Residents of Mayfield Homes will host a National Night Out event Tuesday, Aug. 5, and as part of it they and residents of Villages of Lake Charles, Kingsley Court and Bayou Bluff will solidify a Neighborhood Watch program.

Project Build a Future director Nicole Miller, whose group will play a small roll in the event, said it’s good to see the residents getting involved with crime prevention.

“It’s just great they’re investing in their neighborhood, and it’s obvious they want to build a real sense of safety and community,” Miller said. “They know they can look out for each other because they’re out talking with their neighbors.”

Luvertha August, whose City Council district includes the area, said drug deals, prostitution and theft were all once common in the neighborhood.

“People were really scared to call the police,” August said. “They were scared that if they did, someone may find out it was them and then they’d be in trouble.”

Once communication increased between residents and authorities, she said, things began to change. People not only shed their fear of police, they grew comfortable with calling officers when bad things happened.

August said the event, one of many anti-crime get-togethers nationwide that day, will highlight the community’s progress.

“What was once a very crime-plagued area is now the least-crime-plagued area,” she said. “I think it’s marvelous. You have to give credit to all of the law enforcement agencies. They have played a major role in alleviating crime in the area.”

Kay Jordan, Mayfield Homes community manager, said the event is designed for the neighborhood to enjoy itself, but the focus is on community safety.

“We currently have a leader for the community’s Neighborhood Watch that is a resident here,” Jordan said. “We have a group that routinely shows up for the Neighborhood Watch, but we’re looking to increase the number of people involved.”

Jordan said the event will have door prizes, music, snow cones and popcorn, as well as health information from local groups.(MGNonline)