Richardson residents came out in full force on October 7 for National Night Out.  The National Association of Town Watch, the organization behind the yearly event holds NNO the first Tuesday in August. But the organization gave Texans an option to also hold it on October 7 since we complained that August was too darn hot to be outside.  Based on the record number 255 block parties, Richardson residents definitely like the cooler weather, according to officer John Corbitt of the Richardson Police Crime Prevention Unit. This year’s numbers beat the old record of 206 set in 2005.

“There was such a clamor to move it to a cooler night,” he said.  “I think that’s why we got such an overwhelming response from residents.”

Corbitt, fellow police officers, and city officials spent the evening visiting parties around Richardson. At the block parties, residents were reminded that the simplest acts prevent crimes, such as locking parked vehicles and not leaving garage doors open. Officers also warned of the hot pawning item for thieves – GPS devices.

“They’re stolen from cars parked at restaurants or on the streets,” Corbitt said. “Record the serial numbers and take them out of the vehicle.”

Residents were encouraged to checkout crime statistics and information by going online to view the department’s interactive maps at http://cor.net/PD.aspx#.

The crime watch information is great to hear.  So is having a city official just pop up, such as Gary Slagel, city councilman, and Jimmy Spivey, assistant police chief, who showed up at our block party.

But the meeting is just as important for neighborhood bonding. It’s getting to know neighbors like Jeff Dalehite, and finding out that as a kid he did sleepovers at my house before we owned it.  It’s learning that Kelly Thomas is a yoga teacher and that Dave Pitcock has an auto repair business, about which neighbors say, “he is honest and his wife, Sandy, gives you home made cookies when you pick up your car.”

So I’m going to take Officer Corbitt’s parting advice for the night to heart.

“Neighbors need to get back to socializing,” he said. “We need to bring back the front porch sitters and keep in touch all year long.”

Residents that have any questions or need information during the year are encouraged to call Corbitt at 972-744-4952.  He's a great guy always willing to help! 

Chris Coats is a neighborsgo Community Columnist.