112th Precinct's Night Out Against Crime Draws Thousands

Thousands of Forest Hills and Rego Park residents turned out for the 112th Precinct’s annual Night Out Against Crime Tuesday night at MacDonald Park.

The event, which is a coast-to-coast effort to support law enforcement and inform attendees about crime prevention, included free food, music, dance performances, VIN etching, raffles and games for children.

Attendees were able to pick up crime prevention tips as well as learn about anti-gang and drug initiatives and self-defense methods and watch dance and martial arts performances.

The event will also give the opportunity for residents to express their concerns about the neighborhood to the precinct.

“People will come tonight to let us know about some of their grievances in the area,” 112th Executive Officer Alan Desmond said.

112th Commanding Officer Thomas Conforti said the national Night Out Against Crime started three decades ago as a way for local communities to fight back against criminals.

“The whole thing started 30 years ago when crime was rampant and people did not want to leave their house,” he said. “The community rallied together and said they wanted to take back their streets. So, we decided to get together and have a barbecue to show the criminals we were not afraid of them.”

But the event has now become more of a community celebration at which residents can meet their local police officers.

“We’ve come a long way,” Conforti said. “Now, it’s more of a celebration – like a street fair.”

Numerous businesses and local civic groups set up booths at the event to hand out information to visitors.

Police estimated that several thousand people turned out for the Night Out Against Crime.