PEOPLE URGED TO JOIN NATIONAL NIGHT OUT.

Byline: Bhavna Mistry Daily News Staff Writer

In a show of support for anti-crime efforts to heighten awareness of drug and crime prevention, Antelope Valley residents are encouraged to participate in Tuesday's National Night Out.

Residents are asked to turn on their outside lights from 8 to 10 p.m. and spend an evening with neighbors and public officials.

``National Night Out is an opportunity for neighbors to get together and celebrate victories that they have had in combating crime in their neighborhoods,'' said Capt. Joe Hladky, Palmdale station commander.

The event, sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch and the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, is celebrated each year nationwide.

Many local neighborhoods plan special events such as block parties, cookouts, visits with sheriff's deputies and anti-crime rallies, officials said.

``The National Night Out program is an outstanding campaign to help build neighborhood unity and strengthen law enforcement-community partnerships,'' Hladky said.

During a Lancaster City Council meeting, Mayor Frank Roberts presented the Lancaster sheriff's station with a proclamation thanking deputies for their involvement with the program.

For information, call the Palmdale station at [phone], the Lancaster station at [phone], the Palmdale Office of Public Safety at [phone] or Lancaster City Hall at [phone].