By Jonathan Michels

Chapel Hill residents can give a going away party for crime and drugs by celebrating National Night Out next month.

The 27th Annual National Night Out event will be held on August 3 from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.  Captain Leo Vereen is excited about the event and says it’s a good way for Chapel Hill residents to take a stand against drugs and crime.

Town officials expect neighborhoods to host special events like block parties, cookouts, parades and even visits from police.

Vereen says doing something as simple as meeting your neighbors can make neighborhoods safer.

For more information about National Night Out or to find out how you can be visited by an officer, visit townofchapelhill.org.