Tuesday's National Night Out block parties were more than just good food, fellowship and fun.  They were a chance for residents to get to know each other and help fight crime in their neighborhoods.

Thousands of people attended more than a hundred block parties in Shreveport and Bossier City residents held more than a dozen parties.

The goal of National Night Out is for neighbors to get to know one another as well as the police officers who patrol their streets.

"If you know your neighbors, you're more likely to keep an eye on their houses and report suspicious activity," said Shreveport Police Chief Willie Shaw.

National Night Out is normally held in August, but local authorities pushed it back to the first Tuesday in October to avoid the extreme heat.