NORTH CHARLESTON, SC - On Tuesday, August 4th citizens, law enforcement agencies, community groups, businesses and local officials in over 10,000 communities and military bases worldwide will join forces to mark the 26th Annual National Night Out.

The North Charleston Police Department, in conjunction with national sponsor Target Stores, will sponsor the 26th Annual National Night Out event Tuesday, August 4, 2009 from 6 p.m. –9 p.m.

At 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, August 4th, Mayor Keith Summey, along with Police Chief Jon Zumalt and Housing Authority Executive Director George Saldana, will join residents of the Horizon Village community to kick off a neighborhood cookout and crime prevention walk.

Similar events will occur simultaneously in neighborhoods throughout the city to include: Forest Hills I, Wando Woods, Midland Park/Stall Road Corridor, Charleston Farms, Olde North Charleston, Cameron Terrace, Oak Preserve, Union Heights and Accabee. Citizens are asked to turn on their porch lights as a sign of unity and to let the criminals know that the City of North Charleston is organized and fighting back.

National Night Out is designed to (1) heighten crime and drug prevention awareness; (2) generate support for and participation in local anti-crime programs; (3) strengthen neighborhood spirit, police and community relations; and (4) send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods around the world are organized and fighting back.

Nationally, over 33 million people will participate in ‘America’s Night Out Against Crime’ this year.

If you, or someone you know, have any information regarding any crime, you are encouraged to contact Crime Stoppers. You could earn a reward up to $1,000.

Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at 554-1111, toll free at 1-888-CRIME-SC, or online at www.5541111.com. Texters can send anonymous tips to CRIMES (274637), and mark the beginning of the message with "TIPCSL". Text STOP to 274637 to cancel. Text HELP to 274637 for help. Msg&Data Rates May Apply.