West Chicago's National Night Out Gives Crime and Drugs a Going Away Party

West Chicago, IL: July 15, 2008 - Neighborhoods throughout West Chicago are invited to join other communities nationwide for the annual crime prevention event, National Night Out, on Tuesday, August 5, 2008. The event, which will be held at Community High School's west parking lot from 6:00 - 8:30 p.m., is sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch and co-sponsored locally by the West Chicago Police Department.

National Night Out is designed to:

heighten crime and drug prevention awareness,
generate support for, and participation in, anti-crime efforts,
strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships,
and send a message to criminals that our neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.

The event is free and fun-filled. Residents are asked to lock their doors, turn on their outside lights and spend the evening with neighbors, law enforcement officers and elected officials. There will be crime prevention displays and demonstrations, as well as special guest appearances by Batman, Dora the Explorer, Elmo, Smokey the Bear and McGruff, the crime prevention dog. Once again, the West Chicago Lions Club will be serving free hot dogs and ice cream, and other local businesses will be on hand to pass out free samples.

“This is a night for America to stand together to promote awareness, safety and neighborhood unity. On August 5th, we invite neighborhoods to join us in Giving Crime and Drugs a Going Away Party,” said West Chicago Crime Prevention Officer, Robyn Nielsen.

For more information, call Officer Nielsen at (630) 293-2751 or visit the City’s website at www.westchicago.org to view a slide-show of last year's event.

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West Chicago is the one of the fastest-growing cities in DuPage County in the western suburbs of Chicago, Illinois. With a current population of more than 25,000, West Chicago is a diverse, family-oriented community with a rich cultural mix and a proud heritage. West Chicago is the first Illinois community established by the railroads and continues to be a convenient transportation hub served by three major rail lines, Illinois' third-busiest airport and three state highways. West Chicago offers award-winning schools, a growing industrial park and convenient access to parks, shopping and restaurants. Additional information can be found on the city's website at www.westchicago.org or by calling Rosemary Mackey directly at (630) 293-2200 x 139.

CITY OF WEST CHICAGO 475 Main Street, West Chicago, Illinois 60185 T - (630) 293-2200 www.westchicago.org