Crime Prevention Tips

Stay Alert 

• Awareness is your best self-defense. 
• Know what is happening around you. 
• Be especially careful if you are alone. 
• Watch where you are going and what is going on around you. 
• Look for potential problems and be prepared to react to them.

Trust Your Instincts 

• Don’t assume a false sense of security because you are in a group or in a remote area. 
• If you think something is wrong, remove yourself from the situation. 
• Trust your gut. If it doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.

Plan the Safest and Most Direct Route when Walking 

• Use well-lit, busy streets. 
• Walk with friends or a group. 
• When out at night, don’t go alone. 
• Let someone know where you will be going and when you plan to return. 
• Avoid shortcuts, alleys, deserted streets and wooded areas.

Project Confidence  

• Stand tall and walk in a confident manner and hold your head up. 
• Walk as if you know where you are going. 

Have Everything You Need Ready 

• Hold your keys when going to and from your car, home and office. This will save you time and give you some security. 
• Be wary of self-defense products. Any device you carry can be used against you. If you do carry a device, know how to use it and be prepared to use it if necessary. 
• Don’t carry more money than what you need.

If You Are Being Followed on Foot or Feel Threatened 

• Cross the street. 
• Change direction. 
• Go to a safe, busy area where you can ask for help or call the police.

If a Car Is Following You 

• Turn around and walk in the opposite direction. 
• Get the license plate number and description of the car and occupants.

It’s easy to forget about personal safety when you’re in your home. Remember the following tips when at home alone. 

• Have lights at all entrances.
• Ensure you have good locks on all doors and windows.
• Do not use your full name on your mailbox, in the telephone directory or on your voice mail.
• Do not leave a schedule of your times away from home on your answering machine.
• Know which of your neighbors you can trust and depend upon in an emergency.
• Check who is at the door before opening it, and do not open the door to an unexpected visitor.

• Never hitchhike! It’s not worth the risk!
• Be very careful using outside ATMs at night or in unfamiliar surroundings.
• When walking, walk in the middle of the sidewalk and walk facing oncoming traffic.
• Try not to overload yourself with packages or other items. Keep your hands as free as possible.
• Do not wear headphones while walking or jogging.
• Do not read while walking or standing on a sidewalk.
• If you wear a purse with a shoulder strap, be prepared to let it go if snatched, otherwise, you could be knocked down and hurt.
• Avoid being on the street alone if you are upset or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• If you carry a purse, carry it close to your body, preferably in front. Carry no more money or credit cards than you absolutely need