Photos: Police-Community Relations Council Looks to "Take a Bite Out of Crime"

A local non-profit is well on its way to adopting its very own McGruff, the crime fighting dog, after the Parkville precinct has gone years without the costume.

Parkville's Police Community Relations Council organized an event at Silver Spring Mining Company in Perry Hall to raise the cash for the outfit, consisting of a mascot head, overcoat and slacks they say will help teach children about safety and crime prevention.

The cost of a brand-new McGruff costume is around $1,700, according to the group's president, Rolfe Feser. After fundraisers throughout the year, the group still has about $1,000 to raise in order to purchase the costume.

The restaurant, which caters the group's meetings and has worked with them on previous fundraisers, was happy to help.

"We like to support the community," said Denise Gendimenico, a marketing and events manager for the restaurant. "When they succeed, we succeed."

The restaurant donated 10 percent of the proceeds from diners who mentioned the fundraiser.

The event was attended by Parkville Precinct Commander Capt. Thomas Busch, Baltimore County Police Chief James Johnson, State Sen. Kathy Klausmeier and community outreach officers.

"We recognize the importance of McGruff in teaching young people about crime prevention and keeping people safe," said community outreach Officer Jason Goorevitz.

The Parkville Police Community Relations Council meets the fourth Tuesday of each month and the public is welcome to attend and join. The next meeting will be held at 7 pm Aug. 23 at the VFW Hall, 9809 Harford Road in Parkville, and will feature an appearance by a Baltimore County police helicopter, weather permitting.