Suffolk will launch its 2010 National Night Out efforts this week with a community kick-off meeting on Thursday.

National Night Out will be held on Aug. 3 in communities across America. The national event is the 27th annual crime, drug and gang prevention effort sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch.

More than 35 million people in 11,000 communities in U.S. and Canadian states, territories and military bases around the world participate.

This year, Suffolk will be seeking a “three-peat” of its 2008 and 2009 first-place titles for its National Night Out events in its population category — beginning with the kick-off meeting Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. in City Council chambers, 441 Market St.

Community representatives, faith-based groups and business owners are invited to the kick-off to register their neighborhood, church or business to be included in this year’s festivities. They also will receive a party box with National Night Out information and merchandise, and be able to register to win an official National Night Out 27th anniversary banner, along with other door prizes.

“Even with last year’s success, there is much work to be done,” National Night Out coordinator Diana Klink said in a press release. “As Suffolk continues its unprecedented evolution as one of the fastest growing cities in the state of Virginia, we recognize that we’ll need to maintain the momentum gained by city leaders and community members as we continue to bring together citizens across our 430 square miles.”

The National Night Out festivities in August will occur in neighborhoods all across the city, with parades, flashlight walks, children’s activities and more. For more information about National Night Out, or to see photos from last year’s event, visit www.suffolknno.org or call 514-4104.