Parked, occupied vehicles containing one or more...
Parked, occupied vehicles containing one or more persons are
especially significant if observed at an unusual hour. They could be
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 drug sales.
Persons being forced into vehicles -- especially if they are
juveniles or females -- may mean a possible kidnapping. Record the
license plates and call police.
An 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 home 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 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 done 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 that you
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 the
visitor’s business office to confirm the appointment.
Whenever possible, travel with a friend. Keep your car in good
working order, especially before long trips, and keep 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.
About one-third of local arrests involve alcohol. Alcohol abuse
impairs judgment, causes injuries and kills.
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.
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