National Crime Prevention Month

Categories:: Cause
Tags:: Awareness Lifestyle Safety
Where:: United States
Date change rule:: Every October
Holiday emoji:: 🛡️

National Crime Prevention Month takes place throughout October, encouraging citizens to actively contribute to the safety of their families and communities. Since its inception in 1984, this observance has successfully educated millions of Americans on vital crime prevention strategies and personal safety measures. Take action this month by learning new safety protocols, participating in local initiatives, and sharing awareness with your network.

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Expected National Crime Prevention Month Deals

Throughout National Crime Prevention Month, organizations and brands focus on educating the public and promoting safety solutions. Expect home security companies like ADT and Ring to offer special promotions on alarm systems, smart cameras, and monitoring services, encouraging homeowners to upgrade their defenses. Retailers specializing in personal safety devices, such as pepper spray or portable alarms, may also run discounts. Non-profits like the National Crime Prevention Council often partner with corporate sponsors for donation-matching campaigns, funding educational programs and community outreach. Local law enforcement agencies and community groups will host free workshops on topics like cybersecurity, neighborhood watch best practices, and fraud prevention. We will update this page with confirmed live deals and initiatives as October approaches.

Platform Guide for National Crime Prevention Month

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #CrimePreventionMonth. Share local safety tips and community event details.

X/Twitter

Mention @NatlToday and use #CrimePreventionMonth. Post quick prevention tips, statistics, and links to helpful resources.

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #CrimePreventionMonth. Create visual guides on home security or share stories of community safety heroes.

National Crime Prevention Month Hero

McGruff the Crime Dog

McGruff the Crime Dog is an anthropomorphic bloodhound created in 1980 by the National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC) to raise awareness about crime prevention. His famous slogan, 'Take a Bite Out of Crime,' has resonated with generations, teaching children and adults how to protect themselves and their communities. McGruff encourages vigilance, reporting suspicious activities, and securing homes, making him an enduring symbol of community safety.

History of National Crime Prevention Month

In 1982, Carl M. Loeb Jr., a prominent businessman, founded the National Crime Prevention Council (N.C.P.C.). McGruff the bloodhound was created as the mascot of the council and would advise people to “Take a bite out of crime.” It was during the tenure of President Ronald Reagan in 1984 when it was decided that October would be observed as National Crime Prevention Month.

The council has since encouraged regular citizens to share the responsibilities of crime prevention, which otherwise solely rests on the shoulders of law enforcement. Each week of the month is dedicated to different aspects of crime prevention such as awareness of counterfeit products, cybercrime, violent crimes, crimes against children, firearm safety, etc.

The N.C.P.C. equips you with various types of crime prevention month kits. These kits include information and strategies designed to help you protect yourself and your loved ones from falling victim to online predators, theft, bullying, and other crimes. There are specialized kits available on the N.C.P.C. website, namely kits for Firearm Safety, Protecting Children and Youth, Staying Safe in a High-Tech World, and Partnering with Law Enforcement to Prevent Crime.”

Each of these kits contains extensive information and safety tips on preventing crimes. For example, the Firearms Safety kit gives you safety tips to prevent accidental firing, various factors you need to consider before buying or selling firearms, and also detailed instructions on what a child must do if he/she finds a firearm. The Staying Safe in a High-Tech World kit provides you with information on how to shop online safely, how to deal with cyberbullying, and how to prevent children from stumbling upon graphic and explicit content on the internet.

National Crime Prevention Month timeline

1979

Crime Prevention Campaign is Initiated

The Bureau of Justice Assistance (B.J.A.) and 18 other organizations form the National Citizens' Crime Prevention Campaign.

1980

McGruff is Born

The Justice Department and the Advertising Council develop McGruff — a large brown dog in a trench coat as the council's mascot.

1982

The N.C.P.C is Founded

Carl M. Loeb Jr. helps to establish the National Crime Prevention Council.

1984

October is Chosen

President Reagan declares October to be observed as National Crime Prevention Month.

How Businesses Can Celebrate National Crime Prevention Month

Local businesses can play a crucial role in supporting National Crime Prevention Month by actively promoting safety within their establishments and communities. Retailers can host free workshops on shoplifting prevention for other small business owners or offer discounts on security products like surveillance cameras and alarm systems. Restaurants might partner with local law enforcement to host ‘Coffee with a Cop’ events, fostering dialogue between police and residents. All businesses can review their security protocols, educate employees on identifying suspicious behavior, and display crime prevention literature to help keep their patrons and neighborhoods safe. Local police departments and community centers are excellent resources for partnership opportunities.

National Crime Prevention Month FAQs

When is National Crime Prevention Month?

National Crime Prevention Month runs throughout October 2026. It’s an entire month dedicated to raising awareness and encouraging proactive measures against crime.

How effective are crime prevention programs?

Studies consistently show that well-implemented crime prevention programs can significantly reduce crime rates. For instance, community policing initiatives and enhanced security measures have been linked to measurable decreases in property and violent crimes across various neighborhoods.

How many communities participate in crime prevention?

Millions of Americans reside in communities with active crime prevention programs. The National Crime Prevention Council reports thousands of Neighborhood Watch groups and other local initiatives across all 50 states, demonstrating widespread participation in safeguarding neighborhoods.

What is the history of National Crime Prevention Month?

National Crime Prevention Month was first observed in October 1984, following a proclamation by President Ronald Reagan. It was established to draw attention to the importance of crime prevention and to promote community involvement in public safety efforts.

How to Observe National Crime Prevention Month

Increase awareness
One of the best ways to observe National Crime Prevention Month is to educate people, especially children and young adults on the importance of partnering with law enforcement to fight crime. You can conduct workshops where people are provided with insightful tips on internet safety, firearms safety, how to identify counterfeit products, prevention of drug abuse, and much more.
Organize a neighborhood watch
Partner with local police and initiate a neighborhood watch. You along with your close friends can take turns to keep a vigil in the neighborhood. This can be an effective way to ensure safety in your neighborhood while also allowing you to bond with your neighbors and build trust.
Organize self-defense classes
You need not become a professional fighter to protect yourself. Teaching basic self-defense techniques to people can go a long way in making them more confident. Organizing self-defense classes for people of all age groups will not only boost their confidence and improve their health, but also allow them to socialize, which is crucial for a close-knit neighborhood.

5 Facts About The N.C.P.C. That Will Blow Your Mind

Carl M. Loeb Jr. was a basketball player
The chairman of the N.C.P.C., Carl M. Loeb Jr., was an All-American basketball player and had a master's degree in metallurgical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Loeb was in the N.C.C.D.
Before he founded the N.C.P.C, Loeb was the vice president of the board of the National Council on Crime and Delinquency.
Dancing Fitzgerald Sample ade McGruff
Dancing Fitzgerald Sample, now merged with Saatchi and Saatchi was the advertising agency that worked with the Advertising Council to create McGruff, the mascot.
McGruff is 40 years young
In 2020, McGruff celebrated his 40th birthday and there are over 4,000 active McGruff (costumes) today.
The U.S. Postal Service honored McGruff
In 1984, the United States Postal Service released a first-class postage stamp in honor of McGruff.

Why National Crime Prevention Month is Important

Preventing crime is everyone's responsibility
Partnering with law enforcement and the N.C.P.C. to bring down crime ensures the safety and well-being of our neighborhood and city. This month reminds us that we all share the responsibility of protecting our cities and keeping them crime-free.
It is important for children and teens
Children and young adults who have undergone training through workshops and classes organized by the N.C.P.C are better equipped to deal with bullying, online predators, dating violence, and gangs.
It is an opportunity for strengthening relationships
National Crime Prevention Month provides an opportunity for communities to come together and forge new relationships while working towards controlling crime. This helps in building strong, safe, and healthy societies.