National Crime Prevention Council

Home security is a cornerstone of crime prevention. This Home Security Checklist helps protect your property and your peace of mind. Did you know? Taking proactive security measures can reduce the likelihood of break-ins and property theft. It’s a simple way to ensure your family and belongings are safe. Home security is one of the most effective ways to prevent crime and ensure the safety of our loved ones and property. At its core, it’s about taking proactive steps to protect what matters most. Why is home security so important? Did you know that homes without visible security measures are 3 times more likely to be targeted by burglars? Taking proactive steps to secure your home can significantly reduce the likelihood of break-ins and theft. It’s not just about protecting your belongings, but also about creating a safe environment for your family. From securing doors and windows to installing proper lighting and surveillance systems, these simple actions can have a big impact on your security. This checklist is designed to help homeowners, renters, and property managers understand the key areas that need attention when it comes to home security. Whether you're looking to upgrade your security system or simply assess potential vulnerabilities, this guide provides practical, easy-to-implement tips that will make a difference. A strong community starts with safe homes. By sharing these resources and raising awareness about the importance of home security, you can help reduce crime and build safer neighborhoods for everyone. 👉 Access the full Home Security Checklist and explore additional resources on crime prevention here: https://bit.ly/4h9kD7K

Illicit fentanyl is a public health crisis affecting young people nationwide. Fake pills, often purchased unknowingly, are being laced with this highly lethal synthetic opioid, leading to thousands of preventable deaths. Criminals are exploiting social media platforms and sophisticated supply chains to distribute these deadly pills. Fentanyl is now the leading cause of death for teens and young adults in the U.S., yet many are unaware of the dangers hiding in the drug supply. At the National Crime Prevention Council, we’re fighting back: 👉 Check out our PSA, here: https://lnkd.in/euh5P2Jb 🕊️ Visit the Lives Project to honor lives lost and share your story: livesproject.org Join us in raising awareness and saving lives. Together, we can turn the tide against this crisis.

The counterfeit goods market is a $2 trillion global criminal enterprise, impacting nearly every industry—from luxury fashion and electronics to pharmaceuticals and everyday household products. While fake designer bags might appear similar to the authentic ones at first glance, they often fall far short in quality, safety, and durability. Worse still, these counterfeit products frequently fund illegal activities, including gang violence, human trafficking, and other forms of organized crime. So, how can you tell the difference between the real deal and a fake? Authentic designer handbags are crafted with high-quality leather, superior materials, and intricate details that can be hard to replicate. Genuine products not only look better but are also built to last longer. When you choose authentic items, you’re supporting brands that prioritize safety, sustainability, and ethical practices, rather than contributing to the cycle of exploitation and harm that counterfeit goods sustain. The National Crime Prevention Council’s Go For Real™ campaign is dedicated to raising awareness among teens and tweens about the hidden dangers of counterfeit products and promoting smarter, more responsible buying habits. By educating young consumers about the risks of fakes, we can help them make better decisions and reduce demand for counterfeit goods. Whether you’re shopping for fashion or technology, the choices you make can have a significant impact on the world around you. Don’t just buy a product—invest in authenticity. 👉 Want to learn how to spot a real handbag? Explore The RealReal's comprehensive guide: https://bit.ly/40j8LJC 🔗 Learn more about the Go For Real™ campaign and how you can help protect consumers and support ethical brands: https://bit.ly/4gR9Rna

We're kicking off 2025 with some incredible news here at the NCPC headquarters. Our Go For Real Public Service Announcement (PSA) campaign has officially surpassed 4 billion impressions! 🚀 This is not just a number—it's a huge milestone that places Go For Real among elite government PSA campaigns. We couldn’t be more thrilled about the success this campaign has achieved, and we owe a huge thank you to the team at The Public Service Network and USPTO for making this happen! 👏 From raising awareness about counterfeit helmets that can put lives at risk to exposing fake shoes and fraudulent pills that threaten our communities, Go For Real covers it all. This milestone is a testament to the power of public service messaging and its ability to reach and resonate with millions. And the impact doesn’t stop here! We’re just getting started. 🌟 Are you one of the few that hasn't seen our PSAs yet? You can watch them on our YouTube channel and see how we’re tackling counterfeit products head-on to protect consumers everywhere. 📺 Here’s to another year of progress, collaboration, and making a real difference in the fight against crime. Let’s keep pushing the envelope! 💪 https://lnkd.in/gQXKMCtM

Let's pause this January 6 to appreciate our friends at the United States Capitol Police and at the DC Metropolitan Police Department. Four years ago, those brave officers did what they do everyday. They woke up and donned a badge not knowing what the day might bring. Not one officer defending the Capitol that day could have known what to expect as they left for work. They took an oath to serve and to protect. That they did. That is courage. That is dedication. That is heroism.

As parents and adults, we have a crucial responsibility in protecting our children from the dangers that come with firearms. Gun safety education is not just for adults — it's vital that we empower kids with the knowledge and tools to keep themselves safe if they ever encounter a firearm. In the U.S., over 4,000 children are injured or killed in unintentional shootings every year, and a significant number of these incidents happen when a child finds a firearm in an unsecured location. A 2019 study showed that nearly 1 in 3 homes with children have firearms, but many of those firearms are not stored safely. So, what can we do to prevent these tragic accidents? It starts with simple but life-saving guidelines that every child should know: 1️⃣ STOP – If a child comes across a gun, the first step is to stop what they’re doing. 2️⃣ DON'T TOUCH – Don’t pick up or play with the weapon. 3️⃣ GET AWAY – Move away from the gun and leave the area immediately. 4️⃣ TELL AN ADULT – Inform a trusted adult right away. The statistics are alarming, but the solution is in our hands. By educating our kids and modeling responsible behavior around firearms, we can dramatically reduce the risk of accidents. This education doesn’t just happen once — it needs to be ongoing and age-appropriate as children grow and encounter new situations. As adults, we also have a responsibility to secure firearms properly in our homes. Storing guns in a locked safe and using gun locks significantly reduces the risk of child-accessible firearm injuries. Let’s continue the conversation and make gun safety a priority in every home. Together, we can build safer communities for our children and ensure they have the knowledge to act responsibly in any situation.https://bit.ly/4glfUjB

A letter from McGruff to his biggest fans this New Years. "Dear Friends, As we wag our tails into 2025, I want to take a moment to thank each of you for all the hard work you’ve put into helping me Take a Bite Out of Crime. Your commitment to safety has been truly paw-some, and it’s inspiring to see how you’re making a real difference in your communities. The fight against crime is never easy, but I know with your dedication, we’ll continue to dig into this challenge and build safer neighborhoods where families can feel secure. Every small step — whether it’s raising awareness, educating others, or simply staying alert — helps keep the “ruff” stuff at bay. 2025 is full of potential, and I know that together, we can keep sniffing out crime and tracking down solutions. The road ahead may have its obstacles, but with every action you take, we’re one step closer to a brighter, safer future. Always remember: you have the power to make a real impact."

🌟 Holiday Travel Tips: Stay Safe & Secure this Season 🌟 As the holiday season approaches, many of us are preparing for much-needed vacations or time with loved ones. Whether you're traveling for business or taking some personal time off (PTO), it’s essential to ensure that both your home and travel plans stay secure while you’re away. Here are a few McGruff-approved safety tips to keep your journey stress-free and your property protected: Lock Up & Set Timers 🏠🔒 Before you leave, make sure all doors and windows are securely locked. Set timers on lights inside and outside your home to make it look like someone is still around. This is a simple yet effective way to deter potential intruders. Manage Deliveries 📦🚫 One of the easiest ways to protect your home while you’re away is to cancel any upcoming deliveries or ask a trusted neighbor to collect them for you. Package thefts can happen quickly, so preventing that “porch pirate” opportunity is key. Travel Light & Smart 💳🎒 When packing, only carry the essential IDs, credit cards, and documents you’ll need for your trip. Leave unnecessary cards, your social security number, or other sensitive information locked away at home. It’s all about reducing the risk of losing valuables or falling victim to identity theft. Keep Valuables Secure 🛏️🔑 Whether you’re staying in a hotel or with family, always keep your room key and personal items secure. Use a safe for valuables, and don’t leave things unattended in public spaces. Even on vacation, safety is always a priority. Plan for Safe Travel ✈️🚗 If you’re flying or driving, ensure you have an emergency contact list and keep important travel documents handy. Notify your employer or clients of your time off, and make sure all essential tasks are covered before you leave. Taking a few proactive steps to safeguard your home and belongings can provide peace of mind so you can focus on what matters most—enjoying your well-deserved time away. 🐾💙 Let’s stay smart, stay safe, and travel with confidence. Enjoy the holidays, and don’t let your guard down!

🎄 Go For Real TV: Revisit the Holiday Favorite! 🎬 Season 3 of Go For Real TV brings you a special holiday episode that’s both entertaining and educational for teens and tweens. 🎁✨ This season’s holiday episode, Is Love Even Real?, takes a fun, satirical twist on a holiday classic, combining the excitement of a feel-good love story with the important message about the dangers of counterfeit goods. In this heartwarming (and slightly hilarious) tale, a counterfeit toy manufacturer crosses paths with a detective on a mission to uncover the truth. What follows is a journey of love and redemption—where the detective not only solves the case but also learns the value of authenticity over counterfeit goods. Can love really change the course of business practices? Tune in to find out! 💕🕵️♂️ As we head into the holiday season, it’s the perfect time to remind teens and their families that counterfeit goods hurt more than just your wallet—they support criminal enterprises and threaten your safety. By sharing episodes like Is Love Even Real?, we’re helping to educate the next generation on how to spot counterfeits and why it's important to choose real, trusted products. Let’s spread the message: Choose authentic this season. Protect yourself, your family, and your community from the harm caused by counterfeits. 💡 Watch Go For Real TV and join us in the fight to protect consumers and Take a Bite Out of Crime! Watch here: https://bit.ly/3D6TUu7

🎄🐾 Happy Holidays from McGruff the Crime Dog! 🐾🎄 As we approach the end of the year, NCPC wants to take a moment to thank each and every one of you for helping McGruff keep our communities safe in 2024. Your support, commitment, and efforts to fight crime and protect those who matter most have been invaluable. Together, we've made a real impact, and we couldn't have done it without you! To all our amazing partners, collaborators, and advocates—thank you for standing with NCPC in the fight against crime. Your work makes a difference every single day. Here are just a few of the incredible organizations and individuals who have helped make 2024 a safer year for everyone: 🔹U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission: For working tirelessly to keep products safe and protecting consumers across the nation. 🔹 IPR Center and IP House: Your work in intellectual property protection ensures creators, innovators, and businesses are safe from counterfeit products that harm both consumers and our economy. 🔹 The Johns Hopkins University: For your ongoing research and commitment to public safety. 🔹The Real Real: Your focus on raising awareness on the dangers of counterfeit products is making waves. 🔹 CRIMEWATCH Technologies, Inc.: For your dedication to empowering communities to take an active role in safety. 🔹 Amy Neville: Your tireless advocacy for children and families keeps us moving forward in the fight to protect the vulnerable. 🔹 USPTO: For advancing the protection of intellectual property and supporting innovation through the Go For Real campaign. 🔹 Drug Enforcement Administration: Thank you for your hard work in combating illegal drugs and making our communities safer. 🔹 Jay Kennedy: Your mentorship and guidance in the intellectual property space. 🔹 Armoured One LLC: Your innovative work in safety is crucial to helping protect communities. 🔹 National Center for Missing & Exploited Children: Your advocacy for the safety of children is unmatched. 🔹 Human Rights Campaign: For your relentless fight to protect the rights of all individuals. 🔹 Attorney General Alliance: Your commitment to justice and community safety is unwavering. 🔹 Genworth: For helping ensure financial safety and security for families across the country and supporting our mission. 🔹 Anna Giaritelli, Kristin Wright, and Fatima Hussein: A special shout-out to the countless reporters who have shared our work and helped spread awareness. Your journalism matters!🎄 Happy Holidays! 🎄 Thank you for being a part of this journey. Whether you’re an organization, a public servant, a community leader, or a dedicated advocate, YOU are the reason we’re making a difference. Let’s keep up the fight in 2025 and beyond to make our communities safer and stronger. Wishing you all a happy, healthy holiday season filled with joy, peace, and safety. Together, we can continue to Take a Bite Out of Crime and keep our communities safe!