Neighbors Take Stand In National Night Out Against Crime

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MIAMI (CBSMiami) – People will gather Tuesday for the annual National Night Out Against Crime.

The idea behind the events, which are scattered all across South Florida, is for residents to interact with their neighbors and members of police and fire departments to help keep their families and neighborhoods safe.

Hollywood police calls this one of the most important events of the year for them.

"We go out to all of our home owner associations who have block parties – we are having approximately 15 of them tonight. We go visit them, we meet with the residents, hear their concerns," said Acting Chief Tom Demmery. "And it's a good chance for our residents to meet each other."

More than a dozen Hollywood neighborhoods are taking part in the 33rd annual event.

The event gives neighbors a chance to meet each other and also gives them a chance to meet the police officers who patrol their streets.

"We want to work with the police department. We like to see the kind of capabilities to prevent crime, deter crime and reduce crime," said citizen Donna Biederman. "And we want them to know the community is 100 percent behind them and working with them."

Hollywood police officers plan to visit each block party taking place and also show off some of their crime-fighting tools.

At one of the many events, at Joseph C. Carter Park in Fort Lauderdale, valuable safety tips, information about bullying and back to school tips for kids will be offered.

Highlights will also include participation by the Fort Lauderdale Police Department's Mounted, K-9, SWAT and Motor Units; a DJ, music, inflatables, and food trucks; back-to-school giveaways, games, and prizes; plus McGruff the Crime Dog.

The night out activities at Anne Gilles Park, at 601 Hammondville Road in Pompano Beach, will include a food drop at 7 p.m., hot dogs, popcorn, paint the fire truck, a SWAT demo and a kids zone.

At the North Lauderdale Municipal Complex, at 701 Rock Island Road, there will be barbecue, face painting, bounce houses and live music.

Nearly a dozen other cities throughout Broward will also be hosting their own events.

Homeowners are encouraged to leave on their front lights as a sign of support.

In South Florida, police agencies from Key West to Deerfield Beach will participate in the national night.