The Crime Prevention Answer Man

1. Anyone forcibly entering a car or home.
2. Someone running from a home or business under unusual circumstances.
3. Someone carrying a weapon in an inappropriate setting.
4. Anyone ringing your doorbell or knocking on your door without a reasonable explanation for doing so.
5. Strange vehicles parked in your area.
6. A clean vehicle with dirty or damaged plates.
7. Any activity or event you observe that makes you feel uncomfortable. Always obey your intuitive sense that something is suspicious. If you are not sure about calling law enforcement, CALL ANYWAY !

Thieves look for what police term "targets of opportunity." There are many things you can do to avoid becoming one of the victims, especially when you are going to be away from your home for an extended period.

• Arrange for your local law enforcement agency to check your house periodically, if they offer this service in your community.
• Double check second floor and basement windows, areas which are often forgotten.
• Make sure that exterior areas will not give your absence away. Arrange to have mail and deliveries either stopped or picked up by a neighbor.
• Leave a car in the driveway. Have outside lights turned off and on with a home timer. Arrange to have the lawn cut and the bushes trimmed.
• Have several timers attached to lights in various locations throughout the house. One timer can be programmed to turn one light on and off several times during the evening. Several timers performing the same function can give a very "lived-in" look to a home.
• This same practice with home timers can be utilized with TV's and radios, giving an added sound element to the "lived-in" look.
• Ask your neighbors to check your home regularly, and leave a number with them where you can be reached. Ask neighbors also to use your garbage cans. Spotters for burglars sometimes work for trash collectors. Ask neighbors to also pick up handbills or circulars.
• While it is adviseable to notify police and a neighbor of your planned absence, don't tell everyone about your plans. Don't leave notes on the door for neighbors, deliverymen, etc.
• If, upon returning from your trip, you spot evidence of a break-in, do not enter the house. Call the police at once! The burglar may still be inside.
• Make a list by serial number, date purchased, and price of expensive items, and keep the list in a safe place, not in your home. While doing so, mark valuables with an engraving tool.
• Doors and windows should be equipped with deadbolt locks, rather than spring bolt locks.

It has been said that children are our most valuable resource. Therefore, it is absolutely necessary that we take positive measures to insure their safety and prevent them from becoming victims of crime.

Parents...

• Never leave children alone; not at home, in a vehicle, at play, or anywhere.
• Define what a STRANGER is. Let your kids know that just because they see someone everyday (e.g. mailman, paperboy, neighbor, etc.) it does not mean these people are not strangers.
• Teach your children their full name, your name, full address, and phone number, including area codes. Teach them how to use a phone.
• Teach your children the "What if...?" Game, making up different dangerous situations that they might encounter and helping them play out what they would do in that situation.
• Take the time to talk to your children and be alert to any noticeable changes in their behavior or attitude toward an adult or teenager; it may be a sign of sexual abuse.
• Set up procedures with your child's school or day care center as to whom the child will be released to other than yourself, and what notification procedure they are to follow if the child does not show up on time.
• Teach your children that thier body is private and no one has the right to touch them in a way that makes them feel uncomfortable. If anyone touches them in a wrong way they should: SAY NO, GET AWAY, and TELL SOMEONE they trust.

Some people have the wrong idea about sexual assault. They think the attacker was overcome with sexual desire, or the victim "asked for it." These ideas assume that sexual assault is motivated by sexual desire. It isn't. It is a violent crime intended to hurt, humiliate, and control the victim. Sex is only the weapon.

Prevention Tips:

At Home...

• List only initials and last name on your mail box.
• Keep all entrances where you live well-illuminated.
• Install deadbolt locks and door viewers. Keep doors (and windows) locked at all times.
• Ask repair/delivery personnel for their ID. Have them wait outside while you call the company for verification. If a stranger asks to use your phone because of an emergency, make the call for them.
• Do not give personal information (name, address, phone number) to a stranger on the telephone.
• If someone dials your number "by mistake" do not reveal your correct number.
• If someone is prowling outside your home, call the police. If someone breaks into your home, try to get out safely. If you can't get out, lock doors between you and the intruder.

On the Street...

• An attacker expects a passive victim, so if you walk slowly or as if in a daze, you will seem vulnerable. Walk at a steady pace, appear confident and purposeful.
• Be alert to what's around you. Listen for footsteps and voices nearby. Look around.
• If you think you are being followed, change your pace. If the person changes his pace to coincide with yours, cross the street, get to lighted areas, and draw attention to yourself.
• When being followed by a vehicle, quickly turn around and walk in the opposite direction. Keep more than an arms distance from vehicles, even if the occupants are asking for directions.
• Do not take short cuts through alleys or parking lots. Stay with a group when possible.
• Never get into a stranger's vehicle, even if your car breaks down.
• If being forced to enter a vehicle on a city street, your chances of getting help are better there than in a deserted area where the person may plan to take you.

In Your Car...

• Always keep car doors locked and park in well-lighted areas in sight of other people.
• Be alert to vehicles following yours. If being followed, drive to the nearest police/fire station or anywhere large crowds of people are gathered. Do not drive to your home. Call the police!
• Have your keys out and ready to slip into the door lock when approaching your car. Be alert.
• Leave only your ignition key with parking lot attendants or service station personnel, as they could make a copy of your home key for later use.