The old adage "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure," is very true. There is nothing mysterious about preventing and deterring crime. The easiest way to prevent crime is to AVOID IT . . . by not giving criminals the opportunity to perpetrate their crimes against you. You do this best by not making yourself an easy, simple, weak or lucrative target for criminals. Most criminals are looking for an easy target to victimize. The more obstacles or adverse factors you place in their path, the less likely criminals will both you. Criminals don't like to work very hard to obtain their desired, unlawful ends. You must acknowledge that criminals come in all shapes and sizes. They can look like the scum of the earth or the most respected business person. Don't let appearances fool you. Criminals act, think and behave differently from normal people. They can be very unpredictable and can suddenly change to your detriment. Always remember, stay alert, use your intuition and be aware!
Walk steady and watchfully. Communicate a sense of self-confidence and purpose.
Avoid crime-ridden areas where trouble has or might occur.
Carry few valuables. At the same time, have at least $20 on you to give to the criminal if you are cornered. Carry it in a money clip with a couple of $1 bills tucked in between it to use as a diversion to get away. Throw it in the opposite direction that you plan to run.
Scope out safe havens should the need arise. Know where the nearest public phones are located and always carry extra change.
Don't walk alone, especially at night. Your vulnerability to street crime is reduced as much as 70 percent by simply being in a group.
Avoid poorly lit streets, alleys, parks and driveways. Don't accept rides from strangers.
At night, avoid public restrooms. Go to a well-established business restroom instead.
Carry a whistle or other sounding devices so you can signal for help if the need arises.
Avoid stopping for anyone. Never give out personal information to strangers like your name, children's names or what you do for a living.
At night carry a flashlight and let your eyes adjust before entering into a dark area.
If you are being followed take a few dozen steps then quickly look back. Do you see anyone behind you? If you do, abruptly change directions and check again. After changing directions a couple of times and you determine someone is following you, try to get to a public place and call the police. You could look for a vacant, unlocked car to get into and lock it. You should then honk the horn to draw attention.
If you are forced into a physical confrontation, remember, try to stun your assailant enough to get away. Scream or do whatever is necessary to draw attention to yourself.
Keep doors and windows locked at all times. Doors should have a one-inch dead bolt and a door viewer. Look before opening your door to anyone.
Leave outside lights on at dark.
Never come home to a dark house.
Before leaving your house, take a minute to look outside and see what is going on. Take time to be aware of your surroundings.
Don't let a stranger inside your house to use the phone. Make the call for him.
If you haven't called for a repairman, don't let one inside your house. Leave him waiting outside and call his place of business to verify his reason for being in your area.
Never admit to anyone that you or a neighbor live alone.
Women living alone should use only initials on mailboxes and in phone book listings.
Report suspicious activities to the police immediately.
If you receive an obscene phone call, hang up immediately. Don't react.
Be careful of the message you leave on your answering machine. Never tell people you are not at home.
Before leaving your house or the store to go to your car, look around and be aware of what is going on.
Always have your keys ready to unlock the door so you clan enter without delay.
As you are entering your car, look into the back seat.
Always have at least a half tank of gas in your car. Never less.
Keep your vehicle in good shape.
Travel on well-lighted streets and avoid taking short cuts.
If you are being followed, drive to the nearest open business for help or drive to the police or fire department. Never go home while being followed.
Park in areas that will be well lighted when you return to your car.
Don't leave your house keys with your car keys when having your car serviced.
Women driving alone should never stop to aid a stranger in a stalled car. Proceed to an open business and report the car to the police.
If you have car trouble, raise the hood, then stay in your car. When someone offers assistance, do not roll the window down. Talk to them through the window and ask them to call someone for you. Never go with a stranger.
Avoid walking alone, when possible. Walk with someone or where other people are near.
Stay in well lighted areas, away from alleys, bushes and entry ways. Avoid shortcuts through parks, vacant lots and other deserted areas.
Don't hitchhike or accept rides from strangers.
If a car pulls along beside you and the driver calls you over to ask a question, avoid getting near the car.
If you are being followed, go to the nearest business for help. Turn around and walk in the other direction. This will force the driver to turn around to follow you.
Avoid carrying extra money or valuables on your person. If you must carry a purse, keep it close. Don't dangle it.
Remember to be aware of your surroundings and the people around you.
If you are placed under arrest for whatever reason, comply with the officer. Place your hands behind your back and allow the officer to handcuff you. You will be patted down to see if you have any weapons or drugs. You will then be placed in the back seat of a police car and transported to jail. If the officer is going to question you about a particular case, you will be read the Miranda Warning. Once at the jail, you will be taken inside and the handcuffs will be removed. You will again be searched. The officer will verify your name and address and complete the necessary paperwork. During this time you may be placed in a holding cell. After all of the paperwork is completed, you will be finger printed and photographed. If you were arrested for a misdemeanor, you may be able to bond out. If you were arrested for a felony, you will have to be arraigned before a judge and then you may bond out. Remember, the street is not the place to determine your guilt or innocence. Do not resist arrest. You could get injured and possibly charged with resisting arrest.
Basic Safety Tips
