Ellicott Gardens, Centennial Host Anti-Crime Parties

At least two communities in Ellicott City will be taking a stand against crime on Tuesday night as part of National Night Out.

Ellicott Gardens on Waterloo Road is on a list of more than 20 communities in Howard County participating in the annual event.

On Aug. 5, millions of police and civilians across the country will come together in a show of commitment to community safety as part of the 31st annual National Night Out.

“National Night Out is an annual demonstration of the department’s strong partnership with the community,” Howard County Police Chief Gary Gardner said.

Whether they go to a planned event or not, the Howard County Police Department encourages citizens to turn on their outside lights and spend an hour Tuesday on their porches, balconies, front steps or lawns to send a message to criminals that communities are banding together against crime.

The National Night Out community party at Ellicott Gardens will be from 3 to 7 p.m. at 5505 Waterloo Road in Ellicott City.

There may be appearances by patrol officers, K-9s, a SWAT vehicle, volunteer auxiliary officers and other special guests at the 20-plus National Night Out events countywide, the Howard County Police Department reported.

In addition to Ellicott Gardens, Centennial is hosting a National Night Out event, a 1-mile fun run from 7 to 8 p.m. Check it out at 10114 Colonial Drive in Ellicott City.

Howard County is kicking off its National Night Out activities with a mounted patrol, McGruff the Crime Dog and others at the Harper’s Choice Village Center in Columbia.

Related: HoCo Police to Converge at Harper’s Choice for National Night Out