Block Parties Planned For National Night Out

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Block parties and cookouts are being held in neighborhoods throughout Minnesota as part of National Night Out.

The event is also called "Night to Unite" in some cities. Tuesday's events are billed as ways to increase crime awareness and give neighbors a chance to stand together against crime.

Law officers plan to attend some events. In Hennepin County, sheriff's officials will attend more than 70 events in 22 communities and plan to talk about preventing medication abuse.

Sheriff Rich Stanek says his office is asking citizens to properly dispose of unwanted medications and keep others secure in the home -- to reduce the chance that medicines will be misused.

Lawyers and staff from the Hennepin County attorney's office will also attend gatherings. They plan to answer questions about crime prevention.

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