1. Reduce or eliminate opportunities that
may make you a target. 2. Increase awareness in places you're
most comfortable. 3. Trust your instincts regardless of
feeling embarrassed, and 4. Prepare your schedule daily with safety
in mind.
PURSE/WALLET SAFETY
PURSE/WALLET SAFETY
Carry purses, portfolios or briefcases in a manner that will allow you to let
go. Straps placed across your shoulder, around your neck or wrapped
around your waist have caused injuries because women could not free themselves
during a purse snatch. Always be aware
of your surroundings and carry your pocketbook clasp toward you, close to your
body, tucked in the bend of your elbow as if it were a football. If there
is a long strap, wrap it around the bag. If someone attempts to snatch your
pocket book, let go of it, especially if there is a weapon involved.
When dining out, the only place for your purse should be your lap.
The back of a chair is an easy target for a thief. Never carry a wallet
in a rear pocket; use a front trouser or an inside coat pocket. Be
particularly aware of your purse/wallet in crowded situations, such
as rush-hour trains and buses. If you are jostled in a crowd, be aware
that a pickpocket might be responsible. Beware of arguments or commotions
designed to distract you while your pocket or purse is being
picked. Minimize the amount of money, credit cards and
valuables you carry by only taking items that are necessary for the
day. Divide money between your purse/wallet and pockets. Carry your
keys on your person separate from your identification.
WALKING -
BE STREET SMART
Use well-populated and well-lit streets. If you suspect you're being
followed, stay away from deserted blocks and head for an area where there
are people or to the nearest open store. If you're driven home, ask the
driver to wait until you are safely inside. Should a motorist bother you while you are walking, reverse your
direction. If you are still followed, seek a safe location and yell for help,
if possible.
WHILE
DRIVING
Upon approaching your car, look to make sure
no one is hiding in or around the vehicle,
especially in the back seat. Check your tires for flats.
Keep windows rolled up, except for a small opening for
ventilation and keep the doors locked at all times. Keep
valuables secured in the trunk, not lying on the seat next to you. Put
your purse on the floor of your car. Plan your route before you leave.
Displaying a map will send a message that you're unfamiliar with the area. When
stopped in traffic, always leave enough space between your car and the one in
front of you. This will allow you to pass easily, if necessary. Keep
your car well maintained and the gas tank at least half full to avoid getting
stranded. Should you suspect that you are being followed, make several turns
down active streets. If the vehicle continues to follow, head for the nearest
police station, fire house, or open store. Avoid driving to your home. If
someone attempts to force you off the road, remain calm and blow your horn
continuously to attract attention. If forced off the road, stop, put your car
in reverse and back away.
WHEN
PARKING YOUR VEHICLE
Park in a well-lit area to discourage a personal attack, and
reduce the risk of your car being stolen. Look around before exiting your
car. Close all windows and lock the doors. Take any valuables with you.
AT HOME
Have your keys ready before you get to the door. Make
sure your entrance area is well lit. If you live in an apartment,
close the lobby door behind you, especially if a stranger
is approaching. Make all visitors and delivery persons use the
doorbell. Place your name on the inside of the mailbox where only
the mail carrier will see it. If a name must be on the outside, use only the
last name, e.g., the Smiths. When recording an outgoing message on your
answering machine, avoid leaving your name, phone number or a message that
you're not at home. A good message is, "We are unable to answer
the phone, please leave a message." Say it confidently. If a
stranger asks to use the phone, keep your door locked and tell them you will
place the call for them. If there is an emergency, call 9-1-1. Keep
him/her out of your home. Should you arrive home and find
signs of a burglary, STAY OUT. Call 9-1-1 from a pay phone
or a neighbor's house. Wait there for the police to arrive.
IN AN ELEVATOR
When waiting for an elevator, leave the lobby/hallway if someone makes you
feel uncomfortable. Check the elevator's mirror before entering. Stand
between the control panel and door when in the elevator. Exit the
elevator if someone enters that makes you feel uneasy. If you feel the need to
give an excuse, you can say, "Oh, I forgot my mail." If
accosted, press as many buttons as possible to try and get the elevator to stop
at the next floor.
ON A SUBWAY
AND BUS
Use only entrances marked by a green indicator, where there is a clerk present
24 hours a day. Have your money or metro card available. Use
designated waiting areas during off-peak hours. Ride in the conductor's car during off-peak hours. Sit in
the center of the car, away from the door, to avoid a purse or chain snatch.
Cover jewelry; turn stone rings toward the palm side of your hand. Stay
awake and aware and exit with the crowd. Wait and walk close to the
wall. Wait for the bus on the sidewalk away from the curb. Sit near
the front of the bus. Be aware of your wallet/purse to avoid a
pickpocket.
AT AN ATM
Be aware of suspicious people near the entrance. Use
well-lit, well-populated ATM's. Avoid ATM's that have unlocked doors or
are directly out on the street. Block a bystander's view when doing your
transaction. Use mirrors, positioned at the ATM, to see behind
you. Put your money away and take your card and receipt before exiting an
ATM. Your card is exclusively for your entry only. Make sure the door
closes behind you. - Bird
