Bensalem to participate in National Night Out

The Bensalem Police Department announced Tuesday that it is encouraging residents to participate in next week's National Night Out - an anti-crime evening that is staged in communities across the country.

From 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 6, Bensalem residents are encouraged to lock their doors, turn on outside lights and spend the evening outside, according to a press release from police. Sergeant Andrew Aninsman said that there is no specific meeting place or agenda for the evening, but that residents are encouraged to "take some time away from the TV" and chat with neighbors about goings-on in the community.

The goal of the night, according to the National Night Out website, is to strengthen relationships within the community and with law enforcement, and to raise awareness about the role of the community in crime and drug prevention. Sergeant Aninsman said that Bensalem police officers will be circulating through various parts of the township to chat with participating residents during the event.

More than 37 million people in 15,000 communities nationwide now participate in National Night Out, its website says. It was founded in 1984 by Ardmore resident Matt Peskin. Peskin came under fire a few years ago when it was reported that his compensation for his role in National Night Out was more than $300,000.

More information on National Night Out can be found on its website, and there are a few more details about Bensalem's participation on the Police Department's website.