National Night Out in Akron | News

AKRON, OH - The 28th Annual National Night Out (NNO), a unique anti-crime and drug prevention event sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch, has been scheduled for Tuesday, August 2, 2011. This year’s local theme is: “Victims No More.”

This year's National Night Out campaign will involve citizens, law enforcement agencies, civic groups, businesses, neighborhood organizations and local officials from more than 15,000 communities and all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities and military bases worldwide. In all, more than 37 million people are expected to participate in America’s Night Out Against Crime!

National Night Out in Akron started in 1984 with one East Akron site.  In 2005, a second site was added in West Akron.  Since then, Mayor Don Plusquellic has added several sites per year.  Today, with a total of 15 sites, Akron has the most coordinated NNO events than any other city in Ohio.  (The full list of the 15 participating sites is attached).

“This is an opportunity for our citizens to come together to promote awareness, safety and neighborhood unity,” said Mayor Plusquellic.  “Working together we can make our neighborhoods safer for all our citizens, and especially for our children.”

National Night Out is designed to:
* Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness;
* Generate support for, and participation in, local anticrime programs;
* Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships; and
* Send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back

Events start as early as 4:30 PM and run as late as 9:00 PM.  Most sites will feature music, games and free food, and all sites will provide information on safety, health and other issues of concern. City of Akron anti-crime signs will be available at all locations as well as Block Watch sign-up and information.