The Turlock Police Department is encouraging people to take to the streets Tuesday and get to know their neighbors as part of the National Night Out celebration.

National Night Out is designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness, generate support for local anticrime efforts, strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships. In 2010, the City of Turlock won an award from the National Association of Town Watch for an exceptional second year of participation in the program.

This year’s celebration is planned from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tuesday. Residents in neighborhoods throughout Turlock are asked to lock their doors, turn on outside lights and spend the evening outdoors with neighbors and police. Neighbors are encouraged to host special events such as block parties, cookouts, ice cream socials, or neighborhood gatherings. Turlock Police and Turlock Fire officials will be visiting each area that registers their party with the Turlock Police Department.

In conjunction with National Night Out, the Turlock Police Department is holding their 6th annual Open House from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 6 at the police department at 900 N. Palm St. The Open House will include crime prevention and public safety information and demonstrations, as well as tours, family activities and hot dogs and drinks.

Anyone interested in participating in National Night Out should contact the crime Prevention Officer at 656-3153.