Being alert and aware of your surroundings can greatly reduce the risk of becoming a victim.  Here are some helpful reminders of how to stay safe.

1.  Don't take on the appearance of a victim.  Criminals tend to prey on people who look vulnerable.  Keep your head up, your shoulders     back, and make direct, but brief, eye contact with those whom you encounter.

2.  Park in well lit areas.  Try parking near the store entrance and in well traveled areas.  Look to see if your parking location will be lit when you return from shopping.  Some stores provide a security escort, or courtesy clerk to walk you to your vehicle if you are alone.

3.  If you must walk alone to your car, be alert.  Is someone hiding in, under or around your car? KEEP YOUR KEYS READY IN YOUR HAND.  Don’t wait until you get to your car to search through your bag or pocket for car keys.

4.  Use the buddy system.  Shop with a friend.  Most personal attacks and robberies will happen when you are alone and vulnerable.

5.  Carry very little cash.  Take only the credit cards, checks, or cash you plan on using.  Carry your I.D., credit cards and checks in the inner pockets of your clothing.  Remember, if you are confronted by a robber for your purse or wallet, it’s a property crime.  Do not resist giving up your property.  Keep yourself safe!

6.  Don’t leave packages, wrapped gifts or shopping bags in plain view.  When possible, secure your belongings out of view.  Lock personal items in your trunk before you reach your destination.  Remove all cellular phones, cassettes, CD’s and portable radios from view.

7.  Keep cell phones and pagers covered.  Don’t carry them where a pickpocket can easily access.  Cell phones and pagers clipped onto the edge of purses and backpacks make for easy targets.

8. Be alert when you use ATM’s.  Be aware of the people around you and try to limit your transactions to well-lit areas.  If you need to get cash try using an ATM located in a grocery store or a location in public view.

9. Most important: Report ALL crimes to the local police department immediately.  Prompt reporting of criminal activity will make an arrest more likely.
 

Home Safety Tips
Remember to make your home secure and appear lived in.  Make it difficult for the burglar.  Take advantage of your good neighbors and watch out for each other.

Don’t leave doors and windows open.  Always close your garage door and any other windows or doors you might have opened.  It only takes a thief a matter of seconds to steal something when no one is around.

Don’t advertise your new gifts.  Crush all containers and boxes before throwing them away.  Uncrushed boxes in the trash may tell burglars that you have a new TV, Stereo or Camera.