By Brittney Williams

Hundreds of residents from the Bedford Park, Fordham, Kingsbridge, Norwood and University Heights will converge at the Williamsbridge Oval in its yearly call against criminals.

The annual National Night Out Against Crime takes place on Tuesday, August 5 at the Williamsbridge Oval Park from 5 to 8 p.m. The night offers a varied mix of activities for children and families such as face painting and bouncing houses. Backpacks and other school supplies are also given out to children to help prepare them for the upcoming school year.

The event was founded in the early 1980s, serving as a way to bring the community together and open up communication about safety issues in the neighborhood. Every year, police officers talk with community members and offer advice on how to stay safe. Information from local community groups is also given out to keep the public aware of matters affecting Bronxites.

Adaline Walker-Santiago, the Chairperson of Bronx Community Board 7 will be setting up a table to inform people about how important the police are in the community.

“I think it’s important to see the police as community-friendly. It shows the police are here for the community and they are supported,” said Walker-Santiago.

This year, the 52^nd Precinct has something to celebrate—lower crime than last year. CrimeStats show major crime dropped .8 percent this year, with murder taking a dip the most. This year there were three murders, compared to five at the same time last year. But hurting the Five-Two’s numbers was an increase in rape and burglary, which went up 11 percent and 9 percent respectively.