Three factors must be present for a crime to occur: desire, ability and opportunity. You can have a significant impact on the last one, opportunity, and can significantly reduce crime by taking simple crime prevention steps.
At Home
-Use a door viewer before opening your door. Always demand identification from strangers (even repair or sales persons).
-Always lock up your home before leaving.
-Don’t hide your house keys outdoors anywhere.
-Use interior and exterior lighting at all times.
-Have keys ready and in your hand for immediate use when you return home.
Walking
-Plan your route ahead of time. Never walk alone at night; walk with a friend or your dog.
-Use well lit streets; not dark alleys or bushy areas.
-Carry signaling devices like shriek alarms or a whistle.
-Carry pepper spray (requires a short training course first).
-BE ALERT! Look behind you occasionally.
-NEVER ask for or accept a ride from a stranger.
-Don’t carry large sums of money or wear valuable jewelry.
-Don’t resist an armed robber – hand over whatever is demanded quickly and quietly.
-Your life and safety are worth more than any personal property.
Purse Protection
-If possible, don’t carry one! Never carry anything you can’t afford to lose in it.
-Carry your purse across the front of your body, with your forearm across the front of the purse and your elbow held tightly against your side.
-Carry your keys, wallet or other valuables in pockets in your clothes
-Carry minimum amounts of cash and credit cards. Keep a record of all of your card numbers.
