National Night Out seeks to introduce neighbors, reduce crime

From picnics to potluck dinners, residents in communities across Iowa are taking part in all sorts of events tonight to meet their neighbors as part of “National Night Out” to build friendships and deter crime. Larry Rogers, a senior police officer in Des Moines, explains the basic goals.Officer Rogers says he wants to get neighbors out and talking to one another and thinking about what they can do to make their neighborhoods a safer place to live. The capitol city has 22 separate events planned while dozens of other towns statewide will hold events to raise awareness about crime prevention, community spirit and police-neighborhood cooperation.Rogers says when people get to know their neighbors by name, they’re more likely to keep an eye out for them if they spot something suspicious. He say a wide variety of family-friendly events are planned tonight in Des Moines, like in most cities across Iowa. Residents are encouraged to lock their doors, leave their porch lights on and get out and meet their neighbors.