Again DON'T BE A VICTIM

Police Crime Tips
The Police Department's mission is to protect the public safety of all citizens, but the officers can not do it without the eyes and ears of you - the community.

At home?
Lock your doors and windows when leaving your residence. Most residential burglaries occur during the daytime. Know who is at your door before opening it.

Screen doors and chain locks provide false security. Obtain identification. If they show you an ID for a service company (i.e.Cable, phone, etc.)call their employer and verify who they are and why they are at your door. Consider installing peepholes in all entryway doors. Mark your property with your Driver License number, that way it can be traced ONLY to you if it is stolen.

Remember the three L's of Crime Prevention: LIGHTS, LOCKS & the LAW! Light up your residence, lock your doors at all times, and call the Law when you see something suspicious


Alarmed
Prior to installing home-security devices - think fire safety first. Would the device prevent you from getting out of your home? Do you have pet doors? They provide entry for pets, but they may also provide entry for criminals. Privacy fences give you privacy, but they also give the criminal concealment from outside view. Secure your garage door, even when you are at home. Burglaries and thefts take minutes or even seconds to commit.

DON'T open your door until you know who is there. When you are not home, leave lamps on timers and consider leaving a radio or television on. Consider leaving porch lights on at night. LIGHTING is one of the most INEXPENSIVE crime deterrents. Secure your keys and keep them out of view. NEVER place identification tags on your key rings. Treat your garage door opener like your keys.

NEVER leave your garage door opener inside a vehicle which is parked outside. Keep trees and shrubbery trimmed for better visibility. Keep windows clear and free of shrubbery and debris. Overgrowth may provide hiding places for criminals.

While On vacation
When leaving town, have a trusted friend or neighbor take care of your home. NEVER cancel general deliveries such as mail, milk, newspapers and other services when leaving town or going on vacation. But don't let those newspaper deliveries pile up either. If you will be away for an extended period arrange to have a neighbor cut your lawn. If you can, also have them move your car in the driveway so it appears you are still coming and going as usual. And NEVER leave your porch light on ONLY when you go on vacation. This tells a thief come on in...we are on vacation!

Out on the town
Remove your keys and lock your doors when leaving your vehicle. It only takes seconds to steal a locked car without the keys - why make it easier for a thief by leaving the keys in the car? And NEVER leave extra keys inside the vehicle or under the hood.

Secure your valuables in your trunk or take them with you. Don't create temptation by leaving valuables within view inside your vehicle. When returning to your vehicle at night, be aware of your surroundings. Look underneath and inside your vehicle before entering.

You make the call!
The MOST important thing YOU can do is CALL THE POLICE to report a CRIME or any SUSPICIOUS activity. You have to be the eyes of your neighborhood. And remember you can always remain a pair of anonymous eyes!

Getting personal
Stay alert by being aware of your surroundings.

Walk everywhere with a sense of purpose - show you are calm, confident and know where you are going.

Go with your gut feelings - if you feel uncomfortable, leave.

Carry your purse firmly and close to your body or better yet leave it at home and only carry what you need in your pocket - such as a small amount of money, keys, and maybe one credit card.

Keep your wallet in an inside coat or side trouser pocket.

Have your car or house key in your hand as you approach the door. If attacked use those keys as weapons!

Park in well-lighted areas that will be well-lighted when you return. Be sure to lock your car doors. If you jog, do not jog alone in isolated areas.

Do not hitchhike and never pick up hitchhikers.

Only list your last name and first initial in the phone book and on mail boxes.
Ask the phone company to not list your address in the book.

If you are concerned about crime and must go out, use the buddy system. Take a friend on that jog around your neighborhood. You'll both benefit from it!


Victimized
Remain calm. Try not to panic or show any signs of anger or confusion.

If the attacker is after your property, don't resist. That watch, car, money - whatever is replaceable - YOU ARE NOT!

Don't escalate this crime into a violent encounter. But NEVER let your assailant take you to another location. Your chance of survival is slim.

Make an effort to get an accurate description of your attacker: age, sex, race, complexion, body build, height, weight, type and color of clothing.

Call the police immediately, identify yourself and give your exact location. Do not leave the scene.

When you call 911 you will be asked several questions by the Call Taker. Be patient. While your are answering their questions they are keying in your information and dispatching the next available car. Any information you can provide to the dispatcher may help the officer en route to your call with apprehending the suspect.

Be ready to provide the following information:
Your Name

Address

Phone Number

What Happened? Describe the event in as brief manner as possible.

When Did it Happen? Tell if the crime is in progress or when it occurred.

Who Did It? Name or describe the suspect or vehicle, if there is one.

Where Did They Go? Which way and how did they leave?

Wait for the officer to arrive or to call you back. The time it takes for an officer to arrive will depend on many factors. All police calls are prioritized by emergency status.

A theft of personal property may be aggravating but it is not considered as an emergency.When the officer arrives he/she may ask you questions similar to those asked earlier. Please be patient so the police officer can help you.

-Birdy