* Parked, occupied vehicles containing one or...

* Parked, occupied vehicles containing one or more people 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.

* People being forced into vehicles -- especially if they are

juveniles or females -- may mean a 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 displayed in the car.

* People entering or leaving a business 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, a housebreaking or vandalism.

* People 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.

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

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

* 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.