By taking
a few simple precautions, you can reduce the risk to yourself and also
discourage those who commit crime.
Be
prepared....
Always be alert and aware of the people around you.
Educate yourself concerning prevention tactics.
Be aware of locations/situations which would make you
vulnerable to crime, such as alleys and dark parking lots.
Street
precautions...
Be alert to your surroundings and the people around
you, especially if you are alone or it is dark.
Whenever possible, travel with a friend or as part of
a group.
Stay in well-lighted areas as much as possible.
Walk close to the curb. Avoid doorways, bushes and
alleys where someone could hide.
Walk confidently and at a steady pace.
Make eye contact with people when walking - let them
know that you have noticed their presence.
Do not respond to conversation from strangers on the
street or in a car - continue walking.
If you carry a purse, hold it securely between your
arm and body or consider wearing a fanny pack.
Vehicle
Safety...
Always lock doors after entering or leaving your
vehicle.
Park in well-lighted areas and away from shrubs or
other potential hiding places.
Have your keys ready in your hand as you approach
your vehicle to unlock it.
Check the back seat before entering your vehicle.
If you think you are being followed, drive to a
public place like a police station, gas station or hospital emergency
entrance.
If your vehicle breaks down, open the hood and attach
a white cloth to the antenna or put a CALL THE POLICE sign in the rear window.
Stay locked inside your car, and if someone stops to assist you, roll down the
window only slightly and ask them to call for assistance.
Consider buying a cellular phone for ready access to
emergency communication.
Don’t stop to aid motorists stopped on the side of
the road. Call and request help for them.
Keep your vehicle maintenance current and always have
a FULL tank of gas!
While
waiting for a bus....
Avoid isolated bus stops.
Stand away from the curb until the bus arrives.
Don’t open your purse or wallet while boarding the
bus - have your pass or money already in your hand.
Don’t invite trouble by flashing your jewelry - hide
it under a collar, turn ring stones around so that they don’t show or leave
them at home.
While
riding on the bus...
Sit as close to the bus driver as possible.
Stay alert and be aware of the people around you.
If someone bothers you, change seats and tell the
driver.
Keep your purse/packages close by your side. Keep
your wallet inside a front coat pocket.
Check your purse/wallet if someone is jostling,
crowding or pushing you.
If you see any suspicious activity, inform the
driver.
Office
security...
Never leave your purse or wallet in plain view or in
the pocket of a jacket hanging on a door.
Don’t leave cash or valuables at the office.
If you work alone or before/after normal business
hours, keep the office door locked.
If you work late, try to find another worker or a
security guard to walk out with you.
If you are in the elevator with another person, stand
near the control panel. If someone gets on that makes you feel uncomfortable,
get off immediately and wait for another elevator.
Be alert for pickpockets on crowded elevators or
escalators.
Report all suspicious persons/circumstances to the
proper authorities: office manager, building security and/or the police.
Be aware of all escape routes for emergencies and
post police business and emergency numbers.
IF A CRIME OCCURS - REPORT IT!
Everyone should consider it their personal
responsibility to report crime. Many criminals target favorite areas and have
predictable methods of operation. When you report all the facts about a crime,
it helps the police assign officers in the places where crimes are occurring or
where they are most likely to occur.
At least one out of two crimes in the
United States goes unreported, either because people don’t think the police can
do anything about it, or because people don’t want to get involved. If you don’t
report crime, this allows the criminal to continue to operate without
interference!
In many cases, it is the information
provided by victims and witnesses that leads to the arrest of a criminal. So
tell the police as much as you can - no fact is too trivial. The police need the
eyes and ears of all citizens - together we CAN make a difference!