PERSONAL
SAFETY
When burglarizing a home becomes difficult, hardened
criminals often look for other ways to steal.
This can lead to crimes such as personal assault, purse snatching and
home invastion.
Included in this section are some general security tips to
help you better protect yourself and your family at home and away, as well as
some tips on staying safe in your car.
AT HOME
Unfortunately, many burglaries happen while someone is at
home. A simple thing like leaving an
outside door open while you run over to a neighbor’s house can give an intruder
just enough time to get in. So always
keep your doors and windows locked.
A FEW TIPS TO REMEMBER
1. Don’t enter your home if you signs of
forced entry. Go to a neighbor’s house,
call the police and note the description of any strange cars or people near
your home.
2. If you detect an intruder, don’t
confront them. Panic can sometimes turn
a burglary into a more dangerous crime.
3. If a stranger wants to use your
phone, don’t let them inside. If they
say they have an emergency such as their car breaking down, take down the
details with your security door closed and make the call for them.
4. Never tell a stranger you are home
alone.
5. All representatives of legitimate
companies have ID cards. If you’re even
a little bit unsure about a person at your front door, write down their ID or
badge number and make sure you lock the door before calling their company for
verification.
6. If you get a harassing phone call,
say nothing and hang up the phone immediately.
If yo keep getting them, call the police and
your telephone company. Also consider
installing an answering machine or caller ID unit so you can screen your calls
before you answer them.
AWAY FROM HOME
Taking a few extra precautions while you’re away from home can
help you avoid problems. A simple thing
such as making sure your car doors are locked can keep someone from jumping
inside.
WHEN YOU’RE OUT WALKING
1. If you carry a purse, keep it close
to your body at all times. If you have a
wallet, keep it in an inside jacket pocket or front pocket. Try not to carry more cash than you need.
2. If someone grabs your purse or
wallet, don’t fight or run after them.
No amount of money is worth getting hurt over.
3. If you ride the bus, train or subway,
be aware of their schedules so yo don’t have to wait
any longer than necessary at a bus stop or train station.
4. On a train, choose a seat near the
conductor. On a bus, sit near the
driver.
5. If a friend or taxi driver takes you
home, ask them to wait until you’re safely inside.
6. Don’t cross the road from between
parked cars or in front of a bus because that can make it hard for other
drivers to see you.
7. Don’t walk in isolated places at
night. If you have to, wear
light-colored clothing and carry a flashlight.
You may also want to carry a personal alarm siren or pepper spray. (Please
consult local and state laws and regulations on personal defense sprays.)
8. If someone tries to grab you, yell
“FIRE!” because this gets more attention than shouting “Help!”
9. If you think you’re being followed,
turn around to see if someone’s there instead of being taken by surprise. Walk to the nearest store or office where
there are other people around and let someone know you’re being followed.
10. If you take money out of an ATM,
choose a machine in a well-lit place or location.
IN THE CAR
1. Always lock your vehicle.
2. Don’t leave your keys in the
ignition.
3. Hide any valuables in the trunk or
the glove compartment. Seeing something
valuable on a seat my tempt someone to break in.
4. Use as many anti-theft devices as yo need to feel secure, including a steering wheel lock,
locking wheel nuts, a car alarm or an engine immobilizer.
5. Avoid driving down deserted
roads. If you do break down in an
isolated spot, put your hood up, get back inside and keep your doors
locked. Wait for a police car or other
emergency vehicle to stop and help.
Don’t leave your vehicle to go with strangers—even if they are a couple.
6. Don’t pick up hitchhikers.
7. When you park on the street, put the
emergency brake on and turn the steering wheel toward the curb to lock the
steering column.
8. When walking up to your car or front
door, have your key ready and out in your hand.
9. Before you get into your car, check
the back seat. If you’re traveling
alone, close the windows and lock the doors at all times.
10. Don’t put identification tags with
your name and address on keys or key ring.
11. Think about a lockable gas cap if you
don’t already have one. Many criminals
simply steal a car for a joy ride. If
you have a gas cap, they’ll be forced to abandon the car when it runs out of
fuel.
12. When you have your car repaired or
leave it with a valet, take your house keys off your key ring to prevent them
from being copied.
13. Make sure to carry your cellular
phone with you to use during emergency situation. However, it is advised not to use your phone
while operating a vehicle, as this can present a danger to yourself and other
motorists. (Please consult local and
stat laws and regulations on cell phone use while driving.)