Safety Tips from Your Police Department

Never leave a door key under the door mat. This is the first place a burglar looks.
Never leave a note on the door announcing you're not home.
Never leave a message on your answering machine stating that you are not home. Have the message state that you cannot come to the phone at this time.
Make sure deadbolt type locks are installed and used on all outside doors.
Use exterior lighting to illuminate all exterior entries.
Lock and pin (if possible) all first floor windows.
Tell your neighbors when you are leaving on vacation. They are the eyes and ears of your neighborhood.
If you are going on vacation for an extended period of time, have a neighbor or friend pick up your mail and newspapers. You can also have your mail stopped at the post office and tell your newspaper delivery person. They will hold your papers until you return.
Use an interior light timer in your home so that lights and radios will come on at different times of the night. This will give the illusion that someone might be home.
If your home does have an alarm, make sure you have an emergency contact person who can gain access into your home.
Let the Police Department know when you are leaving, where you are staying, and how to contact you if need be. Also tell them which vehicles will be in your driveway.

Park in well lit areas.
Safety in numbers - Walk with others.
Have your keys ready.
As you approach your car, look underneath it, if possible.
Look around your car for people sitting in cars next to yours.
Look inside before opening your door.
Carry your pocketbook tucked in at your side with flap facing in, if it is that style.
Carry a pepper gas container, only if you are comfortable with it. (It can be used against you.)
At the very least, carry a whistle or sound device.
Don't carry a lot of cash or wear a lot of jewelry - it makes you a target.
Take pictures of your jewelry and mark your valuables.
Keep a list of credit card numbers.

Make sure your family knows your usual route.
Let someone know if you have any other stops to make.
If you feel you are being followed, don't drive home. Drive to a police department or a store with a phone and call police.
Honk your horn and flash your lights.
Try to get a vehicle description and plate number.
If you break down, turn your flashers on and raise your hood if you can.
If someone stops to help, don't get out of your car. Crack your window slightly to talk.
Ask them to stop at a phone and call for help.
Learn how to change a tire.

Place pocketbooks and other valuables out of sight.
If a robbery occurs - Give it up. Nothing is worth your life.
Get a good description. Call police as soon as robber leaves.
Don't touch anything he or she may have touched.
Never leave back doors open.
If you have to empty garbage into a dumpster after dark, don't do it alone.
If a customer looks like he/she is getting out of control, have a co-worker call the police.
Use common sense and rely on your instincts.

General Information