Police encourage locals to attend national campaign

Newport Beach police are inviting residents to join communities nationwide Aug. 25 for the 25th annual National Night Out, a campaign to send a message to criminals that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.

From 4 to 7 p.m. at Bonita Canyon Sports Park, 4300 Ford Road in Newport Beach, police officials will showcase the different ways they help keep the city safe, from a SWAT team display, to information on the Crime Scene Investigation unit and the department’s K-9s.

Animal control will be on hand with information, along with McGruff the Crime Dog, barbecue, games and crafts for kids and the department’s new black-and-white vehicles.

National Night Out intends to promote awareness and strengthen ties in the community.

For more information, call Newport Beach police’s Crime Prevention Unit at (949) 644-3699.

— Joseph Serna