About McGruff

McGruff the Crime Dog® is turning 35 this year. He is marking the occasion with a month-long social media celebration. McGruff will make his first appearance on Instagram (follow @McGruff_NCPC) on his birthday, July 1, 2015. Become a part of the celebration by snapping your own photo with McGruff like this fan did.

Take your own picture with McGruff with this image or share a photo from when you met McGruff in person.

Celebrate McGruff’s and the National Crime Prevention Council’s efforts to “Take A Bite Out Of Crime” by joining us on your favorite social media site beginning July 1, 2015.

Back in 1980, a dog in a rumpled trench coat said, "You don't know me yet. But you will." Since then, McGruff the Crime Dog has taught millions of people that the police can't fight crime alone - crime prevention is everybody's business and everyone can help "Take A Bite Out Of Crime."

Through television commercials, comic books, live appearances, and more, McGruff has encouraged Americans to take common-sense steps to reduce crime. Some of his favorite messages are

• To lock doors, leave the lights on when away from home, and let neighbors know when you go on vacation
• Do things that build a sense of neighborhood and create communities that don't produce crime and where people look out for each other and kids feel safe
• Get involved, to join Neighborhood Watch, and to clean up streets and parks
• For children and teens to protect themselves from substance abuse, bullies, and gang violence
  

These messages are catching on. In 2004, violent and property crimes remained at their lowest levels since 1973. Criminal victimization is down. And most people know McGruff the Crime Dog, including 76 percent of children ages 9 to 11.

Read more about McGruff's background and how you can help him “Take A Bite Out Of Crime.”