Crime & Safety

National Night Out Celebrated in Gorgas Park

Members of the community came together Tuesday night for the National Night Out celebration in Gorgas Park.

Community stakeholders gathered in Gorgas Park Tuesday night for the Town Watch National Night Out to bring together members of the police department and citizens concerned with neighborhood safety.

“This neighborhood remains a good neighborhood because people remain concerned,” said Philadelphia Police Department 5th District Captain John Cerrone. 

Cerrone added, “It’s good to come out to show that people care.”

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Police provided hotdogs and snacks, donated by Brown’s ShopRite, to community members who attended, and representatives from New York Life were making identification cards for the children that attended.

“There’s making child I.D. cards that have a video of the kid and finger prints so that, God forbid, if something were to happen the police would have something that could go out everywhere,” said Officer Charlie Kline.

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“We have an active community with an active councilman,” Cerrone said.  “We come out to give service, and the community pays us back with information and support.”

Cerrone added that while the 5th district is the safest in the city, people still need to remain vigilant.

“Sometimes we get lulled into a false sense of security,” Cerrone said.  “People leave their doors unlocked.”

Cerrone encouraged everyone to talk with their neighbors, and that they should always call the police if they suspect something suspicious.

“Please call if you see anything suspicious,” Cerrone said.  “We would rather check it out than fro someone to become a victim.”

Cerrone added that crime in the 5th district is down compared to last year.

He said that property crimes are down seven percent and theft from vehicles is down by 24 percent.

“This is a very caring community,” Cerrone said.  “We need to continue to look out for one another.”


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