Crime Prevention Tips

Criminals seek easy targets. You can take some measures to avoid becoming a target by taking the following precautions.

AT HOME:

• Don't open your door unless you're sure of a visitor's identity. Use a door viewer and always demand identification from strangers.
• Always lock up your home before leaving.
• Don't hide your housekeys outdoors anywhere.
• Have your key out and ready when entering your house or automobile.
• Use exterior and interior lighting at all times.
• Don't volunteer information to unknown callers.
• Engrave an identifying number on your property.
• Keep a record of personal items in a safe place, including serial numbers and photos.
• Don't display valuable objects in plain view of windows.
• Close, lock, and fasten all windows, screens, and storm windows.
• Use electrical timers to turn lights and a radio ON/OFF during evening hours.
• If you live alone, don't advertise it. Use only your first initial in phone books, directories, and apartment lobbies.

WALKING:

• Stay alert. Know your surroundings.
• Plan your route ahead of time. Choose well-lighted streets and avoid passing vacant lots, alleys, or construction sites.
• Walk with a friend or your dog.
• Vary your route and schedule.
• Carry signaling devices like a whistle or a shriek alarm.
• Don't flaunt expensive jewelry or clothing.
• Don't carry large sums of money.
• If possible, don't carry a purse. If you do, keep it close to your body and keep a firm grip on it.
• Carry your keys, wallet or other valuables in an inside coat or side trouser pocket, not in a rear trouser pocket.
• Don't overburden yourself with packages that make it hard to react.
• Carry "emergency" change for cab fare or a telephone call.
• Walk facing traffic so you can see approaching cars.
• Never ask for or accept a ride from a stranger.
• Be suspicious of friendly strangers offering money or services.
• Be aware of loud arguments or commontions. They can be staged to distract you.
• If you suspect you're being followed by someone on foot, cross the street and head for nearest well-lighted, populated area. Walk quickly or run to a house or store to call the police.
• If you are really scared, scream for help as you run.
• If you are being followed by someone in a car, change direction immediately and make a visible point of writing down the license number.
• 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.
• If you are robbed, remain calm and cooperate. Observe as much as you can so you can describe the robber.

WHEN TRAVELING IN A CAR:

• As you approach your vehicle be aware of your surroundings. Have your vehicle's key in your hand.
• Always look inside before entering the vehicle.
• Quickly enter your vehicle and lock the doors.
• If a stranger approaches while you are in the vehicle, keep the windows up, doors locked, and engine running.
• Keep your vehicle in good running condition to avoid breakdowns.
• Plan your route in advance. Have enough gas and money to get there and back.
• Drive with all car doors locked. Keep the windows rolled up whenever possible.
• Never pick up hitchhikers!
• If you see another motorist in trouble, signal that you will get help and then go to a telephone and call police.
• If your car breaks down, raise the hood or use flares. Stay in the locked car. When someone stops, ask them to phone for help.
• Park in well-lighted areas that will be well-lighted when you return. Lock your car doors.
• Be particularly alert and careful when using underground and enclosed parking garages.
• Honk your horn if you need to attract attention.
• Always lock your car when leaving it.
• Don't leave anything valuable in your car if at all possible.
• If you are being followed while driving, drive to the nearest police or fire station, open gas station or other business, or well-lighted residence where you can safely call police. Try to get the car's license number and description. If no safe areas are near, honk the horn repeatedly and turn onyour emergency flashers.

GARAGE SALES:

• 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.

VACATION CHECKLIST:

• Don't advertise your absence. Tell one trusted neighbor - not everyone you know!
• Stop all deliveries, or arrange for a neighbor to pick up your mail, newspapers, and packages.
• Arrange for someone to mow your lawn, rake leaves and maintain the yard to give the home a live-in look.
• Plug in timers to turn lights and a radio or television on and off at appropriate times. This helps to disguise the fact that you are away.
• Turn the bell or ringer on your telephone down low. If a burglar is around, he won't be alerted to your absence by a ringing phone.
• Have good locks on all doors and windows, and USE THEM!
• Don't announce your absence on answering machine messages.
• Leave your blinds, shades and curtains in a normal position. Don't close them unless that is what you do when you are home.
• Close and lock garage doors and windows. Ask a neighbor to occasionally park in your driveway. If you leave your car at home, park it as you normally would. Vehicles parked outside should be moved occasionally to appear that they are being used.
• Ask a neighbor to watch the house while you're away. It's a good idea to leave your vacation address and telephone number with a neighbor so you can be reached in case of an emergency.
• Secure storage sheds, attics, entrances, and gates.
• Tell your local police you plan to be away. Patrol officers may have the opportunity to periodically check your home.
• Engrave your valuables. This simple step will allow your stolen property to be identified and returned to you if recovered by the police.
• Never leave your house key hidden outside your home.

FRAUD:

If a deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is! Con artists will work hard to gain your trust and confidence. They often prey on individuals who are not used to making decisions about home repairs or are not knowledgeable about business and/or financial investments. To avoid becoming the victim of a scam:

• Never discuss your personal finances, including bank account and credit card numbers, with strangers.
• Never accept unsolicited "free" inspections of your furnace, roof, air conditioner, or anything else in your home. And never leave inspectors alone when they are in your home, giving them an opportunity to tamper with your home or appliances.
• Always get several estimates for every repair job and compare prices and terms.
• Be suspicious of high-pressure sales tactics and demands for cash payments.
• When you need home repairs, compare services, prices, and credit offers before agreeing to a deal.
• Ask friends what their experiences have been with a company and check its reputation with your local Better Business Bureau.
• Don't ever expect to get something for nothing.
• Never turn money over to strangers who promise a substantian gain for a minimal risk.
• Investments that seem too good to be true usually are.
• Don't get involved in secret plans involving cash outlays. Very few legitimate transactions require cash. This applies to charity donations as well.
• Be wary of vacation package offers that are advertised far below the market rate.
• Before paying any money, get the terms of the deal in writing.
• Be suspicious of companies that accept only credit card payments over the telephone and won't take a check.

TEACH YOUR CHILDREN:

• To memorize their name and address, including city and states.
• To memorize their phone number, including area code.
• To use both push button and dial telephones to make emergency, local, and long distance calls and to reach the operator.
• To check in with you or a neighbor immediately after arriving home.
• To never go into your home if a door is ajar or a window is broken.
• How to work your home's door and window locks and to lock them when they are at home alone.
• How to get out of the house quickly in case of fire.
• How to answer the doorbell and telephone when they're home alone.
• Not to go into anyone else's home without your permission.
• Nevet to go anywhere with another adult, even one who says you have sent him or her. Adopt a family code word to be used if you have to ask a third party to pick up your children.
• To avoid walking or playing alone.
• That a stranger is someone neither you nor they know well.
• That if they feel they're being followed, whether on foot or by a car, to run to the nearest public place or a neighbor's house.
• To tell you if anyone asks them to keep a secret, offer them gifts or money, or asks to take their picture.
• To always tell you if something happened while they were away from you that made them feel uncomfortable in any way.

Consistent reinforcement of the above listed suggestions is strongly recommended!