NATIONAL CRIME PREVENTION MONTH

NATIONAL CRIME PREVENTION MONTH | October

National Crime Prevention Month is an annual designation observed in October. During this time, the National Crime Prevention Council asks you to join in the commitment to "Take a Bite Out Of Crime." Law enforcement budgets are shrinking across the country, so there's a major role each of us can play to help keep our homes, schools, and communities safe. National Crime Prevention Month is all-encompassing. From stopping identity theft, to firearm safety, to gang prevention... there's a lot of ground to cover when it comes to preventing illegal activity.

HOW TO OBSERVE

Take the proper measures to protect yourself from crime. Lock your doors, change your passwords, keep your keys on you, and anything else you are able to think of. Use #NationalCrimePreventionMonth to post on social media. Here's a list of some easy steps you can take to strengthen your community and prevent crime in your area.

1. Learn about local nonprofits in your community. You may be surprised at how many you find, and how eager they are to help you keep your neighborhood safe.

2. Help people in your community connect to programs (especially for kids) that will allow them to spend their free time in positive, healthy environments.

3. Arrange a neighborhood watch that works with local police. Having trusted neighbors keep an extra set of eyes on your home is more efficient than some may think.

4. Clean up your neighborhood. Getting the whole gang together to clean up helps put everyone on the same page, builds trust, and brings neighbors closer together. It also sends a message to criminals that your area is vigilant.

HISTORY

The National Crime Prevention Council designated October Crime Prevention Month in 1984 through a presidential proclamation. Since then, NCPC has worked with government agencies, law enforcement, schools, businesses, and civic groups to spread the word about crime prevention and personal safety. Join the movement!