Herndon Police, Communities Celebrate National Night Out

The and members of the Herndon community spent Tuesday night out in their neighborhoods getting to know one another while heightening crime prevention during National Night Out.

Herndon has taken part in the event for 13 years now, though the nationwide event originated 29 years ago to help people take a stand against crime by bringing about crime awareness and creating partnerships between local police and the communities they serve. 

Each year officers from the Herndon Police Department caravan around town, meeting with communities and getting to know residents. Officers hand out prizes and goodies, talk to residents and children, and even take part in games, such as the dunk tank at Stuart Woods. 

This year's tour began at and progressed to locations throughout town, including the Bluemont and Crestview communities and communities, among others. 

Pamela Dillard, a board member of the Bluemont commuity, said the event strengthens the partnership between their neighborhood and the local police. She said they've been taking part for about five years. 

Dillard said having the police come spend time in their neighborhood also shows children in the area that the police are there to serve them and are good people in the community. 

Capt. Brad Anzengruber said the Herndon Police Department has an advantage serving a town that's fairly small in size. He said it allows them to get to know the local residents better. 

While visiting communities during National Night Out Anzengruber stressed that area residents should not leave any valuables in their cars, including iPods, GPS devices and even change, that could tempt someone to break in. He urged residents to lock and secure their vehicles as well. 

In the most recent Herndon Police Report there were four incidents of items being stolen from victim's unlocked or unsecured vehicles.  

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

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