"Night Out", a national crime prevention awareness event was made real by groups of neighbors all over West Seattle Tuesday night August 3. Promoted by the Seattle Police Department, it is intended to increase neighborhood support in anti-crime efforts, and bring neighborhoods together. Judging by the people the Herald spoke with the block parties are working well.

Pat Shaffer had a security suggestion from a local block captain and said, "If someone comes to your door, just ask them if you can take their picture. If they are legitimate they won't mind at all."

On 46th S.W. near Raymond Sindy Todo said, " We're very good at communicating and we're not averse to calling each other, and fortunately many of us here work from our homes."

The "unofficial" block watch captain for that neighborhood is Mary Ellen Cunningham who used to be the Executive Director of Megawatt.
Of her role in the neighborhood she said, "I love it."

Block captain Marty Telerico has lived on his street near 45th and Edmonds since 1995 and had his garage broken into but remains stoic saying "We're close to the Alaska Junction and it's an active place", but also points out "It's important to know your community and the people who live there".

At the party on 39th between Graham and Raymond, blockwatch captain Karen Leimback said she is part of an effort to network blockwatch captains together, get a facebook page and promote greater communication. "I think we keep an eye on things, and it enables people who might be on the fence, if they are not sure if they should call," Leimback said. They call the non emergency number or 911 depending on the situation.

The Hansen's have lived on their street near 45th S.W. and Stevens since 2004 and believe their low crime rate is due to the communication between neighbors. "Everybody communicates when something odd or strange goes on" says Chris Hansen. "The biggest issue we have is cars driving too fast on our street."

Jane and Bob Tobin have been residents of 38th Ave. S. W. since 1986 and have been block captains for 6 years. They feel having an open line of communication with their neighbors has kept their street relatively crime free. Jane says "I ask folks to e-mail me if there is any problems but I get few responses because there are virtually no issues to report".

CLICK THE IMAGE ABOVE TO SEE MORE PHOTOS OF WEST SEATTLE BLOCK PARTIES

According to the SPD they had 1,200 people sign up to host an event last year.

Typically the events are potluck with everyone bringing food and beverages for a group. Live music (not loud) is sometimes featured and neighbors bring tables, chairs and blankets.

The Seattle Police Department released this announcement late Tuesday:

– Today the City of Seattle will be celebrating its 26th Annual National Night Out Against Crime. Night Out is an event that encourages neighbors and communities to gather and spend time together in an effort to heighten crime prevention awareness.

This year the Seattle Police Department is announcing a new property crime prevention campaign. Thousands of fliers will be distributed by officers in all five police precincts to Night Out participants. Our goal is to raise awareness of the fact that even though property crime exists, much of it is preventable. The Department wants to assist the community in helping to deter property crime and opportunistic criminal behavior.

In the first six months of this year violent crimes have decreased 13% compared to last year. However, property crimes are up by 6% across the city, which is why we are launching a new property crime prevention campaign.

The theme of the campaign is “They’re watching!” We are asking citizens to be more conscious of their own behavior and assume that criminals could be watching their actions. If a criminal was watching you leave your house unlocked or watching you leave valuables in your car, would you take a few extra moments to help prevent a crime of opportunity? There are simple measures you can take to help prevent you from becoming a crime victim. Don’t make it easy for criminals to target you. And remember to always report suspicious activity immediately to 911.

For more information about our new property crime prevention campaign you can visit our website located at www.seattle.gov/police/prevention/watching/.

This story was assisted by Greg McCorkle and Bruce Butterfield.