POLICE TIPS

Parked, occupied vehicles containing one or more persons are especially

significant if observed at an unusual hour. They could be possible

lookouts for a burglary in progress, even if the occupants appear to be

lovers.

Any vehicle moving slowly and without lights or following a course that

appears aimless or repetitive is suspicious. Occupants may be casing for

places to rob or burglarize.

Apparent business transactions conducted from a vehicle, especially

around schools or parks and if juveniles are involved, could mean

possible drug sales.

Persons being forced into vehicles -- especially if they are juveniles or

females -- may mean a possible kidnapping. Record the license plate and

call police.

The abandoned vehicle parked on your block may be stolen. Contact parking

control with a license plate number.

Place gravel outside windows where you’re concerned about prowlers. The

noise of someone stepping on it will serve to alert you.

Seemingly innocent activities may be crimes in progress. Be a good

neighbor, be observant and watch for unusual activity.

A residential window with a small break in it may mean a burglary has

occurred. Call police immediately.

A stranger entering your neighbor’s house when it is unoccupied may be a

burglar.

A scream heard anywhere may mean robbery or rape. Be observant and notify

police.

Anyone removing accessories, license plates or gasoline from a car should

be reported.

Anyone peering into parked cars may be looking for a car to steal or for

valuables left displayed in the car.

Persons entering or leaving a business place after hours could be

burglars. Safely try to note any vehicles involved and call police.

The sound of breaking glass or other loud explosive noises could mean an

accident, housebreaking or vandalizing.

Persons loitering around schools, parks, secluded areas or in the

neighborhood could be sex offenders.

Nearly half of the burglaries committed are without force, that is,

through UNLOCKED doors and windows.

Always lock your doors and windows even when leaving for “just a minute”

or when working in your own back yard.

Whenever you move to a new home, have the locks changed.

If strangers telephone or come to your door, don’t admit your are alone.

Don’t let any stranger into your home -- no matter what the reason or how

dire the emergency is supposed to be. Make the emergency phone call while

they wait outside.

If you live in an apartment, avoid being in the laundry room or garage by

yourself, especially at night.

Install a peephole viewer in your door. NEVER open your door without

knowing who is on the other side. Also consider calling their business

office to confirm the appointment.

Whenever possible, travel with a friend. Keep your car in good working

order, especially before long trips, and the gas tank at least half full.

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 pick up 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.