The Grizzly Gazette

Crime Prevention Tips

6/1/2016

Crime prevention means being aware of your environment and remaining alert to situations that could make you vulnerable to crime.  While it is impossible to list specific measures that will protect you from every threatening situation the following crime prevention measures will help to teach you to think “Crime Prevention” in your day-to-day living.  Crime Prevention is really about common sense behavior that will help make life safer and more secure.

Crime Prevention Tips 

Crime prevention means being aware of your environment and remaining alert to situations that could make you vulnerable to crime.  While it is impossible to list specific measures that will protect you from every threatening situation the following crime prevention measures will help to teach you to think “Crime Prevention” in your day-to-day living.  Crime Prevention is really about common sense behavior that will help make life safer and more secure.
 

Protecting Yourself

While Walking:

• If at all possible, never walk alone.
• If you absolutely have to walk alone, walk on well-lighted, well-travelled walkways and plan your route ahead of time.  Avoid places where attackers might hide (spaces between parked cars, overgrown shrubs, and dark passageways) and areas where you might get cornered.  Remember that is is best to walk facing traffic.
• If anyone follows you, look confident and let them know you are aware of their presence.  Don’t be polite or engage in conversation.
• If they continue to follow you, cross the street and change direction.
• If this doesn’t work, walk toward other people or occupied buildings and stay away from places where you might get cornered.
• If someone in a car follows you and is persistent or becomes menacing, write down a description of the vehicle and the license plate number and report it to the police immediately.

While Driving:

• If someone in a car follows you and is persistent or becomes menacing, write down a description of the vehicle and the license plate number and report it to the police immediately.
• If you are trapped in your car, honk the horn in quick short bursts.  This will attract attention.
• Always drive with your car doors locked and make sure all of your car doors are locked whenever you leave your vehicle.
• When returning to your car, have your keys out and ready so you can enter your car quickly and be aware of your surroundings.  If you have to search a purse or pocket for them, it takes extra time and you lose sight of what is around you, which could allow someone to sneak up on you.
• As you approach your car, look underneath to make sure no one is hiding there.  Before you enter your car look to see if all the doors are locked or if any unwanted passengers are inside the vehicle.  If your door locks are not how you left them, or you see someone inside the vehicle leave immediately and contact the police.
•  Don’t pick up hitchhikers. 

On Buses:

• Use well-lighted, busy stops.
• Stay alert!  Don’t doze or daydream. 

Working Late:

• Let someone know where you will be working and when to expect you home.  Make sure your family and friends know the telephone number where you will be working and can be reached.  Call when you reach work and again just before you leave for home.
• Cellular phones are highly recommended.  They give instant access to emergency services when needed.
• Carry a portable, battery-powered high decibel alarm or loud whistle.
• Carry a small pocket flashlight in your purse or on a key ring, and try to park in well lighted area and walk along walkways.
• Carry your keys or access cards in your hand when you are approaching the office doors, keeping them readily available.  Make sure locked doors close and lock behind you.
•  Keep your office locked after hours.
• When returning to your vehicle, watch for suspicious persons nearby and have your keys in your hand.  Check the interior of your vehicle before getting in.
• Change into comfortable, flat shoes that will allow you to run if necessary.  Choose safety over fashion. 

Reporting a Crime or Emergency

An important responsibility of a victim or witness of a crime or other emergency is timely reporting to the appropriate authorities.  When doing so, attempts to provide as much detail about the situation as possible, including at least the following:

1. Your name;
2. Your location and telephone number where you can be reached;
3. The nature of the problem you are reporting;
4. Additional information as requested. 

If You Witness a Crime

If you see or suspect a crime is being committed, pay particular attention to the features of the offender(s) and any vehicles involved.  When reporting a crime by telephone try to remain on the telephone with the police until they have all of the following information:

1. Age, race, height, and weight;
2.  Hair color and style, beard and mustache;
3. Notable characteristics (acne, scars, glasses, tattoos, mental state, etc.)
4. Clothing description;
5. Location where last scene;
6. Last known direction of travel;
7. Vehicle description and distinctive markings. 

If You Become a Victim

If you become a victim of a crime report it immediately to the police.  Timely reporting of a crime improves the possibility of suspects being arrested and the recovery of stolen property.  If you become a victim, it is important that you provide as much information as possible about the incident to the investigating officer.

Summary

Criminals rely on three factors in order to commit a crime; (1) desire, (2) ability, and (3) opportunity.  By being vigilant and following these common sense techniques you may help to eliminate the opportunity for a crime to be committed and save yourself from being a victim.