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A Guide to Personal Security

Don't Be A Target For Crime

Precautions to take while walking

• Walk confidently.
• Avoid shortcuts through parks, alleys, etc.
• Walk/shop with a friend(s). There is strength in numbers.
• Stay near people; avoid being alone in parking lots.
• Don't accept rides from strangers or hitchhike.

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If Someone is Following You On Foot

• Go to a well lit store or house and call the Police.

Precautions To Take While Driving

• If someone is following you, drive to the nearest police station and sound your horn, or
• Drive to the nearest well lit 24 hour convenience store and sound your horn.
• Never allow your gas to go below a quarter tank.
• Always drive with doors locked and windows closed. (if necessary open windows slightly for ventilation.)

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Precautions To Take While Shopping

• Park in a well lit and heavily traveled area.
• Lock doors, close windows, and lock valuables/packages in the trunk, out of sight.
• When returning to your vehicle, look to be sure no one is hiding under, nearby, or in the vehicle.
• NEVER leave your car keys in the ignition, even for a short period of time.

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Guard Your Cards

• Check often for missing cards.
• Don't leave your credit cards in your car.
• Keep a list of your cards' numbers, and who to notify if lost.
• After a purchase, be sure your card is returned.
• If your card operates a bank teller machine, memorize your number. Don't carry it written down.
• If your cards are lost or stolen, report it immediately and follow up with a letter.

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Operation Identification (Identifying Your Property)

• Photograph valuables too small to engrave.
• Make several lists of your property and keep them in alternate "safe" places at home or a safe deposit box.
  (Not in your jewelry box!)

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Confidence Games And Swindles

Home Improvement and Repair Frauds

• Obtain several estimates and check to see if the company is licensed with the State Home Improvement Commission.
• Ask friends for recommendations and check references.
• Be suspicious of high pressure sales tactics.
• Check with the Better Business Bureau.
• Do not pay until work is satisfactorily completed.

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Telephone Fraud (if it sounds too good to be true, it usually is)

• Give only to charities that you know.
• Steer clear of the "Contest Winner' approach.
• Ask the Social Security Administration about organizations claiming to be government services.
• Personally visit your bank and talk to bank security or the Police if you are notified by a "bank examiner" who asks you to withdraw money and hold onto it - this is a scam used by embezzlers.
• Buy magazine subscriptions only through people or groups you know or directly from the magazine.
• Check the  -  Better Business Bureau
                   - State Home Improvement Commission
                   - State Insurance Commissioner's Office
                   - Federal Trade Commission - Consumer Protection Agency

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Precautions To Take At Home:

• Add good cylinder dead bolt locks to all doors leading into the living quarters.
• Doors leading into the living quarters should be of solid wood or metal.
• Additional locks/security devices should be added to windows and sliding glass doors.
• Illuminate the exterior of your home at night. Good exterior lighting is the best and least expensive psychological deterrent to burglaries!
• Trim back shrubs and trees so the criminal won't be able to use them for concealment.

Any questions or concerns, please call your local Police Crime Prevention Coordinator. 

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Revised May 7, 2008