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.

Never answer questions on the phone until you are certain of the

caller’s identity.