and take a stand against violence and crime.

The Burke , 10301 New Guinea Rd.,will once again take part in National Night Out. Last year's event included a moon bounce, dunk tank and live music.

Another one of the many events taking place across Northern Virginia is set for 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at Cottontail Swim and Racquet Club, 7000 Cottontail Ct. in Springfield, where residents from Orange Hunt Estates will gather with local law enforcement and local politicians and even an appearance by McGruff, the Crime Dog.

The event is free and open to all residents who reside in Orange Hunt Estates. Membership in OHECA is not required. This event is sponsored by Orange Hunt Estates Neighborhood Watch. 

Fairfax County Board of Supervisor Chairman Sharon Bulova will visit sites throughout Fairfax County with Police Chief David Rohr.

"National Night Out has proven to be an effective, inexpensive and enjoyable program to promote neighborhood spirit and law enforcement-community partnerships in our fight for a safer nation," Bulova said in a statement.

For more information or to register your National Night Out event, please contact your local district police station's crime prevention officer:

West Springfield District Station: J.T. Frey, 703-644-7377

Do you have a local Night Out event planned? Add it to the comments box!

In 2011, Herndon won an award for the quality of the community’s National Night Out program, including organization and planning, participation and results. (See coverage of .)

For more information about National Night Out: Visit http://www.natw.org/nno/