Neighbors gather for National Night Out events in the Bay Area

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- National Night Out drew crowds around the Bay Area for gatherings where communities get together and share ideas to make things safer.

There were 15 events in San Francisco Tuesday, including one in Duboce Park where smash and grab burglaries continue to be a thorn in the side of many residents.

FULL LIST: National Night Out events in the Bay Area

"I would say the local car street break-in, that kind of stuff is worse. Needles on the street that seems to be the biggest change and lots of car break-ins," Duboce Triangle resident Barbara Lavicka said.

While cellphone thefts have gone down significantly, the district attorney's office admits car break-ins have gone up.

Neighbors have responded by going on networks like Next Door, or forming their own online groups to help keep their streets safer.

VIDEO: Lyanne Melendez goes live on Facebook from San Francisco for National Night Out

"When I first heard of it, I thought it was quite a good idea just for it to be a little more connection between police and the neighborhood," one resident said.

Police want to promote and strengthen that relationship and share ideas to improve each community. That's why National Night Out started in 1984. Today, 38 million people across the country participate each year.

"Come out, let's work, let's get to know one another, let's talk about what we can do to work together because we can't do it all by ourselves. We need everyone working as one," SFPD Lieutenant Ed Santos said.

Briana Caballero says she supports the concept of working with her neighbors while reminding her son Damien to do the same.

"They see something immediately call and try to help, even if they're scared at least try. It does not hurt to try. You could be that person who saves that person's life," she said.

Events throughout the Bay Area, including the following:

National Night Out at the Alhambra Christmas Tree farm, 2647 Reliez Valley Road, Martinez.

Kickoff event for San Bruno's National Night Out, Grundy Park, 586 Cherry Ave., San Bruno.

National Night Out event at the Concord library, 2900 Salvio St., Concord.

Free BBQ dinner sponsored by the Sebastopol police department, 220 S. Main St., Sebastopol (4:30 p.m.)

San Francisco Western Addition National Night Out Party (5:30 p.m.) hosted by the San Francisco public defender's "mobilization for adolescent growth in our communities" (MAGIC), Ella Hill Hutch Community Center, 1050 McAllister St.

San Francisco Bayview District National Night Out party (5 p.m.), hosted by the San Francisco public defender's "Mobilization for

Adolescent Growth in our Communities" (MAGIC), Bayview Opera House, 4705 Third St.

Rohnert Park Public Safety National Night Out event, City Center Plaza, 475 City Center Drive, Rohnert Park.

Petaluma Police department National Night out event. Target parking lot, 401 Kenilworth Drive, Petaluma.

Downtown Martinez block party, 600 block of Main Street, Martinez.

Gilroy's Fourth Annual National Night Out. Downtown Gilroy, Fifth Street between Eigleberry Street and Monterey Road.