Thousands attend 68th Precinct ‘National Night Out’ against crime

August 8, 2012 By Paula Katinas, Brooklyn Daily Eagle

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Music was in the air at the Bay Ridge version of “National Night Out,” the anti-crime event aimed at bringing cops and citizens closer together.

Thousands of people came to Shore Road Park at 79th Street to enjoy a concert by ABBA Girlz, an ABBA tribute band, Tuesday night.

The show was part of an event that had a festival atmosphere. There were rides and games for kids and children even had the chance to sit in a real police car with a cop. There were raffles for prizes such as dinnerware sets, a George Foreman grill, movie passes to the Alpine Theater, and a four-foot-tall teddy bear nicknamed “Officer Rich.” Cops were busy all night, manning the barbeque and handing out free hot dogs.

The 68th Precinct and the precinct’s community council co-sponsored the local version of “National Night Out.” Council President Ilene Sacco and the organizing committee also made sure that residents visiting the park that night could learn about how to prevent crime and about the civic organizations that work to make Bay Ridge a community in which to live and work. The park’s entry path was lined with tables at which volunteers handed out information packets.

“National Night Out” is an annual event through which communities all across the U.S. take an evening to bring police and the public together in a relaxing atmosphere with the goal of fostering a partnership to fight crime. This year marked the 29th annual “National Night Out.” The concept was founded by the group National Association of Town Watch.