The most important protection you can have against violent crime is knowing how to avoid it. This brochure contains tips that can help lower your risk of becoming victimized by crime.

At Home

1. Keep emergency numbers near your phone.
2. Keep your doors and windows locked at all times, even if you are at home.
3. Always ask service people to identify themselves before you allow them entry into your home. If you feel uneasy about something, don’t let them in.
4. When not at home, leave a radio or t.v. on to make it seem that you are home.
5. Get to know your neighbors so you can help each other.

Travelling on Foot

1. Avoid dark, vacant or deserted areas. Use well-lit travel routes.
2. Avoid travelling at night, especially walking. If this is not possible, try to walk in groups of two or more.
3. Be alert and aware of your surroundings at all times.
4. Notify your local law enforcement agency if you observe suspicious activities or persons. The community are the eyes and the ears of police.
5. It is a good idea to carry a noise-making device such as a whistle. Do not hesitate to make a commotion if you feel you are in danger.
6. Avoid areas that are not frequented by other pedestrians.

ATM Machines

1. Try to use ATM’s during the day.
2. If you must go at night, do not go alone.
3. Avoid ATM’s that are not clearly visible from the street.
4. Be aware of people loitering or sitting in cars around ATM’s.
5. Prepare your transaction ahead of time. Spend as little time as possible at the ATM.
6. Do not give away your Personal Identification Number (PIN) to anyone! Many thieves will attempt to steal your PIN by calling you on the phone and claiming that they are the police, security officers, or bank officers. Memorize it and do not keep a written copy of it in your wallet or purse.
7. Either keep your ATM receipt or throw it away. Thieves can acquire valuable information from these receipts, such as your account number and balance.

When Driving

1. Have your key ready when you approach your car. Before getting in, check inside and under your car to make sure no one is hiding.
2. Drive on well traveled streets and keep your car in gear while it is stopped. Allow at least one car length space between your car and the car in front of you so you can escape should someone try to get into your car.
3. Keep doors locked and windows shut. Keep valuables out of sight. Either covered or in the trunk.
4. If your car breaks down, open the hood and stay inside. If someone stops to help, do not open your window or door, but have them call for assistance.
5. If you suspect you are being followed, drive to the nearest well-lit public area and call the police.
6. Beware of someone in another vehicle that bumps you from behind. If you suspect that you were bumped intentionally, lock your doors and do not get out of the vehicle. Have the other driver contact the police.