YOU MAKE THE DIFFERENCE

THINK PERSONAL SECURITY
ON THE STREET

IF YOU GET INTO THE HABIT OF NOT GIVING PEOPLE OPPORTUNITIES TO COMMIT CRIMES, YOU WILL DEVELOP YOUR OWN SAFETY PATTERNS.

Before a crime can occur three elements of the Crime Triangle must be present, they are:

• DESIRE
• ABILITY
• OPPORTUNITY

We as citizens and Law Enforcement Officials can not do much about a person's desire or ability to commit a crime, but if we take away the criminal's opportunity then the crime can be avoided.

• 60- 80% of all crimes are committed by the opportunist!
• You must learn to recognize Hazards/Circumstances which should be avoided.
• Taking basic precautions during everyday activities can reduce the vulnerability to crimes against you.
• Review the below safety recommendations.

SAFETY WHILE WALKING:

• Walk Confidently, know were you are going.
• Avoid going out alone, there is safety in numbers.
• Don't "flash your cash".
• Carry your money in more than one pocket.
• At night always walk in well lit areas.
• Avoid short cuts in unfamiliar areas.
• Women should not carry a pocketbook. If you must carry one keep it close to your body.
• Do not let Brief cases or Pocketbooks dangle from your arm. They are easy to snatch.
• Walk near the curb to avoid passing close to shrubbery, doorways, and other places of concealment. (Especially at night)
• Carry a Police type whistle or other available personal alarm to use in event you suspect trouble.
• lways be alert and aware. If someone bothers you, don't be embarrassed to attract attention to yourself, Scream, yell, or use your whistle or personal body alarm.
• If a driver stops to ask directions, avoid getting close to the vehicle. Keep away from the door (Especially Trucks/Vans)
• If a car approaches and you are harassed by the occupants, scream and run in the opposite direction of the vehicle, so that the driver will have to turn around to pursue you. In most cases he won't!
• Be Alert as you walk, by looking at your surroundings. At times turn around and look behind you, make sure you are not being followed.
• Think about your appearance. Lots of flashy jewelry, flashy dresses, and suits may draw unwanted attention.

SAFETY IN YOUR VEHICLE:

• Before approaching your car have your keys out. Look around and be aware of people who may be following you to your car.
• As you approach your car observe around and under your vehicle to make sure no one is hiding near it.
• Check your vehicle for tampering before you enter, check the door locks and interior.
• Always lock your vehicle during and after use.
• Separate your car keys from your house keys.
• When driving know your route. At night try to avoid rural untraveled roads.
• When stopping in traffic, leave enough space between your car and the car in front of you in case you need to escape quickly.
• Be aware of your surroundings. Look in your rear view mirror often to make sure no one is approaching your vehicle on foot.
• When stopped look for quick escape routes.
• If someone approaches your vehicle and tries to open your door, drive away sounding your horn and flashing your headlights. Drive to a safe location and call police.
• Avoid car jacking by being aware of your surroundings.
• Never allow your gas to go below quarter of a tank.
• If you think someone is following you, drive to the nearest Police Station, Firehouse, or well lit 24hr Convenience Store. Do not get out of your car, sound your horn and flash your lights.
• If you become a victim of a Car Jacking or Robbery: COMPLY with their demands give them what ever they want. Your life is more important then anything you own.

STREET ROBBERY:

There is no 100% effective solution to Crime Prevention. You can practice all these tips and still become a victim of a crime. If you do find yourself about to be robbed do the following:

• Consider the robber dangerous.
• Your main goal is to survive!
• Try to remain calm, in most cases the robber is not there to hurt you. They only want your valuables and money.
• Assume the robber is armed even if you don't see a weapon.
• If you see a weapon try not to stare at it.
• Treat all weapons as real and loaded. (Even if it looks like a toy)
• Do only what the robber tells you.
• If the robber says something you don't understand, tell them you don't understand.
• Tell the robber if you need to make any sudden moves, like going into your inner pockets. You don't want to spook the robber making him think you are going for weapon.
• GIVE YOUR MONEY UP!! Don't fight back, especially if the assailant is armed. Your money can be replaced, your life can't.
• Attempt to get a good complete description of the robber to include:
  • Age
  • Height
  • Weight
  • Race
  • Hair Color
  • Clothing (Both Inner and outer layer)
  • Weapons and type of vehicle assailant used and direction assailant fled.
    Remember these are only crime prevention tips that can reduce your chances of becoming a victim. ALWAYS be ALERT and AWARE of your surroundings. You do not need to be paranoid and afraid, just aware of your surroundings at all times.

Note: All persons shown in Photos are Police Officers or Role Players

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS FEEL FREE TO CONTACT THE WILKENS COMMUNITY OUTREACH UNIT AT (410) 744-1584