Crime Awareness

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Safety at Home

Keep doors and windows locked at all times. Doors should have a one-inch dead bolt and a door viewer. Look before opening your door to anyone.
Leave outside lights on when it is dark outside.
Never come home to a dark house.
Before leaving your house, take a minute to look outside and see what is going on. Take time to be aware of your surroundings.
Don't let a stranger inside your house to use the phone. Make the call for him.
If you haven't called for a repairman, don't let one inside your house. Leave him outside and call his place of business to verify his reason for being in your area.
Never admit to anyone that you or a neighbor live alone.
Report suspicious activities to the police immediately.
If you receive an obscene phone call, hang up immediately. Don't react.
Be careful of the message you leave on your answering machine. Never tell people you are not at home.

Safety Tips While Driving

Never pick up hitchhikers.
Keep car doors locked at all times.
Before leaving your house or the store to go to your car, look around and be aware of what is going on.
Always have your keys ready to unlock the door so you can enter without delay.
As you are entering your car, look into the back seat.
Always have at least half a tank of gas in your car.
Keep your vehicle in good shape.
Travel on well-lighted streets and avoid taking short cuts.
If you are followed, drive to the nearest open business for help or drive to the police or fire department. Never go home while being followed.
Park in areas that will be well lighted when you return to your car.
Don't leave your house keys with your car when having your car serviced.
If you have car trouble, raise the hood, then stay in your car. When someone offers assistance, do not roll the window down. Talk to them through the window and ask them to call someone for you. Never go with a stranger.
Notify your family and friends of your travel plans.

Safety Tips While Walking

Avoid walking alone. Walk with someone or where other people are near.
Stay in well lighted areas, away from alleys, bushes, and entry ways. Avoid shortcuts through parks, vacant lots, and other deserted areas.
Don't hitchhike or accept rides from strangers.
If a car pulls along beside you and the driver calls you over to ask a question, avoid getting near the car.
If you are followed, go to the nearest business for help. Turn around and walk in the other direction. This will force the driver to turn around to follow you.
Avoid carrying extra money or valuables on your person. If you must carry a purse, keep it close. Don't dangle it.
Remember to be aware of your surroundings and the people around you.
Don't walk alone, especially at night. Your vulnerability to street crime is reduced as much as 70 percent by simply being in a group.

AUTO THEFT PREVENTION

Reduce your chances of being a victim of auto theft by following these tips:

Lock your car. Take the keys.
Never hide a spare key on the vehicle.
Roll up windows completely.
Park in well lighted areas.
Park as close as possible to an open business.
Do not leave valuables insight to tempt a thief.
If you have a garage, use it and lock your garage door.
Never leave your car running while it is unattended.

*******Calling the Police after a vehicle theft******

A vehicle theft should be reported as soon as possible. However, before the vehicle can be listed as stolen, you must have your vehicle's license plate number and/or the vehicle identification number (also known as the VIN number).

After you phone in the necessary information, you may be asked to wait for a short period of time for the police officer to contact you. By making a report, the needed information about your vehicle can be entered directly into the police department's computer system. This enables police officers to immediately identify your vehicle as being stolen.