Police invite public to learn about safety

Tonight, several communities around Snohomish County plan to celebrate the 24th annual National Night Out Against Crime.

The event is designed to heighten crime- and drug-prevention awareness by generating support and participation in anti-crime efforts, police said.

The event has grown since it started in 1984, with 400 communities in 23 states. Last year, 35.2 million people in 11,125 communities from all 50 states took part in events.

People are encouraged to turn on porch lights, lock their doors and spend the night outside with neighbors and police.

Here’s a list of some of the bigger events taking place today:

Arlington

5 to 8 p.m., next to the police station, 238 N. Olympic Ave.; police vehicles and McGruff the crime dog, safety information, free gun locks and more.

Brier

6 to 8:30 p.m., Brier Park next to the police department, 2901 228th St. SW; safety information, games and food.

Bothell

6 to 9 p.m., Bothell Police Department, 18410 101st Ave. NE; safety information, kids activities, music and food.

Everett

4 to 8 p.m., 6315 Fleming St., Suite B; family crafts, music, child identification kits and more.

5 to 8:30 p.m., northwest corner of the Everett Mall parking lot; safety information, emergency equipment displays, free bike helmets and free food.

Granite Falls

5 to 8 p.m., field between Alfy’s Pizza and the Red Apple, N. Granite Avenue; games for kids, free food and safety information.

Island County Sheriff’s Office

4 to 9 p.m., Oak Harbor City Beach; safety information, children’s events and more.

Lake Stevens

5 to 9 p.m., in front of City Hall, 1812 Main St.; children’s activities, safety information, free food and more.

Lynnwood

Several smaller get-togethers are planned. Call Lynnwood police at 425-744-6938 for an event in your neighborhood.

Marysville

6 to 8:30 p.m., Comeford Park, 514 Delta Ave.; children’s activities, safety demonstrations, bicycle registration and more. Bring a canned food item to exchange for a free hot dog.

Monroe

6 to 9 p.m., Lake Tye Park, 14964 Fryelands Blvd.; safety demonstrations, children’s activities, food and more.

Mountlake Terrace

6 to 9 p.m., City Hall Civic Center parking lot, 23204 58th Ave. W.; safety information, music, food and more.

Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office

5 to 8 p.m., McCollum Park, 600 128th St. SE; children’s activities, safety information and free food.

Snohomish

6 to 9 p.m., Averill Field, 400 Second St.; safety information, children’s activities, free food and more.