Elkridge Community Unites Against Crime on National Night Out

Police want residents to send a message to criminals: “Communities are banding together to fight crime.”

So on Tuesday, Aug. 7, the Howard County Police Department is asking residents to turn on their front lights and spend an hour outside on their porches and lawns. 

It’s all part of National Night Out, a yearly event in which police encourage neighborhoods to show support for law enforcement. 

“Community participation is essential in fighting crime,” Howard County Police Chief William McMahon said in a statement. “National Night out may last for only one evening, but the partnership between Howard County residents and our officers is an ongoing effort.” 

More than 30 neighborhood events are planned throughout Howard County for Tuesday evening, including this one in Elkridge:

• New Colony Village neighborhood party; 6–9 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 7; 7400 New Colony Blvd. in Elkridge

Police and auxiliary officers will be visiting block parties, bringing along K9 units, a SWAT vehicle and other resources to share with the community.

The kick-off event will be from 6 to 9 p.m. at the North Laurel Community Center, where McGruff the Crime Dog,  the police helicopter and the new mounted unit join residents for a free concert, refreshments, a skate park demo and giveaways.

Visit the Howard County Police Department website for a full list of events throughout the county.