National Night Out marks 25th year with Tuesday gatherings

On Tuesday, from Vancouver to Bellingham and Walla Walla to Seattle, residents will be meeting for potlucks, parades and other social events — part of the National Night Out against crime, now in its 25th year.

Organizers hope relationships formed that night will lead to greater cooperation in reporting suspicious people in the neighborhood.

"We need the community's help to prevent and solve crimes," says Jeffrey Kappel, a spokesman for the Seattle Police Department. "The Police Department can't do it alone."

The national event got started in 1984 with about 400 communities, according to the National Association of Town Watch, a nonprofit based in Wynnewood, Pa. More than 12,000 communities are expected to participate this year.

In Seattle, at least 867 blocks have registered for Tuesday's event. The city allows portions of streets to be closed without a permit during National Night Out events.

"When you talk about fear, most of us are the good guys, and yet we tend to retreat when it comes to crime," says Matt Peskin, the nonprofit's director. "This was designed to bring people together."

Given the grass-roots nature of the events, there is no central published list of block parties. People wanting to take part should check with their community council, police precinct, block-watch coordinator or neighbors.

Sanjay Bhatt: 206-464-3103 or sbhatt@seattletimes.com