Residents in hundreds of Iowa communities will be joining together for potluck dinners and ice cream socials this evening as part of the National Night Out Against Crime. Des Moines police officer Larry Rogers is coordinating 25 events in the capitol city alone. He says the event has a variety of goals including: to heighten awareness of crime and drug prevention awareness, to generate support for local anti-crime programs, to strengthen community spirit and police/neighborhood cooperation, and to send a message to criminals that neighborhoods are fighting back.Des Moines is among nine thousand cities nationwide taking part in the Night Out. Officer Rogers says a multitude of events are being held that are designed to enable neighbors to get to know one another and look out for each other.Events range from ice cream socials to potluck dinners and even a parade. Rogers says residents are encouraged to take part even if they can’t attend an event by leaving their porch lights on as a message of solidarity.