Manteca Police are hoping the community steps up its efforts to help fight crime through the formation of Neighborhood Watch groups.

The police are staging the annual National Night Out on the evening of Tuesday, Aug. 2. The department is encouraging Neighborhood Watch groups to hold informal gatherings in front yards to share food and fun while getting to know their neighbors better.

Manteca Police are also organizing a community event that evening at Charlie and Bobette Giles Park adjacent to the Manteca Boys & Girls Club at 545 W. Alameda St. The event will include booths, games, and food.

There have been numerous instances in the past year where an alert Neighborhood Watch member has deterred crime and even helped police catch criminals in the act.

“National Night Out has proven to be an effective, inexpensive and enjoyable program to promote neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships in our fight for a safer Manteca,” Bricker said. “The benefits your community will derive from (National Night Out) will most certainly extend beyond the one night.”

National Night Out is designed to:

•heighten crime and drug prevention awareness.

•generate support for - and participation in - local crime fighting efforts.

•strengthen neighborhood relationships and community partnerships with the police.

•send a message to criminals to let them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.

“The key to National Night Out is getting to know your neighbors,” Bricker said.

Those who organize BBQs and gatherings on Aug. 2 and register them with the city will have visits from various public safety groups. That includes the Manteca Police canine unit, SWAT, gang unit, mounted patrol, motorcycles, chaplains, Seniors Helping Area Residents and Police, and patrol officers along with firefighters and City Council members.

If you would like such visits register your neighborhood event with officer Jason Hensley at 456-8149.