Return to the Crime Prevention Tips Page
You can learn to protect yourself from violent crimes such as robbery, or
physical attacks. Here are some tips you should incorporate in your day to day
life:
Be Streetwise and Safe
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Don't walk alone if you can help it. Most violent crimes
are directed against a lone victim.
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Avoid walking in risky areas such as deserted streets,
wooded areas, and dark alleys or parking lots.
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Walk near the curb, on lighted streets at night, and against
the traffic. Travel known routes.
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Never flash your cash in public - that's just asking for
trouble. Carry only the amount of money you actually need.
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Never hitchhike! People who pick up hitchhikers often have
ideas other than wanting to help you.
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ALWAYS let someone know where you're going and when you'll
return. If something should happen to you, they'll call for help when you
don't show up.
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Carry change in your pocket in case you have to make an
emergency phone call to family, a friend, or law enforcement. Remember that
911 calls are always free on pay phones and cellular phones as well.
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Try to park your car in well-lighted places. Always lock it
when you leave - and look into and under the car before you get in to make
sure you don't have an uninvited passenger.
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Avoid walking near doorways, shrubbery, and other dark
places where someone might hide.
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Walk confidently. Be alert - notice who passes you and who's
behind you.
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Keep your purse close to your body, covering the clasp or
flap with your hand or forearm. Don't carry open purses without flaps.
Keep your credit cards separate from your wallet.
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Carry a whistle or other noisemaker. If in trouble, use it!
Call for help! Muggers usually won't hang around to see what happens next.
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Have your keys in your hand when leaving home or work. Not
only will this save time opening the door, but keys make an excellent
weapon, if need be.
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If working late, try to have a friend or security guard
escort you to your car.
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If you want to help a disabled vehicle, don't get out of
the car. Drive to the nearest well-lighted area with a phone and call the
Sheriff's Office.
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Don't pick up a hitchhiker under any circumstances.
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Don't pull over for flashing headlights. An emergency
vehicle or Law Enforcement Officer will have flashing red and/or blue
lights.
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Be careful about your keys. Leave only the ignition key with
parking or service station attendants. That way you won't run the risk
that your house keys will be duplicated.
If you get into trouble, know what to do:
If you're being followed don't go directly home. Instead
drive to the nearest Sheriff's substation in your area, or to a hospital, or
other public place.
Make sure to take a good look at anyone who is acting
suspiciously, or who may be following you. Review the suspect identification
chart included in this booklet for important points to pay attention to.
If your car breaks down, pull over. Put up the hood, turn on the
flashers, and tie a handkerchief to the antenna. Then get in the car, lock the
doors, roll up the windows and TURN THE ENGINE OFF. When someone stops, roll
your window down just enough to ask them to phone for help.
If you have a cellular phone in your car, use it to
call for help.
