Oakton to Participate in National Night Out

In the ongoing effort to connect citizens with their police officers, Fairfax County Police Department is participating in National Night Out today, joining more than 15,500 communities nationwide.

National Night Out aims to not only heighten crime prevention awareness, but also to strengthen the partnerships between the community and police.

Neighborhoods in Fair Oaks District, which encompasses all of Oakton, will put on 10 of events. Two events are in the Oakton area: a pool party and cookout at The Elms of Oakton from 6:30 to 9 p.m., and an ice cream social at the Cranbrook Lane cul-de-sac from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Residents on Bennett Farms Court will show their support for the event by leaving their porch lights on. Officers will drive through the neighborhood.

The nationwide event is sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch and Target Corporation.

"It helps build relationships so that kids aren't afraid of us," said Wayne Twombly, the Fair Oaks crime prevention officer. "They'll know we're approachable."

From Fair Oaks District, Twombly, Capt. Ron Lantz, Lt. Dan Townsend and a few other officers will make their rounds to the 10 sites, handing out fliers on crime prevention and getting to know the people in their community.

"We'll hand out fliers, bracelets, stickers and other things to the kids," Twombly said.

Below is a full list of National Night Out events in Fair Oaks District:

• 13501 Franklin Farm Road, ice ceam social from 6:30 to 8 p.m. (McGruff the Crime Dog will attend.)
• 12008 Bennett Farms Court, *lights only, 7-9 p.m.
• 9480 Virginia Center Boulevard, safety display/sodas, 7-10 p.m.
• 2996 Steven Martin Drive, potluck supper, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
• 4978 Collin Chase Place, community walk/*lights on, 7:30-8:30 p.m.
• 3223 Arrowhead Circle, cookout/pool party, 6:30-9 p.m.
• 2708 Curzon Court cul-de-sac, *lights only, 7-9 p.m.
• Cranbrook Lane cul-de-sac, ice cream social, 7:30-9:30 p.m.
• Bellevue Lane cul-de-sac, ice cream social, 6-7:30 p.m.
• 11567 Laurel Lake Square, ice cream social, 6-8 p.m.

*Communities will show solidarity by turning their porch lights on.