News From NCPC

Please Note Corrected Number (#0840) To Donate to McGruff Through the Combined Federal Campaign

Your contributions make it possible for McGruff to help Americans “Take A Bite Out Of Crime®.” For 25 years McGruff has served your community and others throughout the United States .  His crime prevention messages have motivate d millions through public service advertising, training, publications, websites, and more. You can donate to McGruff and the National Citizens' Crime Prevention Campaign online at www.ncpc.org or through the Combined Federal Campaign by selecting #0840 on your pledge card. Thank you for your continuing support of our important mission.

Metro Police and McGruff Take A Bite Out Of Pocket Picking

The National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC), Metro Transit Police, and the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) recently partnered to provide transit system riders a new weapon in protecting themselves from pickpockets. NCPC and Metro launched a new advertising campaign featuring McGruff. The effort is part of Metro's plan to curb the activities of pickpockets who steal everything from PDAs and ipods to purses and wallets. These losses can also pose a serious identity theft threat because people often carry around a wealth of personal information.

“I applaud WMATA and the Metro Transit Police for recognizing the power of prevention in thwarting would-be criminals,” said NCPC President and CEO Al Lenhardt. “We look forward to a long, productive relationship where together we can educate both users of the transit system and its employees on important crime prevention issues.”

The pickpocket ads will be displayed throughout the transit system on bus and transit car cards. WMATA will also post an ad saluting McGruff on his 25 th anniversary. Metro and NCPC will seek to enhance their partnership in the coming months with discussions of new advertising messages, training for transit police officers, and visits by McGruff to area schools.

“We are happy to have been a partner with McGruff for twenty-five years. Through this relationship we have been able to bring attention to crime prevention in the Metrorail and Metrobus system,” said Metro Transit Police Chief Polly Hanson.

McGruff® Corner

McGruff Celebrates Crime Prevention in Hawaii

In celebration of his 25 th anniversary, McGruff has been living it up on the islands of Hawaii , Maui, and Oahu . “We are happy to be a part of this nationwide celebration,” said Attorney General Mark Bennett. “McGruff the Crime Dog has been part of Hawaii 's efforts to prevent crime and keep children safe for the past 19 years. We value the partnerships that we have formed with the private and public sectors to bring McGruff's message to the community. Their support makes the McGruff crime prevention campaign a success.” Events have included visits from McGruff, celebrations involving cake and entertainment, exhibits, hands-on activities, and more.