CRIME PREVENTION TIPS

CP%20SharedGeneral Crime Prevention Tips

Three factors must be present for a crime to occur: desire, ability and opportunity. You can have a significant impact on the last one, opportunity, and can significantly reduce crime by taking simple crime prevention steps.

 

At Home

  • Use a door viewer before opening your door. Always demand identification from strangers (even repair or sales persons).
  • Always lock up your home before leaving.
  •  Don’t hide your house keys outdoors anywhere.
  • Use interior and exterior lighting at all times.
  • Have keys ready and in your hand for immediate use when you return home.

 

Walking

  • Plan your route ahead of time. Never walk alone at night; walk with a friend or your dog.
  • Use well lit streets; not dark alleys or bushy areas.
  • Carry signaling devices like shriek alarms or a whistle.
  • Carry pepper spray (requires a short training course first).
  • BE ALERT! Look behind you occasionally.
  • NEVER ask for or accept a ride from a stranger.
  • Don’t carry large sums of money or wear valuable jewelry.
  • Don’t resist an armed robber – hand over whatever is demanded quickly and quietly.
  • Your life and safety are worth more than any personal property.

 

Purse Protection

  • If possible, don’t carry one! Never carry anything you can’t afford to lose in it.
  • Carry your purse across the front of your body, with your forearm across the front of the purse and your elbow held tightly against your side.
  • Carry your keys, wallet or other valuables in pockets in your clothes
  • Carry minimum amounts of cash and credit cards. Keep a record of all of your card numbers.

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Driving

 

  • Always look inside before entering your car.
  • Lock all doors immediately after you are in the car.
  • Never pick up hitchhikers.
  • If a stranger approaches while you are in the car, keep the windows up, doors locked and engine running.
  • Honk your horn if you need to attract attention.
  • Park in well lit areas at night.
  • Always lock your car when leaving it.
  • Consider installing an auto burglar alarm system.
  • Don’t leave anything valuable in your car if at all possible.

 

Garage Sales

  • Garage sales are generally safe. HOWEVER, here are some precautions.
  • Do not advertise garage sales as a “moving sale;” this implies that the house may be vacant for extended periods of time.
  • Do not answer personal questions about the house such as type of alarm, daytime occupancy, etc.
  • Do not let people inside (to use the bathroom. phone, etc.)
  • Hide or destroy boxes from computers, TV’s, VCR’s, etc.
  • Don’t accidentally advertise that you own such items