National Crime Prevention Week is an annual observed from September 1 to September 7, with a pledge to “Take a Bite Out of Crime.” Since law enforcement funding is being cut around the country, each of us has a significant responsibility to play in keeping our homes, schools, and communities secure. From preventing identity theft to firearm safety to gang prevention, there’s a lot to do.
History of National Crime Prevention Week
In 1984, President Ronald Reagan declared October to be Crime Prevention Week. N.C.P.C. has worked with local law enforcement, government agencies, civic organizations, schools, and businesses since then to help them spread the word about crime prevention and personal safety.
Crime Prevention Week was first observed in 1983 in Canada, due to the federal government. The Alberta government began celebrating the week with a provincial focus in 1992. It was then relocated to May in 1993, at the request of Alberta police forces, to coincide with National Police Week.
The Advertising Council, Inc. assumed the task of assisting the nation in broadcast methods to decrease crime in 1978. The Ad Council tasked Dancer Fitzgerald Sample. Over 19 agencies, which constituted the nucleus of the Crime Prevention Coalition of America, supported and executed the efforts. The National Crime Prevention Council now oversees the National Citizens’ Crime Prevention Campaign, which features McGruff the Crime Dog and his catchphrase, “Take A Bite Out Of Crime.”
McGruff has been at hundreds of community and school events, as well as on radio and television, throughout the years. His themes have shifted from promoting personal, family, and home protection to broader concerns about crime prevention. The United States Postal Service issued a first-class postage stamp featuring McGruff’s face in 1984. McGruff was pushing people to join Neighborhood Watch and clean up streets and parks to make them less appealing to thieves by the mid-1980s. The Campaign addressed the consequences of gun violence on children in the mid-1990s. Volunteering, bullying, Internet safety, and identity theft are all current challenges. McGruff will also address cyberbullying and telemarketing fraud against elders soon.
National Crime Prevention Week timeline
Due to his work with the English legal system, Henry Fielding, a former writer, become a judge in England and is dubbed the "Father of Crime Prevention."
Sir Robert Peel establishes the Metropolitan Police of London to carry on Fielding's work.
On July 15, the first crime prevention section in the United States is established.
A message against kidnapping at the behest of police services is featured in the cartoon television sitcom, “Family Guy.”
National Crime Prevention Week FAQs
What is National Crime Prevention Center?
National Crime Prevention Center (N.C.P.C.) provides efficient and cost-effective methods of preventing and reducing the crime rate by discussing risk factors before the crime occurs.
What is the goal of crime prevention
The purpose of crime prevention is not just to reduce crime and promote security, but also to prevent the harm that crime causes.
What is one crime prevention approach that a civilian may employ?
Take away goods that may trigger an offense. Not leaving equipment or ladders in the garden, as well as picking away any rubble/bricks, keeping wheelie bins out of reach because they can be used as a climbing aid.
How to Observe National Crime Prevention Week
Find out about local N.G.Os in your area
You might be amazed at how many there are and how ready they are to assist you in keeping your area secure. Find out more today!
Develop a local community with your neighbors
Assist individuals in your community in following the programs that will allow them to spend their leisure time in good, healthy surroundings. This is important to keep everyone safe.
Set up a neighborhood watch in collaboration with the local police
Having a reliable neighbor to keep an extra pair of eyes on your house is more efficient than most people realize. Set up a community watch on this day.
5 Facts About National Crime Prevention Week That Will Blow Your Mind
Crime rates against children quadruple
This is roughly the hours after school and before parents return home from the office.
Every American loses $1,400 to criminals
The average attacker steals around 1,400 dollars from their victim.
Juvenile offenders are likely to repeat
41% of those who were referred to the juvenile court for first-time offenses will be referred again.
Crime rates can be reduced
Overall drug abuse has been reduced to 22% with sustained campaigns.
Delinquency is reduced by a stable family
According to Pittsburgh's research on adolescent delinquency, the absence of a stable family structure was more likely to generate settings conducive to criminal conduct than peer pressure.
Why National Crime Prevention Week is Important
Everyone must prevent crime
This week serves as a reminder that we are all responsible for ensuring our communities are safe and crime-free. See what you can do during this week to contribute.
It is critical for children and teenagers
Children and young people who have participated in N.C.P.C. workshops and programs are more prepared to deal with bullying, online predators, and dating violence. Being prepared is half the battle.
It is a chance to strengthen ties
National Crime Prevention Month allows communities to join together and build new relationships while working to reduce crime. This contributes to the development of strong, secure, and healthy societies.
National Crime Prevention Week dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | September 1 | Sunday |
| 2025 | September 1 | Monday |
| 2026 | September 1 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | September 1 | Wednesday |
| 2028 | September 1 | Friday |
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