The Monroe County Sheriff's Office received a brand new McGruff the Crime Dog costume donation from ADT Security Services, to aid in crime prevention education throughout the area. The costume is one of 25 that ADT is donating to law enforcement agencies across the country as part of its partnership with the National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC), in celebration of McGruff's 25th Anniversary. In the photo left to right: Glenn Lemke of ADT, McGruff and Sheriff Patrick O'Flynn.
Home security as important as homeland security

McGruff the Crime Dog®, the 25-year-old icon of the National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC), celebrated his anniversary with a survey of law enforcement and crime prevention specialists to determine their priorities for the next ten years.

The findings of the study show that although crime is at a 30-year low and much emphasis is being placed on terrorism prevention and homeland security, much of the work of local law enforcement involves those issues that McGruff and NCPC have been tackling for 25 years. In recognition of the impact and importance of McGruff's call for everyone to "Take A Bite Out of Crime," ADT is also donating 25 McGruff costumes to law enforcement agencies across the country to assist in their crime prevention education efforts.

Home burglary victims in the United States lost over $3.5 billion according to FBI estimates released in November. Local law enforcement also reports that burglaries can be related to illegal drug use and even identity theft.

Additional survey results indicated that identity theft, gang crime, and school safety rose to the top of the list, with over half of law enforcement respondents ranking each of these issues a very high priority.

Home security tips

  • Install home security devices such as alarm systems, pick and drill-resistant locks with patent-protected keys and laminated windows with key locks.
  • Encourage local law enforcement and Neighborhood Watch groups to work together in educating residents about tested strategies.
  • Request a security survey to help you recognize and correct vulnerabilities.

Identity theft prevention tips

  • Do not disclose personal information without verifying the identity of the recipient.
  • Monitor accounts online. Those who monitor their accounts catch fraud earlier and minimize or eliminate the damage.
  • Work with the communications and data technology industries to help build prevention in devices.

School safety tips

  • Ensure schools have a detailed security plan that includes controlling access, monitoring the behavior of visitors and others using school facilities.
  • Offer training in anger management, stress relief, mediation and related violence prevention skills to students, staff and teachers.
  • Engage parents as partners with school administrators, teachers and law enforcement in ensuring safe and secure learning environments by assessing security challenges together.

December 25, 2005