McGruff the Crime Dog® celebrated his 29th birthday on July 1! Back in 1980, a dog in a rumpled trench coat said, "You don't know me yet. But you will." Since then, McGruff has taught millions of people that the police can't fight crime alone. Crime prevention is everybody's business and everyone can help "Take A Bite Out Of Crime®."
McGruff is one of the most recognizable figures in the United States today and an icon that helps law enforcement connect with children and adults alike. While McGruff was launched in response to a rise in violent crime, today he promotes a message that all crime must be prevented. McGruff began as the brain child of law enforcement organizations, concerned citizens, and federal officials and the original McGruff costume has spawned more than 3,000 active costumes in all 50 states and many overseas military installations. McGruff’s picture has appeared on a U.S. postage stamp, he has his own monster truck, and he even has a few cars large and small (a Corvette, a go-cart, and even his own Matchbox Car).
Not only is McGruff used to connect law enforcement with the community at the street level, but his award winning messages that are conveyed via radio, TV, and the Internet reach millions of people each year. He works hard to promote prevention messages, and his messages have evolved to include a broad repertoire of crime prevention topics. He has promoted joining your local Neighborhood Watch, staying safe at school or work, addressing gun-related crimes, and preventing bullying and cyber bullying, hate crime, and much more. Recently, McGruff joined the fight to prevent online crimes as well. Whether he is talking to people about identity theft, cyberbullying, cell phone safety, or online safety in general his messages are ones that the American people listen to and his tips go far to prevent these crimes.
Whether you are young or old, McGruff has surely made an impact on how you stay safe from crime. McGruff is prepared to make appearances at all types of safety events, whether it’s your company picnic, neighborhood street fair, back to school night, or summer camp. McGruff is always ready to bring his message of crime prevention to others. He is especially excited at the prospect of visiting hundreds of communities during the second annual Celebrate Safe Communities initiative in October.
Again, happy birthday McGruff! Thank you for all you have done to help people across the nation learn how to keep themselves, their families, and their communities safe from crime. For more information about McGruff visit NCPC.org or McGruff.org, and if you would like McGruff to visit your community email mcgruff@ncpc.org. Remember it’s up to you to help McGruff “Take A Bite Out Of Crime®.”
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