To the editor:

I am responding to an article (“National Night Out event continues to grow”) published on June 7. Surrounding neighborhoods in Suffolk came together to organize such an informative event for their communities. We need more events hosted in other local cities, such as Franklin, Norfolk, Portsmouth and Hampton, just to name a few.

Crime rates have increased in our cities over the years and coming together as a community to give out information on how to prevent crimes is another way to reach out to everyone. National Association of Town Watch should reach out to other cities with advice on starting their own event or collaborating with their organization. Although it will not stop crimes from happening, educating our communities would be beneficial.

Kiara Sweat

Franklin