People in dozens of Iowa communities are joining in a nationwide efforttonight to get to know their neighbors better and to fight crime. Des Moinesis among the nine-thousand cities across the U-S taking part in the 16thannual “Night Out Against Crime” this evening.Des Moines police officer Larry Rogers says up to 20 neighborhoodassociations are holding separate events tonight to promote unity.Similar events are planned in cities across the state. Officer Rogers saysit’s encouraging to see people coming together at these events as it onlymakes his job easier.Events range from ice cream socials to potluck dinners. Rogers saysresidents are encouraged to take part even if they can’t attend an event byleaving their porch lights on.