‘Lights on, crime off’: residents asked to flip the switch
Group also creates crime map of city
Asbury Park residents are being advised to leave their outside lights on from dusk to dawn on Thursday, Feb. 21.
A group of residents and business owners is spearheading the initiative, known as “Lights On, Crime Off.” The primary goal is to brighten areas of town in an effort to make residents feel safer and to decrease crime. Heading up the program are Amy Quinn, Heather Jensen, Joe Zanna, Daniel Baum, Greg Demaras and Stefan Microutsicos.
The group came together “organically,” according to Microutsicos, who moved to Asbury Park with his partner in March 2011.
That first summer, “we noticed there was just a lot of gun activity,” Microutsicos said. “We’ve lived in the area all of our lives, but it was shocking to experience that firsthand. To actually hear gunfire in your backyard — it freaked us out a little.”
Microutsicos talked to new friends and neighbors, and together, the group decided that turning on the lights would be the simplest way to make a difference.
They aren’t stopping with their “Lights On” intiative, though. In addition to encouraging people to keep their porch or front lights on, the group is also creating a crime map online. When it’s ready, the map will be accessible through Nextdoor, an online neighborhood watch service. The group is encouraging city residents to sign up and use Nextdoor, where they can introduce themselves to their neighbors, share crime reports, and recommend local events.
The Hardware Store of Asbury, a 25-year-old, family-owned city business, will offer lights, fixtures and bulbs at a significant discount in preparation for the group’s first “Lights On” night on Feb. 21.
Apartment and condominium dwellers are being asked to turn on a light near a window and make sure the outside lights of their buildings are on.
To learn more, email lightsonap@gmail.com.
