Crime Prevention Month Celebrates 30 Years of Taking A Bite Out Of Crime

ARLINGTON, VA – October 1, 2014 – Since 1984, October has been National Crime Prevention Month.  This October, the National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC) partners with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Not In Our Town, the FINRA Investor Education Foundation, and the Global IP Center, U.S. Chamber of Commerce.  For thirty years, NCPC, home to McGruff the Crime Dog, has marked the month with a focus on proactive crime prevention and public safety information for individuals and communities.

“NCPC has assembled an impressive array of partners to mark the 30th anniversary of Crime Prevention Month,” said Ann M. Harkins, president and CEO of the National Crime Prevention Council. “Since its inaugural debut in 1984, NCPC has used this month to focus on the personal safety and crime prevention situations we each face every day and give the information you need to make the right choices.”

Each week during the month, NCPC and its select partner will unveil new resources for consumers and law enforcement to “Take A Bite Out Of Crime” in their communities.  The weekly themes and corresponding resources are located on the Celebrate Safe Communities section of ncpc.org.

Week 1:  Get Alerts, Stay Alive: Emergency Preparedness
FEMA unveils a new webinar and resources to encourage the use of Wireless Emergency Alerts to help all Americans be prepared to respond to emergencies where they live, work, go to school, or socialize.

Week 2:  Raise Your Voice To Stop Hate
Not in Our Town created a documentary, Waking in Oak Creek, which is not to be missed.  It shines a spotlight on hate crimes and how they can lead to violence in schools, places of worship, and local communities. The documentary features powerful examples of how students, parents, businesses, law enforcement, and the community can all play a role in preventing hate crimes and building cohesive communities.

Week 3:  Prevent Financial Fraud: Before You Invest, Ask and Check
The FINRA Investor Education Foundation is enhancing its partnership with McGruff the Crime Dog by unveiling new viral videos and public service announcements that feature the lovable canine and some pooch pals.  The videos aim to reach the more than 80 percent of adults (age 40 and over) who have been solicited to participate in a potentially fraudulent scheme.

Week 4:  Get Real About Intellectual Property Theft
The consequences of intellectual property theft are real and include increased gang and organized crime activity, economic loss, and life-threatening harm to consumer health and safety. Together with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Global IP Center, NCPC is out to show the public that intellectual property theft isn’t a victimless crime. Thieves reap huge profits from the counterfeit products, which in turn can damage lives and destroy neighborhoods.

In addition, the FINRA Investor Education Foundation, U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and Not In Our Town will be featured in NCPC’s new radio series on The Social Network. The Social Network Station delivers news, insights, and expert commentary in support of the mission to cover best practices in social justice, crime prevention, and cybersafety and security for the public.

Lastly, Ms. Harkins stated, “Together with our vast network of local and state law enforcement agencies, local community groups, foundations, and corporate partners across the country, NCPC will continue to work together to encourage safe behaviors, provide solutions to local crime problems, and help people keep themselves, their families, and their communities safe from crime.”

For more information on National Crime Prevention Month and other safety advice, visit NCPC’s website at www.ncpc.org. To schedule an interview with NCPC experts or its partners, please contact 202-261-4184.

About the National Crime Prevention Council
The National Crime Prevention Council is the nonprofit leader in crime prevention. For more than 30 years, our symbol of safety, McGruff the Crime Dog, has delivered easy-to-use crime prevention tips that protect what matters most—you, your family, and your community. Since 1982, NCPC has continuously provided the American public with comprehensive educational materials, training programs, and effective crime prevention messaging, delivered in large part through its vast network of more than 10,000 state and local law enforcement agencies, crime prevention associations, community groups, foundations, and corporate partners.  For more information on how NCPC can be a public safety expert for you or how to “Take A Bite Out of Crime®,” visit www.ncpc.org.

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Further Information:
Michelle Boykins
202-261-4184