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GENERAL

Crime is a problem - everybody's problem. And because it's everybody's problem, all Americans have a responsibility to do something about crime by preventing it.

Crime prevention doesn't mean vigilantism or physical resistance to the armed criminal. It means responsible anticrime action on the part of each of us.

To make crime prevention safety a part of your life, begin by thinking about the crimes to which you are especially vulnerable in light of such factors as your age, sex and the area in which you live. Then be wary of these crimes just as you are of other hazards to life and property, such as disease and fire. Many crime prevention measures that help to diminish your vulnerability to crimes, such as burglary, purse snatching, bicycle theft and auto theft, are matters of common sense.

A second vital aspect of crime prevention involves responsible participation with the police in the law enforcement process. You can aid substantially in thwarting criminals by promptly reporting crimes, as well as suspicious activity. You can further contribute to the successful prosecution of law violators by testifying at court proceedings when necessary.

Another way in which you can contribute to the total crime prevention effort is to familiarize yourself with the functions and performances of the various elements of the criminal justice system. This enables you to voice an educated opinion as to how these elements - policy, prosecutors, courts and correctional system - can deal most effectively with crime and criminals.

Remember, too, that we all have an obligation to come to the aid of those who fall victim to crime and that we should encourage others to resists crime. 

OPERATION ID

Many police property rooms are crammed full of valuable items that the police have recovered but are unable to return to the rightful owners. TV sets, stereos, bicycles and other costly items remain unclaimed because they do not bear any identifiable markings. Had such property been etched with the owner's state license number, it may have been by-passed by the thief in the first place. But, if it was taken by a burglar and recovered by the police, the officers probably would have been able to locate the owner immediately. Think ahead. Consider these simple crime prevention rules about marking your property.

... Etch a number that is unique to yourself. Your state's abbreviation and your state driver's license number is easily traced back to you.

... Mark your items permanently in a place that is readily visible and difficult to remove.

... Mark all your valuables. TV sets, weapons, jewelry, and stereo sets are popular targets of thieves. Small items such as rings and watches can be marked by a jeweler without defacing the property.

... Photograph antiques, coins, stamps or other similar valuables that would be defaced by etching numbers upon them.

... Keep an inventory of your property. How and where you marked it, as well as any manufacturer's serial numbers on the items, should be included on that inventory.

... Contact your local police or sheriff's department for information of etching tools, window stickers advising thieves that your property is marked, tips on where and how to mark and other details or property identification programs. ... The marking of property, like all of crime resistance, begins and ends with you!

Don't be an easy mark - when marking is so easy!

 AUTOMOBILES

While auto theft does not strike with the terror of a violent crime, it often means a great financial set back to many who have to bear the loss themselves. It is at the very least a great inconvenience to return to a parking lot after a family outing and find that someone has stolen the family car! It must be an even greater inconvenience when the police advise that the car has been recovered but was seriously damaged by a teenage car thief who was barely able to drive.

Most car thieves are amateurs whose efforts could have been foiled by some simple crime prevention techniques. If practiced, these techniques will greatly reduce the possibility that you will be the victim of car thieves,

... Don't leave the keys in the ignition. Many car thieves just keep looking in parked cars until they find one with the keys in the ignition - and they steal that one.

... Lock your car doors when you park it. This won't keep a determined thief out of it but an unlocked door is an easier target and a thief will often bypass one that is locked.

... If you must leave your car parked for a prolonged period of time - remove the rotary cap or coil wire or some other necessary part of the engine so that it cannot be driven off.

... Don't let strangers take your car for a "test drive" unaccompanied if you advertise it for sale. Many such prospective buyers just never brought the car back.

... When buying a car make sure that title papers and vehicle identification number (VIN) are in order. If doubt arises about the validity of the title or ownership, contact your local police who can advise you about your state's legal requirements concerning the buying and selling of a motor vehicle.

... Many crimes befall victims as they enter or leave their cars or are simply traveling from one place to another in their cars. Some simple crime prevention rules can be followed which could very well keep you from becoming a victim while using your car:

... Keep you car doors locked while traveling.

... Keep your car doors locked when parked. This helps to keep intruders out. Look into your car and under it, before entering.

... Do not pick up hitchhikers. It should not be necessary to caution on this point, but every day some kind of motorist ignores this rule and becomes the victim of a violent crime perpetrated by a hitchhiker.

... In the event you observe an individual in need of assistance on the highway, look for police or a telephone or business establishment from which you could obtain assistance for the stranded party than stopping in an isolated area to assist him.

... Consider gas cap locks and hood locks, as well as auto theft alarm systems, as additional safeguards.

...Park in well-lighted areas and avoid parking in remote or secluded streets whenever possible.

... Leave only your ignition key when parking your car in a public lot. Do not leave your house key which could easily be copied. 
 

...Be aware. There is more to car safety than watching over the car—watch yourself!

 

PERSONAL CRIME PREVENTION IN YOUR HOME

... Are you unintentionally guilty of open invitations to burglary, assault or murder? Does your home or apartment say "Welcome" to the wrong kinds of people, without realizing it? Many women are guilty of being "friendly" while their intentions are moral and good intentioned. Yet, "friendly" can be mistaken for "forward". A few simple precautions can be taken to avoid such misfortune.

... Have good, safe locks on all doors. Use auxiliary dead bolt locks on all exterior doors. Spring latch locks, the kind that snap shut when you close the door, are easily opened by intruders.
 

... Do not hide a key outside the door, under mats, flower pots, over molding, etc. If you can hide it, a burglar can find it. If you want extra keys nearby, leave them with a trusted friend or neighbor.

... Lock doors when you go out, even just for a minute. The best locks are useless if not locked.

... Never open your doors to strangers. It is better to install a "peep hole" so that you can properly identify strangers before fully opening your door. It is proper to demand identification before opening your door.

... If a caller wants to use the phone to summon help or make an emergency call, take the message and make the call for him. If it was a ruse, he'll be gone when you get back. If a person becomes threatening, you have time to call the police.

... Do not display your name on a mailbox or plaque. Many burglars phone ahead to make a sure a house or apartment is empty by simply looking up the name of their victim on the telephone book.

... Make sure glass, patio-type doors lock properly. They are a favorite entry point. A simple and effective way to lock them is to cut off an old broom handle to the proper length and fit it into the door track to prevent the door from moving. Additionally, to prevent the sliding glass door from being lifted up and out of the track, it is suggested that for maximum security, a slide lock be affixed to the door, or screws inserted inside the upper track.

... Leave outdoor lights on when you go away for the evening. Darkness is a burglar's best friend. When you are away during the day, keep your window shades up and your drapes open. It helps your neighbor to see any suspicious movement inside your home. Keep shrubs cut low below windows.

... Close garage doors whether at home or away. Opened and empty usually indicates an empty home and often allows easy access to cellar entryway unseen from the street.

... Have effective window locks. The commonly used sash latch can be opened too easily with a knife from the outside. A safe and effective lock can be made by drilling through the top of the bottom window sash and the bottom of the top sash and inserting a small nail through the hole.

... Do not advertise. A note on your door saying you are not home is asking for trouble. Use your last name and initial only on door, mailbox, and in the telephone book.

... Store ladders inside. Do not leave them loose outside. If you cannot put it safely inside, lock it securely. Suggest your neighbors follow this rule concerning ladders also.

... Discontinue milk, mail, newspaper and other normal deliveries if you will be away for an extended period of time or ask a neighbor to pick up your mail.

... If you will be away from home after dark or on vacation, connect a lamp to an automatic timer to turn a light on in the home and off each evening.

... Outside, you should have one of the automatic devices that turn on lights when dusk comes, otherwise, your darkened yard will be noticed on weekends and during vacations. Statistics show that crime rates tumble in bright neighborhoods.

... Notify your Police Department when you will be leaving on a trip and how long you will be away.

... If you are to be away for any great length of time, arrange to have a friend mow your lawn and sweep your sidewalk once a week.

... Ask a neighbor to keep an eye on your home, if you are to be away and instruct them to call the police if anything suspicious occurs.

... Remember to keep your shades down after dark and never dress in front of unprotected windows.

... Window foil devices are now considered obsolete technology. Replace them with modern technology.

 

PERSONAL CRIME PREVENTION ON THE TELEPHONE

... Never give your name or telephone number to a caller until you have positively identified him. Hang up on people who act cute and will not identify themselves. If they say, "What number is this?", answer "What number did you wish?" and refuse to tell your number.

... Caution your children about giving information concerning the family over the telephone.

... Never tell a caller that your husband is out of town. Tell him your husband is busy and ask the caller to leave a name and number where your husband can call back. If the caller refuses to leave a number and continues to call, notify the police immediately.

...Inform babysitters how to handle themselves on your telephone and what to do in unusual situations.

... Never allow yourself to be drawn into a conversation with an unknown caller, survey taker, or census taker in which you reveal your name, address, marital status, or anything to indicate that you are alone. Legitimate survey takers and census takers come to your door, with credentials.

... Remember, if you get an obscene call, you can control the situation. Do not say a word. Do not listen. Hang up hard. If the caller persists, notify the police and the telephone company. Remember, a good whistle blow into the receiver is a very good deterrent for obscene telephone calls.

... Remember, do no encourage the twisted mind by indulging him on the phone, by resorting to name calling or conversation. To ignore him is the best defense, and if all else fails, change your telephone number.

PERSONAL CRIME PREVENTION ON THE STREETS

 ... Do not walk on dark, poorly lit streets and stay near curb away from alleys, entryways, and bushes where someone could be hiding.

... Stay near people. Avoid shortcuts through parks, vacant lots and other deserted places.

... Avoid standing at bus stops at night if possible.

... If you feel someone is following you on foot, cross the street, change direction, vary your pace. If he persists, go to a lighted store or home as if that were your destination, or remove the receiver from a phone booth and dial the operator for emergency assistance.

... If you are being followed by someone in a car, turn around and walk in the other direction, or cross the street so as to walk against auto traffic, or go up a one-way street. If he persists, record his license number and call police. In the event he opens his car door, do the one thing least wanted or expected, scream as loudly as you can or utilize your personal sounding device and run.

... If you are being followed, don't go directly to your home. An unknown man trailing you might make note of your address for future use.

... Act suspicious. Keep looking behind you. This may discourage the follower.

... Don't be tempted to stop to pick up pocket books or other seemingly valuable objects lying on the sidewalk or in the roadway. These are often put out as "bait". Instead, report these to the police.

... Always carry enough money and change for telephone and emergency use. Never carry large amounts if cash or pay checks with you.

... Don't accept rides with strangers. If a driver stops to ask you directions, avoid getting too close to the car. You could be pulled inside.

... Hold your purse close, not dangling.

... Do not carry large sums of money, but if this is absolutely unavoidable, carry the money on your person rather than in your purse.

... Know where your purse is at all times. This includes such circumstances as placing your purse down in a grocery cart or while trying on shoes or clothing in a clothing booth.

... Do not leave your purse open and keep the clasp facing you when carrying it so that if it should keep open, it will open toward you.

... When your arms are full of shopping bags, place your purse carefully inside your bag.

... When you return to your home or apartment, have door key ready to open door without delay on returning.

... Leave outside light on when you leave your apartment or residence so you can easily see anyone who might be waiting for you when you return.

PERSONAL CRIME PREVENTION WHILE ON VACATION

When you go on vacation, make sure that crime doesn't travel along with you. Unless you take the proper precautions, crime can become an unpleasant part of your vacation. When the summer months arrive, criminals seem to work harder and the number of crime victims increase. To ensure that you can fully enjoy your vacation, here are some strategies that should make you and your family less vulnerable to crime. Before you even leave home, however, make sure that your residence has that "occupied-at-the-moment" appearance while you are gone.

... As you travel, try to avoid hanging that "I'm a tourist" look about your car. Vacationers' autos are frequently victimized because thieves know travelers often leave valuables in their vehicles. Maps and travel brochures left on the dash and seats are telltale signs that the occupants of the car are on vacation.

... Clothing hanging in a car or luggage on the back seat is an open invitation to car prowlers. Even though it only takes a thief a very short time to break into the trunk of a car, your spare luggage and clothing are safer in the trunk. Whenever possible, do not leave these items in your car while the vehicle is unattended.

... Don't carry an excessive amount of cash. If it is necessary to travel with a large sum of money, don't display it openly. Better yet, purchase traveler's checks.

... Don't leave valuables in your hotel or motel room. Most lodging facilities will provide a safe place to secure your valuables while you are staying in their accommodations. Be careful, not careless. Enjoy a carefree vacation.

Be careful, not careless. Enjoy a carefree vacation.