Neighborhoods throughout Bellevue are being invited to join forces with thousands of communities nationwide for the “28th annual National Night Out” crime and drug prevention event.

The event is set for Aug. 2.

The civic event is planned to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness; generate support for, and participation in, local anticrime efforts; send a message to criminals letting them know neighborhoods are organized and fighting back; and strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships.

On the Tuesday night of the event, residents in neighborhoods throughout the nation are asked to lock their doors, turn on their outside lights and spend the evening with neighbors and police. Citizens are encouraged to start planning their own block parties and open houses.

From 3:30-6:30 p.m. there will be a National Night Out community party at the Bellevue Crossroads Market Place (in front of the old Circuit City) located on the eastside of Crossroad Mall, 800 block of 156 Avenue Northeast in Bellevue.

The event is open to Bellevue residents of all ages. Prizes will be offed to kids; demonstrations performed by various public safety departments on ways to stay safe; and entertainment, food and activities designed around a crime prevention/reduction message.

Locally, the National Night Out is sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch and co-sponsored locally by the Bellevue Police Department, the Crossroads Shopping Center, Target, Top Foods Grocery Store, Westernco Donuts and PSE Bulb Mobile.

More information is available by contacting Officer Dave Porter at the Bellevue Police Crossroads Community Station, DPorter@bellevuewa.gov or 425-452-2891.