Neighborhood Watch Groups Host National Night Out

Some residents of Bangor have responded to a recent rise in crime by forming the East and West Side Watch organizations. And Tuesday night, the groups will celebrate the Bangor community with refreshments, face painting, a bounce house and lots of safety information at the National Night Out.

A member of West Side Watch told us people who stop by can learn about several ways to protect themselves and their personal information. She said the goal is to get neighbors to meet each other, especially people new to the community. They want to make people aware of the neighborhood watch programs and their relationship with the Bangor Police.

The East Side and West Side watch groups were established after a rise in violence and drug-related crimes in the Queen City. She said it's basically neighbors watching neighbors.

"We watch each other's property, we notice if there's suspicious activity going on in the immediate vicinity. If we see something suspicious, we now have a wonderful relationship with the Bangor police so they are able to respond quickly."

There will be personal safety tips available, along with internet safety, how to protect your home and vehicle. Self defense demonstrations, along with bicycle safety, how to spot a con, and more. Even dog bite prevention. Bangor Police will have demonstrations and the Bangor Fire Department will have one of their trucks on site.

There will be light refreshments from nationwide sponsor Target, a bounce house, and face painting, so it's fun as well as informational.The National Night Out will be held at Second Street Park in Bangor on Tuesday, August 6th beginning at 6pm. For more information, log onto the website for Bangor's West Side Watch.

In addition to the event in Second Street Park, residents are asked to turn on their porch lights from 6 to 8pm to show their solidarity with the East and West Side Watch organizations.