It was a celebration fitting for a National Night Out: Hundreds of people gathered at a local Target store to embrace Mission Viejo’s safe community and to learn what they can do to prevent crime.
Mission Viejo’s 3rd annual National Night Out celebration on Tuesday was designed to bring the community together to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness and strengthen neighborhood spirit and the partnership between police and the community.
The event, hosted by Mission Viejo Police Services and Target, featured information about emergency preparedness, teen safety, Internet safety, fire safety, character development, prescription drug abuse and more. Multiple agencies took part in an effort to educate and inform the community. Over at the Orange County Crime Lab booth, visitors received a “hands-on” demonstration on how to lift fingerprints.
The event also featured a free bounce house, face painting and opportunities to make and take home a variety of crafts. The City’s Information Technology department hosted a digital scavenger hunt that included Internet safety tips while using smart phone technology.
Free raffles and a contest for local Neighborhood Watch groups added more excitement to the mix. The Atomo neighborhood took first place for its attendance at this year’s event, winning an ice cream social hosted by Police Services.
Police Services and the City of Mission Viejo are grateful to Target for being an energetic partner and generous sponsor of National Night Out and to the Orange County Sheriff’s Department Explorers for their help with the successful event.
