NEIGHBORS TRY TO STAMP OUT CRIME

National Night Out events Tuesday

It's good to know your neighbor.

Someone to keep an eye on your home.

Someone who will call the police when a stranger lurks about.

On Tuesday, neighbors throughout Lee County will be meeting and greeting
each other during the annual National Night Out. The event brings neighbors
together to let criminals know that the streets belong to the law-abiding
folks.

"The (drug dealers') business decreases that night," said Stacey Payne, a
Lee County sheriff's crime prevention specialist.

She'll be coordinating the gatherings at Hunter Park in Pine Manor and the
community center in Harlem Heights. Payne expects between 75 to 100 people
at each spot "taking back their neighborhoods," she said.

"The more you know your neighbor, the better you're able to protect your
neighborhood," Payne said.

Last year, more than 33 million people in nearly 10,000 communities
throughout the country participated in National Night Out, which is
sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch. This year marks its
20th anniversary, according to the association's Web site.

Cape Coral has nine neighborhoods, including the Bikini Court, Sandy Circle
neighborhood, taking part in the event. Most of the events begin around 8 p.m.

"We have a nice, safe neighborhood," said Sandy Circle resident Bernie
Braden. "The residents all know what they're supposed to do."

After the residents walk, they're invited to the community room of Braden's
condominium building for refreshments, Braden said.

The county has neighbors from seven areas holding the parties on their
streets, including Suncoast Estates, Charleston Park and Bonita Springs.
Their activities start between 6 and 6:30 p.m.

Fort Myers doesn't have plans this year, but hopes to have some for next
year, said police spokeswoman Kara Winton.