Police Tips

Stay in well-lighted areas as much as possible when walking at night.

Avoid walking alone or with your hands full.

Walk confidently, directly and at a steady pace on the side of the street

facing traffic. Criminals look for someone who appears vulnerable.

Walk close to the curb. Avoid doorways, bushes and alleys where attackers

can hide.

If a car appears to be following you, turn and walk in the opposite

direction or walk on the other side of the street.

If you are in danger, scream and run, or yell “fire.” Run toward lights

or people.

Always lock car doors after entering or leaving your car. Don’t leave

valuables in plain view.

Have your car keys in your hand and check the back seat area before

entering your car.

If you think you are being followed, drive to a public place or to a

police or sheriff’s station.

Your best defense is to be prepared -- know your options ahead of time.

Your safety may depend upon your ability to stay cool and calm.

Require salespeople or repair people to show identification.

The No. 1 killer of teenagers, before they go to college, is

alcohol-related highway accidents.

Approximately one-third of local arrests involve alcohol. Alcohol abuse

impairs judgment, causes injuries and kills.

Pay attention to your intuition and instinct. If something just “feels

wrong,” it usually is.

Keep emergency phone numbers handy or memorize them.

Discuss safety plans with family, friends, neighbors, children and

baby-sitters.

Use a purse with a shoulder strap. Carry it with the side that opens

toward you. Hold your purse securely.

Park away from vans or cars with someone “waiting around.”

Keep a “call police” sign under the front seat of your car.

If someone signals that something is wrong with your car, drive to the

nearest service station to check it. Do not stop and get out of your car.

Never leave an extra key under the door mat, above the door, under a

flower pot, etc. Leave one with a trusted neighbor.

Have a light on in the room where you are and have a light on in a room

where you are not. It gives the impression of more than one person being

at home.

List your name on the mailbox and in the phone book with first initial

and last name only.

Give your home a lived-in look by arranging for pickup of papers and mail

in your absence.

Never answer questions on the phone until you are certain of the caller’s

identity.

Teach your children to answer with a simple “hello.” Do not answer by

saying the name of the family.

Hang up on obscene, threatening or nuisance calls. Make a police report

if they continue. Do not have your phone number printed on your personal

checks. Try to provide only a business number.