Brooklyn residents came together Tuesday evening to mark the 25th annual National Night Out Against Crime. The event started out as a night when people were expected to turn off all the lights in their houses and sit out on porches in a sign of protest against violence. Over the years, the National Night Out, which takes place throughout the five boroughs, became a way to strengthen the ties between police and the local community.

Organizers of the festivities say the main goal of the event is to send a message to criminals that neighborhoods will stand together and fight back.In the course of the festivities, people were be able to get information about anti-crime programs, enjoy food, games and mingle with officers that serve their communities.Mayor Michael Bloomberg also joined the National Night Out festivities in Brooklyn.