Residents are encouraged to leave their porch lights on as a show of support of National Night Out against crime on Aug. 5. The Broward Sheriff’s Office will host several activities throughout the county in connection with the 31st annual National Night Out against crime.

BSO deputies and firefighters will be on hand at 10 different locales with useful crime prevention presentations and to answer questions about how you can help fight crime in your neighborhood. In the evening, join your neighbors at your nearest National Night Out against crime location, where you’ll find static displays and demonstrations by various BSO specialized units, including bomb and arson, SWAT, K9, marine patrol and mounted patrol. BSO vehicles will be on display, Broward Sheriff Fire Rescue will host “paint the fire truck” and there will be other entertainment (demonstrations and entertainment vary by location).  All events are free.  National Night Out started Tuesday, Aug. 7 1984 as an effort to promote involvement in crime prevention activities, police-community partnerships, neighborhood camaraderie
and send a message to criminals that neighborhoods could organize and fight back. That first year, 2.5 million Americans took part across 400 communities in 23 states.

Tamarac: 6-9 p.m., BSO district office, 7515 N. Pine Island Rd.

Deerfield Beach: 6-9 p.m., Quiet Waters Park, 401 S. Powerline Rd., Pavilion 10

Pompano Beach: 6-9 p.m., adjacent to City Hall, 100 W. Atlantic Blvd.

Lauderdale-By-The-Sea: 6-8 p.m., El Prado Park, 4501 El Mar Dr.

Central Broward/Lauderdale Lakes: 6-8 p.m., Vincent Torres Park, 4331 N.W. 36 St., Lauderdale Lakes

South Broward: 5-8 p.m., BSO district office, 3201 Hallandale Beach Blvd., Pembroke Park

Dania Beach: 6-9 p.m., Patrick J. Meli Park, 2901 SW 52 St.

Parkland: 6-8 p.m., Parkland Commons/Publix, 8095 University Dr.

North Lauderdale: 6-9 p.m., City Municipal Complex, 701 Rock Island Rd.

Cooper City:  7-9 p.m., BSO district office, 10580 Stirling Rd.

ON THE NET:

nationalnightout.org